Royal Prosperity

Chapter 4 Marriage
At the end of the fourth year of Yuanxi, a tax rate of one out of every five was implemented in Taodi for nearly a year; in the middle of the year, the war was stalemate, and the Ministry of War urgently recruited troops from all over the country.Taodi's military strength has never been strong, so they could barely scrape together [-] strong and strong men, and rushed to the northwest.People in Taodi have a hard life and encounter a severe drought that has never happened in a hundred years. The villagers sell their children and sell their daughters, and the people's grievances are boiling.

When Weissang took his little nephew to pay his respects to his father, he heard his father's sigh from far away at the door.

She pulled A Zhuang in front of her, and said in a low voice: "Han Donglan, grandpa is in a bad mood, you can recite poems to him later, don't make a mistake."

Ah Zhuang listened with half understanding, and nodded vigorously.

The door opened with a bang, Taohou Hanyu came out with his hands behind his hands, Ah Zhuang trotted over, and shouted: "Grandpa!"

Han Yu leaned over, picked up his grandson, and said with a smile, "Has Ah Zhuang learned how to read today?"

"I admit it!" Ah Zhuang hurriedly said, "Grandpa, I will recite poems for you!"

Hearing the little nephew finished reciting it fluently, Wei Sang took half a step obediently, "Father, have you had lunch?"

Taohou glanced at his daughter, "Where did you go this morning?"

Ah Zhuang rushed to answer: "I went to Uncle Ning—"

Wei Sang quickly covered the little guy's mouth with his hands, "I took Ah Zhuang to walk around the street."

Taohou, who always doted on his daughter, sank slightly, and stretched out his hand to call the maid: "Take your grandson to rest."

"I'll take Ah Zhuang to—"

He interrupted his daughter's words and said directly: "You come with me."

Weisang was a little apprehensive, and followed his father into the study, but his father just sat there and didn't speak.

"Go to the transfer mission?"

"Uh……"

"Prince Ning already told me yesterday." Han Yu sighed.

Wei Sang's face flushed red, he lowered his head, secretly thinking why Jiang Zaichu didn't mention this matter in the morning.

"Shang Dehou and Yu Wenhou's eldest sons are both good in character and talent. My Han family has been friends with them for several generations... They are all good matches." Han Yu paused, perhaps because it was the first time he talked to his daughter like this. Marriage is a matter of great discretion, "Although King Ning is a prince, he feels as a father..."

"Father, I know you don't like him, and no one in Chuantao City likes him." Weisang pursed his lips and said softly, "But everyone wrongly blamed him... What he is doing now is not him What I want to do." She raised her head and looked at her father with bright eyes, "The two princes you mentioned are very nice, but my daughter doesn't like it."

Han Yong stared at his daughter, and said for a long time, "Do you know King Ning's life experience? How can I marry you with confidence in his situation! Married to stay in the capital and stay in fear all day long!"

"At any rate, he is also a prince, a prince. He can always protect me." Wei Sang lowered his head and muttered softly.

Han Yong didn't know what to say for a while. This daughter grew up holding her in the palm of her hand. Because she was too fond of her, she developed such a fearless temperament. How to start.

King Ning...he didn't hate this young man.

It stands to reason that the second prince of the Luo Dynasty, a great general with outstanding military exploits, is also worthy of his daughter... Yesterday he did propose marriage to him sincerely, but now that the court is facing internal and external troubles, the emperor is so afraid of and rejects this younger brother , how can he agree?How dare you agree?

Having made up his mind, Taohou's face sank, "What do you know about court affairs! From today onwards, I will let people watch you, and you are not allowed to go out to find King Ning again!"

Weisang was startled, raised his head, just stared at his father, bit his lower lip hard, and his eyes were extremely stubborn.

"Didn't you hear me?" He had to raise his voice again.

"Father, I like this person. Even if it's a hardship to marry, I'm willing." She finished speaking lightly and quickly, and then turned and ran away without daring to look at her father's expression.

Han Weisang has grown up so much, he doesn't know how many troubles he has caused in Jinzhou City, and it is common for Han Weisang to be nagged by his mother, but he has never been truly grounded by his father.

Her father gave her the greatest freedom, but this time, she took it seriously.

Twice she used the old trick as usual, trying to get out of the house, but was arrested as soon as she reached the street.It was only then that Weisang realized that she was able to go out when she was ordered to be grounded... not because of her skill, but because her father acquiesced.

But this time, Dad was determined.

Staying in the mansion for five or six days in such a distraught manner, A-sao came to talk to her every day, and she was also depressed, and at night, she was tossing and turning thinking about what her father said, making it difficult to fall asleep.

There was a light knock on the door, and Wei Sang covered his head with a quilt impatiently: "Mother, I don't want lotus seed porridge!"

Sure enough, she calmed down, she rolled over the brocade quilt, and suddenly heard a low and pleasant voice: "Then what about the sweet-scented osmanthus rice cake?"

She only thought that she had heard wrong, she huddled under the thick quilt and did not move, after a while, she opened it violently.

Jiang Zaichu was sitting beside his bed, wearing plain robes and not wearing fox fur, looking at her with tenderness on his brows.

"You, how did you come in?" Weissang was shocked.

"Here comes the food for you." He really reached out and took out a snack wrapped in oil paper, "Here, I haven't been out for so long, the sweet-scented osmanthus rice cake you miss the most."

Weisang slowly stretched out his hand, but instead of taking the small paper bag, he held his hand.

There was light snow falling outside, and his hands were also cold.Weisang held it firmly, and said softly, "You told my dad? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Your father didn't promise me at that time, so I didn't tell you..." Jiang Zaichu held her hand and said in a low voice: "It's my fault. These things that should be solved by me have made you difficult."

"I'm not in trouble!" Sitting cross-legged, Wei Sang suddenly raised his head and looked into his eyes, "I told daddy..." She paused, and lowered her eyes again, "I don't Will marry someone else."

Because in the bedroom, she was only wearing a goose-yellow undershirt, revealing her delicate collarbone. She hadn't applied any makeup, but her cheeks were tinged with blush. The end of her long hair brushed against Jiang Zaichu's arm, which was soft and slightly itchy. .He was suddenly emotional, but he just held her in his arms extremely gently, "Weisang, have you ever been to Jiangnan?"

Shaking her head in his arms, she could feel the slight vibration in his chest, feeling relieved and appropriate.

"It's a beautiful place. There will be light rain in spring, and the rain will wet the bluestone slabs, and the sound of horseshoes stepping on it is very pleasant. In early summer, you can take a boat tour of the lake, and you can buy some water chestnuts from the farmers. Peel them and make them crunchy." It’s bitter, but the aftertaste is sweet. Eat crabs in autumn and drink your favorite osmanthus rice wine. When the cool breeze blows, the petals of chrysanthemums will fall to the ground..."

Weisang was fascinated by this, and asked, "What about winter?"

"In winter, there is a glazed pavilion over there. It is transparent when you look out, and the snow scene seems to be within reach. But the wind can't get in... Let's build a stove and warm a pot of sake, just like now, let's go together Talk." He smiled, "If you want, you can also play chess."

"Then you have to give me ten pieces!" Weisang wrinkled his nose, "You have to promise me...you can regret three moves."

He lowered his head, rubbed the tip of his nose against her, and smiled lightly: "It's fine to let you be twenty sons."

She put her arms around his neck, "Will you take me there?"

He hugged her to his lap, clasping his hands around her slender and soft waist, "That's my fiefdom... If you marry me, I naturally can't leave you to be wronged in Beijing. Let's go there... you want Whatever you do, I will accompany you."

"Then can I be lawless?" Wei Sang blinked, deep in his eyes, the man she liked looked at her dotingly.She suddenly felt that her previous worries were unnecessary - as long as he was there, she didn't have to be afraid of anything.

"Princess, are you asleep?" Mammy suddenly knocked on the door.

Weisang was so scared that he got goosebumps all over his body.

On the contrary, Jiang Zaichu was still calm, he pulled the curtain, silently hugged her in his arms, and lay down together.

Weisang lay on top of him, pretending to be sleepy, and replied "Yes".

According to the daily routine, the nanny will come to check whether the stove is hot. Weissang heard her footsteps walking in. In the faint light, her figure is getting closer... a heart pounding Jumping wildly, she dragged up the quilt and covered both of them.

In the darkness, Jiang Zaichu could vaguely hear Jiang Zaichu's extremely slight smile, which was muffled.She was already frightened, and leaned close to his ear, trying to tell him to keep quiet, but just when she moved her head, she was blocked by something soft.

She threw herself on top of him, but he turned over and pressed her under him.

In the darkness, he could still see her terrified eyes, like a clear pool of water, which suddenly stirred up some emotional waves, and her violent heartbeat was faintly heard in his ears, like In general.

He still held her cheek and kissed her gently and long.

Mammy was out at last.

Weissang regained a bit of rationality in the almost bewildered emotions, put his hands on his shoulders, and pushed him away forcefully.

He left her lips obediently, but still held her tightly.

"Jiang Zaichu, you are playing a hooligan!" She lowered her voice and gritted her teeth.

Jiang Zaichu's eyes were full of smiles, but he blushed like her, "Sooner or later you will marry me."

"But before you get married, you...can't do this." Although her tone was a little exasperated, her eyes were bright and soft like water.

"Does that mean it can't be like this?" He quickly bent down and pecked her lips lightly, but when she was startled, he turned over and did not overstep the rules.

The quilt had already been lifted, and it was piled up in a mess.The moonlight from outside the window sill faintly penetrated, Jiang Zaichu looked at her blushing cheeks, and couldn't help but curl the corners of his lips.He likes her, so he should respect her even more, but at that moment just now, he really didn't know how to control his emotions.With such a soft body in his arms, he is... a normal person after all.

"Go to sleep." Jiang Zaichu took a deep breath, pulled up the quilt for her, covered her neck, leaned over and kissed her on the forehead, "Don't think too much about proposing marriage, I'm here."

Weisang was lying on the bed, looking at his figure eagerly, and suddenly stretched out his hand from under the quilt, grabbing the corner of his clothes.

Jiang Zaichu paused.

"You don't leave until I fall asleep." She only exposed the part above the nose, and said in a low voice.

He turned around and sat on the edge of the bed, gently gathered her long hair, put her head on his lap, and said softly, "How about this? Can you sleep?"

She didn't speak any more, and he quietly looked at her side face, her complexion was like snow, her eyelashes were long and gently curled, and the tip of her nose was raised.

She was in a drowsy sleep, but she still remembered to ask softly: "Father won't let me go out, can you... come to accompany me every night?"

He gave a soft "hmm", and his heart was full of soft emotions.

This is the girl he loves deeply, and he is willing to sleep with her like this every night.

When Wei Sang woke up the next day, she almost thought that she had a sweet dream last night, in which Jiang Zaichu was always by her side.But when he woke up, he found that the room was quiet, only himself.

But...the freshly folded white plum stuck in the secret-colored six-sided flask under the window, and the cold osmanthus sugar rice cake on the table are still there...

Weisang buried half of his face in the quilt, remembering what they said last night, he kissed tenderly in the dark, blushed, and smiled silently.

Laying on the bed for a while, suddenly heard a noise at the door, and the nanny ran in with a panicked expression: "Princess, something has happened, go and see the concubine Shizi!"

"What's the matter, sister-in-law?"

"Last night, the concubine Shizi stayed up until Yinshi and was embroidering all the time. When she woke up this morning, her eyes kept crying. She even passed out just now...it scared the little grandson."

Weisang didn't care about washing, he opened the door and ran out.

The nanny chased her after and told her to put on a fur coat, but she didn't care about anything. She ran through two verandahs until she reached the courtyard where the sister-in-law lived, and she saw the maidservant carrying hot soup and medicine.She was anxious, and ran to the door, and heard whispers in the room: "Concubine Shizi, you have to take care of yourself. If Shizi comes back well, won't my heart feel bad when I see you like this?"

"Is there any news from the imperial court?" Sao's voice was low and weak, "My son, he..."

"Didn't the Marquis say it when he came to see you? If there is no news, it is good news. If the court is defeated, the prince may not be in trouble!"

The court is defeated?

The emperor's conquest was defeated?

With these two thoughts in Weissang's mind, he pushed open the door, and the smell of medicine wafted across his face from the extremely warm room.Sister-in-law's eyes were covered with a white cloth, and bright red blood was faintly oozing from the white cloth, which was shocking.

"Sister-in-law, why are you staying up late again?" Wei Sang carefully sat down beside the bed, crying, "Your eyes are bleeding again."

Auntie stretched out her hand and groped around, Wei Sang quickly put his hand on her palm: "I'm here."

"Weissang, promise me one thing."

"You said."

"If something happens to the son...you can't hide it from me." The concubine's face was already paler than the gauze, "You have to tell me."

"Concubine Shizi, you can't cry!" The maid said anxiously, "The doctor ordered, if you cry again, you won't be able to see anything..."

"What happened to the elder brother?" Weisang murmured, "Sister-in-law, how do you know that the emperor himself defeated the Xiongnu?"

The back of the hand was grasped by the sister-in-law, and there was a faint pain. The sister-in-law said softly: "I also overheard Master Hou and Lord Xiao Rang talking...but no matter how much I wanted to ask, he never said anything."

Was the emperor really defeated?

Hearing this news, my heart is undoubtedly relieved.But when he thought of his elder brother's life or death, his heart sank heavily.Dad never talked about national affairs with him, so... who should I ask?

After seeing the sister-in-law, she played with her nephew until the evening, and the father did not eat at the house. At night, the wet nurse took Ah Zhuang to bed, and Wei Sang stayed in the room obediently, which made the mother a little strange. glanced at her.

Weisang pretended to be reading under the candlelight, time slipped slowly, and finally waited until someone coughed softly under the window.

She jumped up and opened the window.

The slender figure easily jumped in, covered in wind and snow, but he was not in a hurry to shake off. He stretched out his hand and brought Weisang into his arms, smiling softly, "Are you waiting for me?"

Weisang stood on tiptoe in his arms, tried his best to brush the thin snow off his shoulders, and asked softly, "Is it snowing outside?"

Jiang Zaichu let out a "huh" and hugged her for a long time before letting go. He went straight to the table and blew out the candle. He whispered, "Don't let the outside see our shadow."

Such a good King Ning, who would have to salute solemnly when he saw him, but now he looked like a thief. Weisang couldn't help but want to laugh, but when he thought of his elder brother, the smile on his brow faded away.

"Is there something on your mind?" Jiang Zaichu asked with a frown as he looked at her expression carefully under the moonlight.

"Is the emperor unable to defeat the Huns?" Weisang asked hesitantly, "What was the outcome of the battle? Do you know?"

Jiang Zaichu hesitated for a moment, and instead of answering, asked, "Are you worried about your brother's safety?"

Wissan nodded.

"The emperor keeps him by his side just as a hostage. It won't make him charge forward." Jiang Zaichu pondered, "Even if he loses this time, the prince will be fine."

"You mean, really...lost?" Weissang's eyes widened, and he held his hand in the dark, "Is the news true?"

Jiang Zaichu remained silent.

She knew that he would not lie to herself, so she put her brother's matter aside for the time being, but she became more and more worried.Will the emperor take his anger out on him again?Although this younger brother has been staying in Taodi to collect food and people, it is impossible for the emperor to become angry and demote him to a farther place.

"Are you going to be okay?" Wei Sang shook his hand firmly with some worry, "The emperor will..."

"I'll be fine." Jiang Zaichu replied quickly, with a little force in his hands, he hugged her on the bed, and said softly, "Don't think about it. Go to bed early."

Just like yesterday, he half leaned against the bed, held her in his arms, and slowly waited for her to fall asleep.

Her breathing gradually became soft and heavy. Jiang Zaichu knew that she was fast asleep, but he was really reluctant to let go.

In the early hours of yesterday, he had received a secret report that the emperor was defeated outside the pass, hundreds of thousands of troops were surrounded and wiped out, and only a few thousand remnants of defeated soldiers were left to protect the emperor and return to the pass.The Xiongnu cavalry gained momentum and chased and intercepted them all the way. Fortunately, Meng Liang, the guard of the civil gate, led the Shence army out of the pass to respond, fought a beautiful ambush, and successfully brought the emperor back.

Jiang Zaichu grew up in the emperor's house since he was a child, and he was deeply immersed in power tactics and strategy. Although he didn't want to seize the throne, in order to protect himself, he had secret connections in Beijing and even the emperor's side. The news came through more than ordinary channels. Much more accurate.The whereabouts of Taohou's heir whom he specifically asked for, was not reported.

Even Jing Yun knew that no news meant bad news.

Because if a person enters the pass, he will definitely see it; if he stays outside the pass, it may be a disaster.

But now, how could he say that to her?
In case, what if there is hope in case?

Jiang Zaichu sighed silently, carefully placed her head on the pillow, leaned down again, and kissed her between the eyebrows.

Maybe it was because he was afraid of ticklish, Wei Sang still remembered to hide in his sleep, but the corners of his lips were slightly hooked, and his breath was sweet.

He clearly wanted to kiss her again, but in the end he couldn't bear to disturb her, stood up quietly, and turned out of the room.

The cold wind was fierce outside the window, and the winter in Chuantao was colder than that in the capital.When Jiang Zaichu returned to his mansion, the snow fell harder and harder, and a layer of white snow accumulated on the black cloak.

As soon as he entered the room, he saw Jing Yun standing there waiting for him with a solemn expression.

With a chill in his heart, Jiang Zaichu asked in a deep voice, "But there is news?"

"The eldest son Han Weisi died in battle, and the [-] soldiers recruited from Taodi were wiped out when they covered the emperor's entry."

Jiang Zaichu's throat was astringent, and he was suddenly speechless.

Seeing that his face had turned livid, Jing Yun didn't dare to speak for a while, the two of them in the room just faced each other like this, the strings were tense, ready to explode.

"How did the son die in battle?" Jiang Zaichu said with an unbelievable tone, "When we left the customs with so many elites, how could your majesty leave the Tao army behind?"

"Heh, the emperor doesn't know how to fight. He can do anything when he is in a panic." Jing Yun smiled sarcastically, "He can still bring thousands of people back, but I think it's amazing."

Jiang Zaichu let out a breath very slowly, his face became extremely stern, his eyes were as cold as the snow scene outside the window, and he only said two words: "Idiot."

Jing Yun has been the companion of King Ning since he was a child, and he is well aware of the unfairness of his situation, but it is the first time. Hearing him say this about his elder brother, who is also the current emperor, he knows that he must be very angry, so ask carefully. Said: "Your Highness, what should I do with the princess?"

However, Jiang Zaichu didn't seem to hear it, and only said one word at a time: "The matter of the son's death in battle...is it sure?"

"That's right." Jing Yun's eyes darkened, "The coffin is already on its way back to Beijing."

"Our news will be two or three days earlier than Taohou's, but in the end... we will know." Sitting on a chair, Jiang Zaichu rubbed the space between his brows, and said in a low voice, "I'll tell her, than Others told her it was better."

Jing Yun looked at him suspiciously, hesitant to speak.

Jiang Zaichu knew what he was worried about, so he just shook his head and said: "Although she is headstrong, she is a sensible girl, and she will not take her anger on me."

"Your Highness, I'm still a little worried." Jing Yun said, "Your marriage with the Princess... so what should I do?"

A icy smile appeared on the corner of Jiang Zaichu's lips, but the smile didn't seep into his eyes, and his calmness was almost cruel: "Jing Yun, if the emperor doesn't suffer a disastrous defeat, if the prince doesn't die in battle... I must spend more effort , the people in the palace please speak slowly. But the prince is dead, so he has no choice but to point out the princess to me."

"Firstly, the purpose of the marriage is to appease the people of Chuantao; secondly, knowing that the conflict between the two sides is deepening, he left me in this difficult place. He is happy to see this."

Jing Yun suddenly realized.

He waved his hand, signaling Jing Yun to go out to rest, and stood under the window with his hands behind his back.

Feather-like snowflakes fell, and the faint white plums lingered around the tip of the nose. Jiang Zaichu closed his eyes, the trace of calm finally dissipated, and whispered to himself: "But in my heart, I would rather this marriage not end like this. Sang, seeing you sad, what can I do?"

The next day, Jiang Zaichu waited until Zishi before quietly sneaking into Taohou's mansion.

The candles in Weissang's room had already been extinguished, and he gently lifted the curtain beside the bed, she was sleeping soundly.

Jiang Zaichu looked at it for a long time, and finally said softly: "How long are you going to pretend?"

Weissang giggled and opened his eyes, "Why did you come so late today? I'm sleepy after waiting."

Today the doctor came to see Sister-in-law's eyes, and said it was much better. She felt a heavy heart drop, and was about to tell Jiang Zaichu, but he pulled her up from the brocade quilt, bent down, and touched her Hair: "Follow me somewhere."

"Now?" Weissang was a little stunned.

"Yeah." He reached out and took off the black fox fur cloak on his body, and put it on for Wei Sang, "It's still snowing outside."

"But how to get out?" Weisang hesitated, although he was willing in his heart, "Shall I change clothes first?"

"No need." He reached out and put on her hood. The circle of fluffy fur on the hood made her expression very cute. He couldn't help smiling, "I'll carry you."

Weisang was only wearing a thin silk coat and wrapped his cloak around him, obediently allowing him to carry it on his back.Jiang Zaichu tapped his toes, jumped out of the room, reached out to close the window, and said in a low voice, "Hold my neck tightly."

Weissang leaned her head against his shoulders and neck, and folded her hands in front of him. The cold snow flakes blew on her face from time to time. She could only tilt her head, and buried her face completely on his neck, through the hood, The sound of the wind whizzed past my ears, and my body was ups and downs, but the person carrying me was calm and calm, and his shoulders were warm and reassuring.

"Where are we going?" Weissang asked, biting his ear.

Jiang Zaichu stagnated for a moment, then jumped up again, and said in a low voice, "Don't make trouble."

Wei Sang was startled, and said dissatisfiedly, "Why am I bothering you?" After thinking for a while, he simply slid over and bit his ear lightly, "Is that so?" His hands pinched his waist restlessly. I took several handfuls.

The transfer envoy's mansion is not far from Taohou's mansion, Jiang Zaichu had already arrived at the gate after a few ups and downs, but there was a lot of trouble behind him, he had to stop, and said in a deep voice, "Come down."

"Huh?" Weissang was about to jump off, only to realize that he was not wearing shoes at all when he came out.

With a light body, I don't know how he hugged him, but Weisang was already standing in front of him, his feet... stepped on his boots.

She was afraid that she would not be able to stand still, so she could only hug his waist tightly. Because of the cold, her small toes were already curled up, and they stepped on the black boots, making them look whiter and whiter.

Jiang Zaichu supported her waist, and hugged her closer to him, looked down at her from above, but there was a trace of incomprehensible complex expression in his deep eyes.

Weisang smiled and dodged his approaching figure, "I won't make trouble with you! I really won't!"

But he stretched out a hand, clasped the back of her head gently, stared at her black and white eyes, moved his thin lips slightly, but in the end he just held her tightly in his arms: "Don't move, let me hug you!" hug you."

The snow was falling more and more heavily, through his shoulder, Weisang felt his eyelashes were covered with flakes, melted by the heat of his breath, and his eyes were itchy.Standing on tiptoe, she asked with a smile, "What's the matter with you? Are you homesick?"

He finally let her go, facing her forehead, and leaned gently for a while, "After the death of my father and mother, I have no home..." After a pause, "I will be where you are .”

"Huh? King Ning, are you planning to marry?" Weisang kissed him on the cheek, pursing his lips and smiling.

He took a deep breath, picked her up horizontally, gently jumped into the wall, and went straight to his bedroom.

The house was already extremely warm, and it was covered with a thick blanket, so Weissang didn't feel cold when he stepped on it with bare feet.She untied the cloak casually and threw it aside, she didn't know what to think of, her cheeks were slightly flushed: "Why did you bring me here late at night?"

Jiang Zaichu's eyes darkened slightly, he just stepped forward and gently stroked her slightly messy hair, "Weisang, I promised you that no matter what happens, as long as you ask me, I will not lie to you."

She looked at him curiously, and said briskly, "I remember."

The corner of Jiang Zaichu's lips curled into a bitter smile, he paused for a long time, and his voice gradually sank, "The imperial court has received news...Your brother will be back soon."

Wei Sang's eyes lit up, "Really?" Her eyes were bent into the shape of a crescent moon, but she was thinking in her heart that her elder brother loved her the most since she was a child... If you ask him to talk to his father...

Jiang Zaichu closed his eyes slightly, and finally said word by word: "...the emperor decreed that the coffin should be sent back to the homeland, and the prince will be buried generously."

Wei Sang blinked, and blurted out: "What?"

"The prince died in battle outside the customs." He repeated through gritted teeth.

Wei Sang swayed slightly, carefully checked Jiang Zaichu's expression, and managed to elicit a smile: "Jiang Zaichu, this joke is not funny. If you... if you do this again, I will get angry."

He pursed his lips and stared at her deeply, but didn't say "I'm sorry".

"You lied to me, right?" Wei Sang was in a daze for a moment, walked up to him, and raised his head vigorously, "Brother, why did he die?"

He looked at her pale face, his eyes were soft and pity, but he couldn't tell her "I lied to you", he just took her into his arms silently, and gently stroked her long hair.

Weissang let him hug him blankly, recalling many past events.

The eldest brother has a stable and generous temperament. She has always caused troubles since he was a child, but he was the one who was punished in the end.The most serious time was when she sneaked into Father's study, but broke his new Duan Inkstone into pieces.She stood there stupidly, when her elder brother came in and took her to wash her hands, and waited for her father to return to the house, and calmly said to her father: "Father, I went to your study to find a book today, and broke the new inkstone over there. .”

As expected, my father was furious, it wasn't that the inkstone was really precious, but that side was bestowed by the emperor.

It took more than a month to order the son to be grounded and punished for copying classics.

Weisang bowed his head by the side, not daring to say a word, and slipped away to see his brother every evening.

Han Weisi was six years older than her, already a handsome young man, and was sitting at the desk hungry and punished for copying classics.He glanced at his younger sister who was full of guilt, and just smiled and said, "My brother deserves to be punished on behalf of my younger sister. Weisang, don't let yourself slip the tongue."

She grew up smoothly all the way, obviously her father protected her, but secretly her elder brother loved her even more.

But now...Jiang Zaichu said, big brother, he can't come back.

His body went from being stiff to trembling, finally digesting the news with difficulty, Weisang subconsciously bit the fabric on his shoulders, and wept bitterly.

He has known her for about half a year and has never seen her cry.But this time, the cry was not so heart-piercing, but it was like a sharp knife, carving one after another on his heart.

He couldn't do anything, he could only hug her hard, as if he was hugging a helpless child.

Xu Shi was crying weakly gradually, he gently picked her up and put her on the couch, but he knelt down in front of her on one knee, stretched out his fingers, and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes.

She followed the candlelight, stared at his face blankly, and suddenly subconsciously avoided his movements, "You, you are that person's younger brother. He killed the elder brother—"

Jiang Zaichu's hand was hanging in the air, but he didn't say anything. When he lowered his head slightly, his hair fell down, covering his sad eyes at the moment.

The house was quiet, only the sound of snow falling outside the window, rustling, and I don't know how long it took, Weisang's eyes finally became less empty, as if thinking of something, he cried out with a "wow", "I'm sorry, Jiang Zaichu, I'm sorry——I shouldn't take my anger out on you... But my elder brother, my elder brother really can't come back! My heart, my heart is really sad... What should sister-in-law do..."

He held her cold hand, but only said softly: "I know you are sad, it feels better to cry."

Weisang cried intermittently for a long time, and told him incoherently about his elder brother. He held her on his lap and listened silently and tenderly until she was tired of crying and fell asleep slowly on his chest. go.

When he woke up, it was almost dawn.

Wei Sang sat up, Jiang Zaichu was still beside him, maintaining the posture of holding her, as if afraid of frightening her, his voice was unusually soft: "I'll take you back."

She suddenly thought of her brother, and the despair that was almost sore in her heart rose again, but she took a deep breath, suppressed that emotion, and only said: "Okay."

After a while, she said again: "Wait a little longer, I... I can't cry after I go back."

The sister-in-law at home still suffers from serious eye disease, and Ah Zhuang is so young, and his father may not be able to bear the news when he hears the news.

She covered her eyes with her hands, leaned on the couch with her head down for a while, trying to calm down.

Jiang Zaichu quietly held her in his arms, kissed her on the forehead, "Good girl."

She opened her eyes, and Jiang Zaichu was no longer in plain clothes, but changed into a deep purple python robe. The five-claw golden dragon pattern on the front and back of his chest was shining brightly, making him look tall and majestic.

"You..." She was startled.

"I'll take you back to see Taohou."

He used the official title to address her father, which meant that he met Taohou as a Jinzhou transit envoy, and most of the content of the conversation was also the emperor's will, nothing more than posthumous titles and generous burials.

Heh, thinking of his father but kneeling down to thank him, Weisang just felt unable to restrain the resentment and hatred in his heart.

Her eyes were too straightforward, Jiang Zaichu couldn't see it, but he just turned his back and said in a low voice: "It's almost dawn, let's go."

"It will wrinkle your official uniform." Weissang stood still, his tone cold.

His back froze, he slowly turned around to look at her, and said earnestly and gently, "Han Weisang, don't you know that in my heart, you are more important than this official uniform and the title of King Ning?"

Her expression shook slightly, and the water almost flooded her eyes.

He took a step forward, covered her with his slender body, and said in a low voice: "I'm sorry, but I still have to wear it... It's like you are Princess Jiahui. We are all like this, with many unavoidable identities, I was born." After a pause, he continued, "But in my heart, you are just Weisang, the girl I like."

Her eyes became gentle and sad, she looked at him fixedly, and said softly: "If you are not King Ning, and I am not the princess, then that's fine..."

Jiang Zaichu sent her into the bedroom, then went out again.

The sky is slightly brighter, and the snow has stopped.Weisang sat alone on the bed for a while, and sure enough, the nanny came in after a while, and was startled when she saw her lying straight on the bed with red eyes, and asked cautiously, "Princess, did you do it again last night?" Nightmare?"

Weisang shook his head, his voice was still a little hoarse: "Where's Dad?"

"His Royal Highness King Ning came early in the morning." Mammy said a little puzzled, "When I came here, the guards took His Highness to find Lord Hou."

After Weisang changed his clothes, he hesitated for a moment, not knowing whether to go to his father's study or to visit his sister-in-law.When I was in a trance, I saw the nanny standing aside.In the past, she always looked serious and dignified, but for some reason today, she looked extremely tired, and even forgot to tell her to "eat slowly, and have the demeanor of a princess" when eating.

"Mammy, what's the matter with you?" Even Wei Sang could see the strangeness of Mammy.

The old man just smiled, and said with some embarrassment: "I heard that those who were conscripted to fight half a year ago are coming back soon... I went home yesterday, and the neighbors in the neighborhood are looking forward to it. Thinking of my son also When I can come back, I feel that the days have passed so quickly.”

Wei Sang shook his hand lightly, and her husband died shortly after the nanny got married, leaving only one son, who became a centurion in the army, and was among the 3 conscripted by the court... Before going out for the expedition, I heard that To get married, the girl was a neighbor of his childhood sweetheart, but he insisted on coming back to marry that girl again.

But these 3 people... how many people will come back in the end?
She hurriedly lowered her head, took a big sip of water, and forcefully blocked the water in her eyes.

The maid had just taken away the breakfast dishes when someone knocked on the door and asked outside, "Is the Princess here?"

Weisang's heart missed a beat, and he subconsciously stood up.

"Master Hou invites you to go."

Weisang stood at the door of the study, but there was no movement inside, which almost made her suspect that there was no one in her heart.She pushed open the door carefully, just in time to see her father holding on to the corner of the table, but his body was slowly falling down.

With a buzzing in her head, she rushed in desperately, pushed Jiang Zaichu away who was about to help her father up, and slowly helped her father to sit up.

Jiang Zai's hand was hanging in the air at first, and because she pushed him away, he could only take two steps back.

When I sent her back, she was still obediently leaning against his back; but now, she seemed to be a different person, with a faint red color in her black and white eyes, she looked at him as if she had lost her mind, and screamed : "What did you say to my dad?"

He slowly put his hands down, his eyes changed from gloomy to calm, and he moved his eyes to Han Yu's face, and said in a low voice: "My Lord, please express my condolences. It's just His Majesty's order... I'm afraid there will be no room for return."

Yuanxi five years in January.

After the emperor came back from his own conquest, he summoned his ministers for the first time in the Hall of Yifeng.

The emperor sat on the high dragon chair, his face was a little sleepy.Naturally, no one dared to mention the tragic war that just ended. At the beginning of the new year, in order to make the young ruler of the empire feel at ease, all the ministers chose the most relaxed and auspicious words.After listening to what the ministers had played, the emperor waved his hand lightly and announced the dispersal of the court.

There were servants in the inner hall to help him change his clothes, and when he came out slowly, Zhou Jinghua was already waiting outside.

Zhou Jinghua is the empress dowager's nephew and the emperor's cousin. The emperor didn't see him, and after asking a little about the people's livelihood in Taodi, he pondered and asked, "Is there any news about King Ning?"

As long as there is an emperor, his younger brother is doomed to live a life of being excluded and jealous. Zhou Jinghua understands this very well, and naturally knows how to please the emperor. So, everything else is fine, but the Taomin rebounded too much after the tax was increased, and King Ning changed the four draws to one five draws without authorization."

The emperor snorted coldly, his face turned ashen.

After a while, Zhou Jinghua said cautiously: "Taohou, how should His Majesty pay compensation?"

"Didn't you give him a rich burial and posthumous seal?" The emperor's face darkened, "I'm dead, what else can I do?"

Zhou Jinghua looked at the emperor's face, swallowed the words immediately, nodded repeatedly: "Yes."

Before the words fell, the servant came in and announced, "Your Majesty, Master Yuan has arrived."

"Let him in." The emperor nodded slightly.

Yuan Hao wore a neat official robe, and looked extremely handsome. He walked in slowly, first saluted the emperor, and then glanced at Zhou Jinghua, and bowed slightly: "Master Zhou."

Even though Yuan Haoxing's official rank was not high, Zhou Jinghua didn't dare to neglect, and quickly returned a salute.

"Hao Xing, do you have any suggestions for the pension after the war?" the emperor asked slowly.

The emperor suffered a great loss because of his great achievements. Yuan Haoxing knew it clearly, but he said calmly: "Your Majesty, do you know that two or three out of ten of the treasury's income last year came from Chuantao?"

The emperor was a little surprised that he suddenly mentioned this at this moment, and responded: "The flood in the south of the Yangtze River, and the drought in Guanzhong, I know."

"However, Chuantao was also suffering from a severe drought. The imperial court did not provide relief, but instead increased taxes, and even sent King Ning as a transshipment envoy. It can be seen..." Yuan Haoxing paused, and said in a low voice, "The exploitation is heavy."

The emperor pursed his lips, and after a long time, he suddenly smiled: "I understand what you mean. It's just that the land of Chuantao, the barbarians, should bear more burdens."

"Originally, the people in that place were mild-mannered, so it didn't matter. It's just that [-] young and middle-aged men were lost this time, and even Taohou's son was gone, but the tax rate remained unchanged... Your Majesty, I hope that King Ning will be there to suppress I'm afraid something will happen."

The emperor thought for a while, then lowered his head slightly, turned the green jade finger on his thumb, and said softly: "Isn't it okay now?"

Yuan Haoxing's pale brown eyes stared at the emperor's indifferent face for a long while, and he knew exactly what was going on in his heart at the moment.The emperor wished that something happened to Chuantao, and it would be best to use the hands of the rioters to solve King Ning... No matter how bad it was, he could add a charge of ineffective supervision to King Ning.Heh... Really, short-sighted.

He has known the emperor and King Ning since he was a child, and he also knows the emperor's heart knot, but he can only say that it is destined by heaven that who will sit on the throne, whether he will establish a heir or not.Even though he was thinking this way in his heart, Yuan Haoxing didn't show anything on his face, he just lowered his head humbly, and said slowly: "With the chaos in Chuantao, this year's treasury won't be able to last for three months."

The emperor stared at the young man in horror.

King Ning is going to deal with it.But the money in the national treasury is also the foundation of the country.

If he didn't mention it like this, I'm afraid I haven't thought of it yet.

Although the emperor was not afraid of the barbarians in Taodi, he just wanted to survive the current period.

"Then look, how can we stabilize that side at this moment?" the emperor pondered.

Yuan Haoxing pursed the corners of his lips, and said two words softly: "Marriage."

The emperor raised his phoenix eyes slightly, and said with a smile: "How to get married? Is it possible that I want the golden branches and jade leaves of the Daluo Dynasty to marry there?"

"Marquis Tao has a daughter, and Princess Jiahui is at the right age for marriage." Yuan Haoxing said slowly, "In His Majesty's opinion, among the clan's children, who can marry this princess and stay in Taodi forever? "

The smile on the corner of the emperor's lips deepened, "Prince Ning has also reached the age to get married."

"It's a good match, but King Ning must stay there for a few more years." Yuan Haoxing nodded in agreement.

"My younger brother, I think Beijing is boring." The emperor laughed, "That's all there is to worry about."

Yuan Haoxing cupped his hands and praised softly: "Your Majesty is wise."

The sedan chair swayed all the way back home, Yuan Haoxing closed his eyes slightly, but suddenly remembered two years ago... the younger sister who has always been quiet and elegant has never been so panic-stricken, her eyes are red and swollen from crying: "Brother, first Huang Mingming pointed me to King Ning, and now he is still fighting outside, if I enter the palace, how will I deal with myself in the future?"

First there is the world, and then there is a family. This is the ancestral motto of the Yuan family.

Although the man on the dragon chair was not the emperor Yuan Haoxing wanted, he held the world in his hands very firmly, and he would do his best to assist him.

Knowing that the sister's favorite is King Ning, and knowing that the emperor took her into the palace, it was just to prove that he is now more than a hundred times stronger than this younger brother, but the Yuan family still retired the marriage first, as the emperor had hoped. The younger sister was sent to the palace.

Fortunately, King Ning was indifferent and didn't say anything. After the victory over the Xiongnu, his troops returned to the court, and even sent a congratulatory gift to the emperor - a bloody BMW from Dawan.It's just that the rumors in Beijing are fierce, and there are countless people who mocked King Ning for being dumb.Later, King Ning quickly took over as Chuantao's transit envoy, probably because of avoiding these rumors.

Thinking of this, a sneer appeared on the corner of the mouth of this usually calm young man.

Who doesn't have some unsatisfactory things in life, not to mention that they are born to bear the expectations of their family and country. If they are obsessed with love, it would be too ridiculous to die for a woman.

While contemplating, the sedan chair suddenly swayed and seemed to stop.

Yuan Haoxing was about to lift the curtain of the sedan chair when he heard someone outside the sedan chair shouting loudly: "Master Yuan, there is news from the palace that Concubine Yan has just given birth to a dragon child on her birthday."

The emperor did not have a queen, and now Concubine Yan gave birth to the eldest son.

For the empire, this is probably the beginning of a year of depression, the only good news, right?
Yuan Haoxing slowly closed his eyes, slightly hooked the corners of his lips, and said softly, "Got it."

In the first month of the fifth year of Yuanxi, the emperor personally conquered the Xiongnu and returned in defeat. Of the 20 soldiers who were finally brought back to the pass, only less than 3 were left.Han Weisi, the general of the court and the eldest son of Chuantao, was killed in battle. When the emperor entered the customs, the [-] Chuantao soldiers recruited were used for logistics, but unexpectedly became the main force to resist and cover when the army retreated. Misjudged and fell into the enemy's trap, but fought unyieldingly.In the end, the emperor entered the customs safely, but [-] people died in battle along with his son.

At this time, in Jinzhou city, although it was the New Year's Day in January, it was still lifeless and twilight.

Ah Zhuang didn't seem to understand what "Daddy is gone" meant, but obediently put on his filial piety and knelt in front of the coffin to perform his filial piety.Maybe it was because of the long time, his little head dozed off one after another, Weisang looked distressed, picked him up, and ordered the maid to send him back to his room to sleep.

Overnight, the elder brother died in the family, and both the father and sister-in-law fell ill. Most of the housekeepers for the funeral affairs came to Weisang to discuss. Only then did she realize how much her brother and sister-in-law had put in to run the family. Hard work, let alone his father and elder brother who are in charge of Taodi's military and political power.Thinking of his elder brother, Wei Sang felt another pain in his heart. When he was in a trance, General Xiao Rang, the Jinzhou city defense envoy, was striding towards him.

"Is the general looking for my father?" Weissang got up quickly.

"Just came out from Lord Hou."

"General Xiao, your complexion is not very good." Wei Sang looked at the young general with sword eyebrows and starry eyes, and said softly, "Father has been ill these few days, and many things have troubled the general, please pay attention to yourself."

"Not one cent of the pension promised by the court has been allocated, and I don't know where it has been deducted." Xiao Rang gritted his teeth, and said in a low voice, "Hearing this, Lord Hou only said to use the money from the treasury to pay it first—but now How can there be any money in our treasury in Taodi?"

"The imperial court is really deceiving people!"

"Prince Ning is still here today to express his condolences. Princess, you'd better go back to your room to rest, and come out with Lord Hou later."

"Prince Ning?" Wei Sang was taken aback. She hadn't seen Jiang Zaichu for several days.

"He came instead of the emperor." Xiao Rang pursed his lips slightly, and said coldly, "I'm afraid it will be here soon."

Han Yong changed into his official uniform and greeted King Ning's driver at the door.

Jiang Zaichu didn't have many followers, he was light and easy to ride, and he came here with only Jing Yun.

According to the official rank, Taohou still needs to salute him, so he quickly reached out to support him, "You don't need to be too polite." After a pause, he said again, "Is the Hou master feeling better? Please give me your condolences."

Because of this serious illness, Han Yong lost a lot of weight, and overnight, most of his hair turned white.At this moment, he has regained his composure: "It's much better."

The attendant beside him handed over a brocade box, and Jiang Zaichu said: "This is the Guiyuan Dan brought back by the king from the Western Regions. The Lord Hou has just recovered from a serious illness and needs to replenish his vitality. There is also a snow lotus in it, which can improve eyesight." If it is effective, you might as well let the Crown Princess use it."

Han Yu thanked him and ordered someone to put it away.When the two walked to the mourning hall, Jiang Zaichu subconsciously looked at the Han family wearing mourning, but he didn't see Wei Sang.Slightly lost in my heart, I heard a clear and clear child's voice shouting: "Uncle Ning Wang."

He turned around, and Ah Zhuang was being led by someone, walking towards him.Wearing a white filial piety, the little baby staggered over, because seeing him suddenly, his expression was somewhat happy.

A smile appeared on the corner of his lips, and his gaze slowly shifted from Ah Zhuang to the girl who was holding him.

I haven't seen him for a few days, but Wei Sang has lost a lot of weight, the lines around his waist are empty, his temples are black and snowy, but he is a little more haggard.She took her nephew's hand gently, and reminded her in a low voice, "Han Donglan."

Ah Zhuang bowed respectfully, Jiang Zaichu took two steps, half hugged him, and stroked his head again, "You don't need to be too polite." After a pause, Fang said, "Take good care of him." your mother."

Ah Zhuang nodded half understanding.

Weisang saluted, and he looked at her with a complicated expression, but he didn't reach out to help her after all.

Offering incense, bowing... King Ning inserted three incense sticks into the incense burner on the desk, turned around, and under the gaze of everyone, calmly lifted his official robe and knelt down.

Han Yu's face changed slightly, and he hurriedly stepped forward to stop him: "My lord, it's not in line with the etiquette, you can't!"

"Master Hou, the son is loyal to the country. It is reasonable for me to kneel down on behalf of the people of Luo Dynasty for him and the [-] descendants of Chuantao." He pushed away Han Yu's supporting arm, solemnly kowtowed three times before getting up.

Han Yong didn't say anything more, and brought his daughter and grandson to kowtow in return.Finally, Wei Sang helped his father up, and said softly, "Father, be careful."

Taohou patted the back of his daughter's hand, smiled lightly, turned to King Ning and said, "My lord, do you have time to go to my study?"

Jiang Zaichu nodded, his eyes turned and fell on Wei Sang, and then slowly raised until her eyes were fixed on him.

Neither of them smiled clearly, but there was a kind of stable power in his eyes, waiting quietly.

The corners of Weisang's lips were slightly pursed, he quietly moved his eyes away, and lowered his head.

"My lord?" Han Yong reminded softly.

King Ning came back to his senses, sighed slightly in his heart, and said calmly: "Please, Lord Hou."

Weisang didn't know what Jiang Zaichu was going to discuss with his father, it was probably about the court's compensation, because he had to deal with the affairs of the prime minister's office these days, he didn't have a moment's leisure.Besides, how can I be at ease with what happened in the house now?
When my sister-in-law heard the news that day, her illness, which was already better, suddenly became more serious, and she passed out. After waking up, she was overwhelmed with grief. The doctor repeatedly told her not to cry, but she couldn't help it and lay on the bed. Weep silently.Wei Sang still remembered that when he ran to see her, the embroidered pillow was covered with blood, and Auntie finally couldn't see anything... When the doctor came to check her pulse, he just shook his head and prescribed a few prescriptions, but it was nothing more than talking about human affairs.

Every night, when I fall asleep exhausted, I have no dreams and no fear.But seeing Jiang Zaichu today, in addition to the grief of her brother's death, there was a little more confusion in her heart. The relationship between her and him... how to go on?

Because Mammy went home to take care of her son's funeral, no one was staring at her all the time, and she felt a little unaccustomed to it.The servant girl had already warmed the quilt with Tang Pozi, she curled up in the quilt, and suddenly heard a slight movement outside the bed curtain.

Wei Sang was startled, lying on the bed, not daring to move for a moment, and asked softly, "Is that you?"

The bed curtain fluttered slightly, and his voice was low and tired: "It's me."

Weisang sat up, and could vaguely see his figure through the curtain, but she suddenly didn't have the courage to open it to look at him, so she just said, "What did you and my father talk about?"

"It's all about the imperial court." He said simply, and paused, "I should have been by your side these days..."

Weissang interrupted him: "I know you're busy, it's okay."

The bed curtain was lifted suddenly, his slender figure was standing beside her bed, the shadow surrounded her body, he bent down to hug her, his cautious movements were full of self-evident tenderness.

He didn't seem to have heard the polite words she said to him, he just hugged her, from soft to firm, and said in her ear: "Han Weisang, let's get married."

Her body froze, her breath passed over his neck, and she said after a long time: "Jiang Zaichu, have you ever thought... maybe, I'm not your good match."

He laughed sullenly, but slowly said: "Except for you, I can't think of anyone else who is worthy of me."

"You'd better marry a lady from a prominent family who can help you, like Miss Yuan..."

Before she could finish her words, Jiang Zaichu turned his face suddenly, covered her lips with force, held her breath, and said word by word: "Silly girl, I am already from the most prominent family in the world, and I still need to Who will help?"

The distance between them was only an inch, Weisang looked at him with wide eyes, his eyelashes were slightly curled, and the length was no less than his own.She has known him for so long, and always feels that he is reserved and humble, and he has never spoken in such a tone—maybe it is because he has always hidden this pride very carefully.

He let her go slowly, lowered his head against her forehead, and said softly: "I'm here tonight to tell you——I want to marry you, and it has nothing to do with family background or court. I want to marry you just because of you Han Weisang."

Weisang stared at him blankly, somewhat confused about the meaning of what he said.

He gently rubbed her cheek with his palm, "The court will give you and me a marriage in a short time... I think you have to be mentally prepared."

"Give a marriage?" Wei Sang was taken aback, and blurted out, "Why did the imperial court grant a marriage?"

Jiang Zaichu looked at her deeply, and although he felt helpless, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and explain, "The casualties in this battle in Chuantao were too great, and your brother died in the battle... In order to ease the relationship, the imperial court can only make Marriage between the two places. The most suitable object is me and you."

The moonlight came in from the window sills, she looked at his handsome profile, those narrow bright eyes were looking at her with unconcealable anxiety - she knew she shouldn't lose her temper at him, but Weisang still couldn't help it. Controlled, trembling with anger.

"The emperor is so stupid, he killed so many of us, and now the compensation he came up with is to 'gift' us untouchables to marry his family?"

Jiang Zaichu didn't speak, but pursed his lips into a tight straight line, tightly clutching her hand and refused to let go.

Wei Sang and him stared at each other for a long time, the anger gradually disappeared, replaced by unprecedented powerlessness, tears rolled down his cheeks drop by drop, like beads.

"I'm sorry, I want to marry you, but I have to make this marriage so complicated..."

She interrupted him: "where's my dad? What does my dad say?"

"Master Hou has already agreed."

I can really marry him, and I don't have to worry about my father's resistance, but for some reason, that sense of joy gradually fades away, leaving only an indescribable helplessness.

"Okay, I'll marry." She turned sideways, stretched out her arms to hug his neck, slowly pressed her cheek against it, and repeated, "Jiang Zaichu, I'll marry you."

Shangyuan Festival was originally Weisang's favorite festival of the year. Every year in the past, she could get her father's permission to go to the city to watch the lantern festival in a fair manner.Several months ago, she had described the prosperity and prosperity of the Jinzhou Lantern Festival to Jiang Zaichu and Jing Yun, but at that time, she would never have imagined that this festival would be such a bleak scene.

Just after Han Weisi's funeral, the emperor canonized his grandson Han Donglan as the next Taohou.In addition, overtly and secretly, the imperial court has already released rumors that the royal family will marry Chuantao. Even though the imperial decree has not yet arrived, the marriage of Princess Jiahui is almost inseparable.It's just that there is no joy in the whole Hou family.

Both Marquis Tao and the imperial concubine are seriously ill in the mansion, and the court taxes outside the mansion have not been changed. This time the marriage is more like the emperor is eager to ease the relationship. Word.

In the Mansion of the Transit Envoy, Jing Yun was playing chess with King Ning, and he had lost dozens of pieces, and if he was two or three steps away, the whole army would be wiped out, but he saw King Ning stood up with his sleeves up, and said in a dispirited way: "No more. "

"Your Highness, why don't you go to the Princess to watch the Lantern Festival?" Jing Yun thought for a while and suggested.

"How can she care about watching the Lantern Festival?" Jiang Zaichu shook his head, looked at the dark sky outside the window, and suddenly thought that at this time of year, the capital is already full of fireworks, if thousands of flowers bloom, if there is such a Today, I can take Weisang to take a look, I think she will like it.

"I see that you have been fidgeting all day, what happened?" Jing Yun asked cautiously.

Jiang Zaichu just shook his head. The weather was extremely cold today. Although the house was warm, he was still wearing a black fox fur loosely, and his hair was too lazy to tie up. He looked out of the house from time to time, as if he was waiting for something.

At this moment, footsteps came from the door, and the guard said in a low voice, "Your Highness, the messenger is here."

Jiang Zaichu suddenly stood up, the fox fur on his shoulders slipped to the ground without feeling it, he just said: "Take me to see you quickly."

Jing Yun followed without knowing why, but saw a middle-aged man sitting in the outer hall, clean and beardless, wearing a royal blue noble brocade robe with a piece of white jade around his waist, drinking tea slowly.

"Eunuch Wang." Jiang Zaichu greeted him with a smile.

The man stood up, bowed and was about to kneel down to salute, but was supported by Jiang Zaichu, and said with a smile: "Your father-in-law came from a long way, so why do you need to be so polite?"

Wang Hu was originally the eunuch with palm prints beside the late emperor. He was trusted by the emperors of the two dynasties because of his prudence and abiding by his duties.

"I came here with the good news of King Ning." The prince said with a smile, "It's not too late, let's go to Taohou Mansion right away?"

"Elder-in-law, don't you have something to eat first?" Jiang Zaichu said with a smile, "It's been a hard journey."

"It's important to finish the business." Wang Gonggong said with a smile, "It's not too late to drink tea and drink."

King Ning smiled heartily and did not force him to stay: "That's fine too."

He ordered his servants to prepare horses, and sent people to Taohou's mansion to pass the news. Jiang Zaichu accompanied Wang Hu to the gate.When sending him into the carriage, King Ning smiled lightly and said, "Eunuch, be careful."

Unknown to everyone, Wang Hu hooked the corners of his lips, and said meaningfully: "Prince Ning, don't worry."

Jiang Zaichu watched Wang Hu get into the carriage, and just as he got on the horse, Jing Yun rode the horse up to his side, and said with a low laugh, "Congratulations, Your Highness, it turns out that everyone is looking forward to this edict of marriage this day. "

King Ning only smiled lightly, but did not speak.

Jing Yun just thought it was funny, the prince in front of him was always very patient, he had been lurking in the desert of the Western Regions for eight days and nights to ambush the enemy, but he didn't seem impatient.Now this lifelong event can't wait for a day, and the imperial envoy must be sent to Taohou Mansion to announce the decree tonight.

——It's just that Jing Yun at this moment doesn't know that it was because of this night's impatience that all of them later paid a price.

Taohou Mansion received the news and sent someone to wait at the door.

King Ning walked into the mansion accompanied by the imperial envoys, and Taohou Han Yu, who was still seriously ill, along with his grandson, imperial concubine and Princess Jiahui were already waiting in the lobby.Holding the unopened bright yellow imperial decree in his hand, Wang Hu first looked at Wei Sang who was standing beside him.

Weissang's skin got goosebumps when he looked at him, but he could only smile slightly, pretending to be calm.

Wang Hu nodded and said with a smile, "The princess is indeed dignified and bright."

"Elder-in-law's absurd praise." Wei Sangfu gave a blessing, and his gaze flicked to Jiang Zaichu who was behind him, and he glanced at her indifferently, his eyes were full of warmth.

"Master Hou, grandson, princess, accept the order." Wang Hu cleared his throat, then turned to King Ning, "There is also King Ning."

With all the people kneeling together, Wang Hu unfolded the scroll in his hand and read:
"...Heaven and earth are in harmony, yin and yang are in harmony, and all things are unified. Here is Han's Weisang, gentle and gentle, dignified, intelligent and virtuous..."

Jiang Zaichu was kneeling beside Wei Sang, and when he raised his eyes slightly, he could see her slender waist and smooth long hair.He knew that she was lowering her head at this moment, and her expression must be impatient to hear the emperor's words of marriage.But these originally tasteless words were describing his wife... This made him feel that all the waiting was worth it.

At the end of Wang Hu's reading, he paused, "...according to my Huang Luo's ceremony, I was registered as an imperial concubine, and sent to the capital at a certain date, hereby."

There was a strange atmosphere in the lobby, obviously there were so many people, but... they seemed to be unable to understand, they still knelt in a daze, and no one got up to accept the order to thank them.

He couldn't help emphasizing his tone, and said it again: "——this!"

Han Yong raised his head tremblingly, "Master Wang, is it His Majesty who wants to marry a young girl?"

"Congratulations to Lord Hou, why don't you accept the order?" Wang Hu smiled happily, "This is a great honor." He turned his head to look at Princess Jiahui again, but saw that she was still lying on the ground, motionless, her body But trembling slightly.

Han Yong stood up, took the imperial edict slowly, and said "obey the edict" in a very low voice.

Wang Hu turned to King Ning again, and said with a smile: "There is still a decree for King Ning. The Holy Majesty sent another envoy to replace King Ning. King Ning will escort the princess to Beijing at that time. After the wedding ceremony is completed, King Ning can return to the fiefdom." gone."

King Ning had already straightened up, but his silhouette was as stiff as a stone statue, his face was ashen, and he didn't say a word.

Wang Hu only felt that everyone was so weird today, but he didn't think too much about it. He just smiled and said, "Congratulations, King Ning."

"Father-in-law congratulates the king, just because His Majesty allowed the king to return to the fief?" After a long time, King Ning stood up, speaking in a hoarse voice.

Wang Hu's face froze, and he didn't understand where King Ning's sudden anger came from. He had served the late emperor for decades, so he naturally knew that King Ning was in a difficult situation. The emperor was willing to let him go back to the fief. , is really the best preferential treatment, what is it but congratulations?
Jiang Zaichu looked down at Wei Sang again, only to see that she had straightened up, but her expression was in a trance, and the anger dissipated suddenly.

Regret and anger are useless, he can only accept the order first, and then think of another way.

The young prince took the imperial decree from Wang Hu's hand, calmly and calmly said, "I wonder when His Majesty wants us to leave?"

Following his voice, Weisang slowly found his face. His eyes were already sharp and firm, as if he knew about this a long time ago...She suddenly had some doubts, was he...has been lying to herself?

The voices of conversation around her were suddenly distant and near, she only knew that she was being helped up, and finally it was Wang Hu standing in front of her with a piercing smile: "Master Hou, princess, please leave as soon as possible."

Jiang Zaichu accompanied him to leave the Hou Mansion.

Weisang felt like he was in a dream, stared blankly at his father, and said only one sentence: "Father, I won't marry a dog emperor!"

Han Yong looked at his pale daughter. Although he didn't want her daughter to marry the royal family before, but she really liked King Ning, so if she married, she would marry.But now, things have taken a turn for the worse - Chuantao is full of starvation, white-haired parents lost their children because of the senseless war launched by the emperor, but he still wants to give his daughter to that person?
Han Yong only felt the blood surge in his chest, and when his eyes went dark, he fell down.

It was night, when his father's condition stabilized a little bit, and Weisang was lying on the table watching, when he heard someone knocking on the door lightly.

The maid hurriedly asked, "Who?"

"Xiao Rang."

Wei Sang woke up suddenly, and went to open the door himself, "General Xiao, why are you here now?"

"Is Lord Hou alright?" Xiao Rang glanced inwardly, and said in a low voice, "I just heard about the marriage offer, so I rushed back here on purpose."

Weisang smiled wryly, not knowing what to say.

The doctor prescribed an extremely gentle prescription, saying the same words as when he was feeling the pulse of the sister-in-law, just doing her best... Seeing that the house has no backbone, she can't even spare her energy to think about marriage.

"Leave the affairs of the mansion to me, the princess... let's prepare for the marriage." Xiao Rang pursed his lips and persuaded softly.

"I won't marry the emperor." Wei Sang said calmly. In her heart, she had already made preparations. If something happened to her father and sister-in-law, she would not hesitate to resist the order, and she would never marry the emperor.

"Princess, you want to marry the emperor." Xiao Rang didn't move his eyebrows. He stood in the dark night with his silver armor, reflecting the moonlight slightly, with an extremely solemn expression.

"Are you crazy? That emperor—" Wei Sang sneered, "I'd rather die."

"You are dead, what about your descendants?"

Suddenly a basin of cold water was poured down, Wei Sang felt his whole body stiffen, yes, she is dead, father and sister-in-law are dead, what should Zhuang do?
"Nowadays, there are hungry people everywhere in Chuantao, and there may be riots at any time. Once there is a riot, although the imperial court cannot defeat the Xiongnu, it is easy to suppress here. Princess, you have the heart to watch the people here being killed because they can't survive. Is it?"

Weissang only felt his mind go blank, the breath he breathed into his chest was so cold, and there was no warmth when he exhaled it.

What should she do?
Marry the emperor with humiliation?
How could she marry the emperor?How can you marry him?

When he was stunned, there was a soft sound of armor, Xiao Rang knelt down on one knee, bowed his head and said: "Princess, for the livelihood of the people in Chuantao, for the sake of the grandchildren, I implore you to marry the emperor."

Weisang didn't go to help him, but only smiled, the smile was almost transparent: "Do you want me to please him and treat the people well?"

"No, the emperor is cunning and suspicious by nature, he will never treat us Taoren as real people." Xiao Rang said in a deep voice, "but you can do one thing, princess."

He stared closely at the bewildered Weissang, motioned her to bend down, and spoke slowly.

After Weisang heard every word, he felt that the blood in his body was frozen by the night wind. He staggered and took a step back, almost falling to the ground, and subconsciously asked, "Are you crazy?"

"If the last general is crazy, they will also drive him crazy." The smile on the corners of Xiao Rang's lips was cold, "For my Da Tao, for my grandchildren, I am willing to be bait, and I will die. Princess, how about you?"

Weisang looked at the young general in a trance, his voice trembling slightly: "But he, he is innocent."

Xiao Rang put away that sneer, and pressed on step by step: "There are disputes in the court, disasters in troubled times, no one is innocent."

Weisang only felt that his heart was tightly grasped by invisible hands, but he couldn't breathe.

The watchmen outside the mansion passed by. In the silent winter night, the sound of the gong was extremely thrilling, like thunder.Accompanied by the thunder, the maid in the house exclaimed: "Master Hou! Master Hou is not good to go!"

Weisang's eyes darkened, and he fell limply to the ground.

On the [-]th day of the first month of the fifth year of Yuanxi, Taohou Han died.

Three days later, the imperial concubine died of illness.

The grandson Han Donglan was five years old and succeeded Taohou. At that time, the people in Taodi were in dire straits and riots abounded.

On the 23rd of the first month, the Han family held a ceremony at the Xiangguo Temple outside the east gate of Jinzhou City to save the dead, and the Lord Jiahui presided over it on behalf of Taohou.The weather was fine that day, and the wind and snow that had lasted for many days stopped. Because of this grand ceremony, the sound of wooden fish chanting sutras could be heard several miles away, which was compassionate and gentle.

Kneeling on the futon, wearing plain clothes and white clothes, Wei Sang silently recited the "Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's Fundamental Vows Sutra", the rosary beads rolled down from his fingertips one by one, and the faint fragrance of white sandalwood lingered around him...

"...it is all unsatisfactory things, gradually disappearing, that is, happiness..."

I don't know how much time has passed, during these hellish seven days, she felt calm for the first time.

"Princess." The attendant stepped into the gate of the palace, leaned down and said, "Master Kurong just came out of meditation."

After Weisang finished reading the last paragraph, he stood up holding his skirt, "Please pass it on, just say that I want to see the master."

Master Kurong's abbot's courtyard is on Tourmaline Mountain behind Daxiangguo Temple. There are few people on the path leading to the mountain. The snow has not yet melted, the ground is full of pine branches, and there are bamboo shadows on both sides. It is extremely quiet.

After walking for a stick of incense, I saw a small courtyard with black tiles and white walls.

Weisang tidied his clothes and knocked lightly on the wooden door.

"Princess, please come in."

In a huge living room, it was empty and deserted, only two futons were placed in the center, Master Ku Rong sat facing the wall, only showing her a thin back in a monk's robe.

Wei Sang clasped his hands together, bowed and bowed before sitting cross-legged on the futon.

My father was good friends with Master Ku Rong before he was alive, and he often came here to play chess and practice meditation. Maybe his father was also sitting here that day...

Wei Sang's heart was sore, but he tried to hold back, and suddenly heard the master say: "The princess's name is taboo, is he called Wei Sang?"

"Yes."

"After you were born, Lord Hou was very happy, and discussed with me what name would suit me."

Weissang listened quietly.

"Weisang and Zi, we must be respectful..." The master sighed, "Master Hou said at that time, I hope you will always remember this homeland."

Weisang only felt that his eyes gradually became watery.She naturally knew the meaning of the name her father gave her, and also knew his father's expectations for her...

Weisang took a deep breath, this time, she came here specially to ask the master for advice.

"Master, there is one thing that I have always been confused about. The big self and the small self are both love...how should I choose?"

"No one can complete this long journey of life for you." The master sighed softly, "Princess, you already have a bias in your mind about how to choose."

Wei Sang's heart skipped a beat, thinking in a daze, is she really biased?

"It's just that this journey is difficult..." Master Kurong paused, "Unable to love, parting from life...the two major sufferings in the world, Princess, have you really thought through it? If you are not determined, you may not be able to reach the end ah."

She lowered her head, did not speak, just stood up, walked slowly to the door, and said in a daze: "Master, why... everyone in this world is so miserable?"

This sentence is not a question, but more like an exclamation. She didn't hear the master's answer, but gently led the door down the mountain.

Halfway through the mountain road, there was a rustling sound in the jungle behind him.Weisang heard it clearly, paused his steps, and said to the attendant, "Go down first, I'll walk alone."

Seeing them walking away, she turned around and looked at the bamboo forest, a slender figure came out slowly.

Jiang Zaichu was still dressed in a black robe, with a jasper hairpin stuck in his hair. When he came out of the green bamboo forest, he had a slender figure, but his expression was a little haggard and lonely.

Weisang looked at him quietly, the apex of his heart seemed to be stabbed lightly, a drop of blood oozed out, and gradually disappeared.

He stood in front of her, stretched out his hand, straightened the white flower on her temples, and only softly called her name: "Weisang." His voice was slightly hoarse, which showed that he was not having a good time these days.

Weissang avoided his hand, his gaze fell on the ground lightly.

His hand fell down in a little disappointment, and for a long time, he could only hear the leaves of the bamboo forest brushing by, like the sound of rain.

"Weisang, come with me." He said slowly and softly, "I am not King Ning, and you are not the princess, let's find a place where no one knows anyone."

"Where is Ah Zhuang? What about Ah Zhuang?" Her voice was bitter.

"Ah Zhuang will also pick her up... The world is so big, there is always a place to stay." He took a step forward, supported her by the shoulder, and forced her to raise her head, "As long as you promise me, we will Stay away from the temple, and no longer have to be restrained by others like now."

"Jiang Zaichu, where can I go?" She looked at his handsome face in a daze, and tried to keep her breathing steady, "You are King Ning of the Daluo Dynasty, General Hussars, you want to elope with me, and why not?" Where can I go?"

He looked at her eagerly, and said word by word: "I just want you to agree. Where to go, how to go, I can naturally arrange it." Xu Shi realized that his tone was too excited, Jiang Zaichu adjusted for a moment, "Cimu The guard of the pass is my old department. We should be allowed to leave the pass. Stay outside the Great Wall for two years. If you miss the pass, we can come back again. At that time, we will go to Jiangnan again, or come back here and find a place to live in seclusion come down."

Wei Sang was dressed in plain white today, and his eyebrows and eyes looked gentle, but his lips, which were so pale that they were almost colorless, spit out word by word: "You don't need to be King Ning, but I can't stop being the princess. Our past ...Let's leave it at that."

Jiang Zaichu was startled, but a smile appeared on the corners of his lips, and he said softly, "Han Weisang, is that all right?" He took her hand and put it on his heart, "Ask here , can you just let it go?"

Through the fabric, I can still feel the beating of the heart, and the feeling of the palm is warm and soft... Weisang suddenly remembered that before her father and sister-in-law passed away, she was holding their hands like this, The same warmth and softness, but they still left after all.Father was speechless when he left, but he looked at her with expectant eyes, perhaps telling himself... No matter what, we must live well.And Sister-in-Law...she put her son's little hand in her palm with all her strength, and then with a smile on her lips, she murmured, "That's great...I can go find him..."

Ah Zhuang finally understood what "death" is. At such a young age, he couldn't even cry. He just hugged his mother in vain and refused to let go, nor would he allow anyone

(End of this chapter)