Chang'an is good

The date of the emperor's wedding was finally set in the golden autumn of August in the second year of Changhua.

This auspicious date was one of the eight auspicious days predicted by Tianjing and Wujue. After being selected by Li Suining, Wujue immediately went to find Tianjing - hey, what a coincidence, this day was predicted by him, and his was chosen, but that old guy Tianjing's was not chosen!

Wu Jue came in with a swagger, wanting to brag about himself. He raised his hand and knocked on Tianjing's door, but no one responded for a long time.

Wu Jue put his ear to the door frame and listened, but heard no sound, so he pushed the door open and walked in.

A three-legged bronze incense burner in the room was emitting fragrant mist slowly. The windows were wide open, the bamboos were rustling, and the room was quiet and peaceful.

The Taoist priest, who was sitting cross-legged with his back to the window, was wearing a gray and white Taoist robe, and his hair and beard were as white as snow. The thin silver beard of the whisk held in his arm fluttered slightly in the wind, and bits of silver light floated in the March breeze.

Wu Jue was stunned.

As if waiting for his friend to come as he wished, the whisk finally slipped from his arms and fell to the ground, like a farewell left behind.

After a moment, Wu Jue bent down to pick up the whisk, stroked it lovingly, and looked up at Tian Jing who was still sitting cross-legged: "This time it's not an illusion, right..."

Tianjing looked peaceful and contented, with a faint smile on the corners of his mouth, as if responding to a friend's question.

"Thanks to me, your life can be considered complete." Wu Jue took the whisk into his arms and sighed slowly, "From now on, I will be the one to protect the fate of the people and the country."

Outside the window, the spring is bright and the wind is clear. White clouds are rolling. Behind the bamboo forest, white cranes are soaring beside the clear pond. The sound of the cranes' cries is ethereal and distant.

In the third month of spring in the second year of Changhua, National Master Tianjing completed his immortal transformation and passed away.

In April, the emperor appointed the immortal master Xuan Yangzi as the national master of Da Sheng, in charge of sacrifices, investigating good and bad luck, and ensuring the stability of the country.

The spring and summer weather was good, and the autumn harvest was good. In particular, the granaries in Huainan and Henan were full and overflowing, and the people were all delighted. All officials also breathed a sigh of relief and were able to smile with joy.

Agriculture is truly a national undertaking. When the new emperor first came to power, the food situation of this year was crucial.

When there is plenty of food, people will feel at ease and contented. This is the only foundation for prosperity. Relying on this solid foundation, the court was full of joy and actively preparing for the emperor's wedding.

In July, Qiao Yumian and Cui Lang's wedding date was also set, set for October. The two had been engaged last year, and the reason why the wedding date had not been really settled was that they did not want to skip the emperor's wedding first. This was the consensus of Cui Lang and the Qiao family.

Since the date of the emperor's wedding was set, there have been continuous happy events in and outside the capital. On the one hand, they all want to get a share of the boundless joy. On the other hand, the situation has been turbulent and unstable in the past few years, and the marriages of children in families have been delayed in many families. There are many people who are over 20 years old and still have no marriage.

Master Chu didn't think that this was a bad thing. Given the situation at his home, it wouldn't be a bad thing to slow down a bit... However, it was foreseeable that the next wedding banquet at home would have to be treated as a daily routine, after all, there were too many accumulated stocks.

Fortunately, the old man can now live in a quiet courtyard outside the city. Otherwise, considering the recent marriage proposals in the Chu family, the quarrels would have been fatal.

Even so, the old tutor could not completely escape.

On this day, Qiao Yang was on a day off and came to go fishing with the old tutor. The two sat by the stream and Qiao Yang explained his purpose with a tactful smile: "This time, I am here to discuss the marriage between my son and the girl from your mansion with the tutor..."

"You look absent-minded, so I know you have other plans." The old tutor snorted and asked casually, "Which room is the girl from?"

He has more than one granddaughter or even great-granddaughter of the right age.

Qiao Yang smiled and said, "She is the girl from your mansion's main room."

Master Chu: "How many rows?"

There is more than one girl waiting to be married in the main house.

Qiao Yang then explained in detail the girl's ranking.

Master Chu said "Oh", "Xiao Jiu..."

"Xiaojiu has a straightforward personality, is good at painting, and is an expert at keeping accounts for the housekeeper. I like her, but she is like her father and talks too much." Although Master Chu always dislikes his children and grandchildren, he can remember the temperament characteristics of any little granddaughter he picks out clearly.

Qiao Yang smiled and said, "It's great to be liked by you... I just don't know if my boy has this blessing."

"You don't have to belittle yourself like that." Master Chu held the fishing rod and said nonchalantly, "You are now the Minister of War. Yubai is a child of superior character and talent, with a promising future. I think the door of your Qiao family has long been trampled by matchmakers invited by dignitaries... Xiaojiu is her father's daughter in her old age. Although my family does not value the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, Xiaojiu got a bargain in the end based on all the conditions."

Qiao Yang quickly acted modestly and showed his sincerity.

Just as the Grand Tutor said, there were many powerful families who wanted Yu Bai as their son-in-law, and some royal families also had this idea, but after looking at each other, these two children were the most compatible... Qiao Yang was also very happy to see it happen, because he secretly wanted to become a relative of the Grand Tutor.

In Qiao Yang's heart, Yu Bai no longer needs to rely on marriage to help his career. Moreover, if we really want to help, a rare and noble family like the Chu family is the most long-lasting.

"Marriage is a matter of parents' decision. If you, as parents, are all satisfied and the children are getting along well, why bother an old man like me? Whether it's the wedding ceremony or the date, or the quarrels and fights in the future, don't bother me anymore."

The Grand Tutor waved his hand, as if he had no intention of interfering, but it was also the same as a nod. Qiao Yang naturally responded with a smile of joy.

Then the old master who was seeking tranquility said, "From now on, you can just think of me as a monk. Don't come to my temple for worldly matters. Then I can be as peaceful as ever..."

Qiao Yang pretended to be hesitant to speak: "Then the emperor will get married next month..."

The old lady raised her eyebrows immediately: "I am the master of ceremonies. Without me, can she have this wedding?"

Qiao Yang responded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, that's right... here it comes! It's bitten!"

Fish are fat in autumn, and Qiao Yang had a fruitful trip. After bidding farewell to his tutor, he carried the heavy fish basket back to the city in a good mood. When he passed Xingningfang, he did not forget to give two fish to Chang Kuo.

Qiao Yang shared not only the fish, but also the good news that his son's marriage was about to be decided.

Chang Kuo had a fake smile on his face, but he couldn't help feeling a little annoyed when he thought of his own brat.

Chang Kuo was not in a hurry to find a daughter-in-law for his son. In fact, his family had been worrying about arranging a marriage since last year, but there was still no sign of it. Moreover, Sui An had a strange attitude. He refused to even discuss the marriage proposal, let alone meet and discuss it.

The chase became more and more urgent, so the brat rushed into the military camp and was not seen for ten days or half a month.

When Chang Kuo was getting angry, he heard his son coming back, so he called people into the hall, closed the door, and had people guard it strictly, just like he was being interrogated in court.

"Even the ice people said that if you want to find it according to a model, you should at least give a model! But you don't know anything!"

"Now people are saying all kinds of things!" Chang Kuo and the eldest princess sat at the top, one on each side. Seeing Chang Sui'an standing there without saying a word, Chang Kuo pointed his crutch at him and said, "Not to mention others, even I suspect you are a homosexual! If you are, tell me as soon as possible, so that I don't have to force you to marry and then harm the girl for no reason, and then you don't do this evil thing without knowing it!"

The eldest princess glanced at Chang Kuo indifferently.

"I... I'm not!" Chang Sui'an's face flushed. Chang Kuo was about to get angry again, but Li Rong stopped him and spoke softly, asking his son, "Then tell me the truth, have you chosen a girl? Do you have a crush on someone?"

"He has no sweetheart!" Chang Kuo: "How could I not know the son I raised? I think he has become stupid from the war, and he has never figured out that idea!"

As he spoke, he couldn't help but feel upset, and suddenly thought of what happened the day before yesterday: "It's not just my family that's in trouble now. The other day I met Yao Tingwei and talked about the marriage of my children. I found out that he also has a little girl in his house who refuses to meet anyone easily. It's very difficult to deal with!"

The eldest princess wanted to put out the fire for her son, so she followed Chang Kuo's words and changed the subject: "Doesn't Yao Tingwei have only one daughter? Now that she is working in the Secretariat, why should she be anxious about her marriage?"

Chang Kuo corrected: "She is his niece."

Although she was his niece, Yao Yi had few children of his own, and his only daughter had no intention of getting married. Yao Tingwei was very worried about the marriage of his brother's children. Also, as there were weddings happening everywhere, Lord Yao, who could only send gifts but not receive them in return, was inevitably a little envious and also wanted to make his home lively.

Of course, Yao Yi only mentioned this to Chang Kuo and would not tell it to outsiders.

Li Rong asked, "Do you also want to serve as an official in the court?"

Chang Kuo: "That's not the case! Anyway, they are always troublesome people..."

Li Rong's eyes turned slightly and fell on his son who was about to speak but hesitated, and asked casually: "Does Sui'an know this niece of Yao Tingwei's family?"

"..." Chang Sui'an smiled vaguely and nodded uncomfortably.

Li Rong smiled: "I have a vague impression that she is a very lively and bright girl. She shouldn't be so reserved..."

As he said that, he looked at Chang Kuo and suddenly suggested, "How about this, I can be a matchmaker for the girl from the Yao family. I have a suitable man here."

Chang Kuo was puzzled: "I haven't even finished cooking my own meal yet, why are I lighting the stove for someone else's family?"

Li Rong smiled and held out his hand to serve tea: "Yao Tingwei is not an outsider, no matter if he is from our family or a foreign family, let's light this fire first... It can also be regarded as helping to manage state affairs."

The marriage of children is a family affair, but traditionally, marriage must come first before adding children, which in a broad sense is also a national affair.

Chang Sui'an tried to speak several times, but every time his mother turned to talk to his father, leaving him no chance and making him very discouraged.

That night, Changsui lay in bed, tossing and turning all night long. When it got light, he suddenly sat up and made a decision in his heart.

Chang Sui'an washed, dressed, and went to see his mother without even having time to eat breakfast.

However, upon asking, I learned that my mother had quarreled with my father last night and went back to the Grand Princess's Palace before dawn.

Chang Sui'an exclaimed "Ah" and was about to chase to the Grand Princess's Mansion, but then he remembered that today was the day to report military affairs to the palace, so he had to go into the palace first.

……

It was getting dark. In the second room of the Yao family, Zeng was holding her granddaughter who was about to turn one year old, and she was nagging her daughter: "...Axia, mother is not afraid of you being picky, but you have to open your eyes and choose first."

Yao Xia was holding a rattle in her hand and coaxing her little niece. She looked a little disheartened when she heard this.

Zeng ignored her daughter and said directly, "You didn't have to see the previous ones, but this time you have to see this one... Princess Xuan'an has spoken, so I have to go see her anyway."

Yao Xia asked unhappily, "Which family could have asked the Grand Princess to come forward?"

"The Grand Princess only sent someone to pass on the message, but didn't go into detail. But since it's the Grand Princess herself, I'm sure it won't go wrong." Zeng patted her granddaughter and said, "It's just a preliminary meeting, it doesn't count as a formal matchmaking... If it really doesn't suit your taste, then that's another matter. But you can't discuss this trip with me tomorrow."

Zeng was lenient and casual towards her children, but she would never indulge them when they shouldn't act up. Yao Xia knew this very well, so he went out with his mother the next morning.

Since the new emperor ascended the throne, the customs in the capital have become more relaxed, and the rules for treating women have also been quietly relaxed. When children are planning to get married, if they don't want to rush to invite a matchmaker to come, it is common to meet in private in a garden or teahouse outside.

The place where Princess Xuan'an and Zeng decided to meet was in the Lingyin Hall.

As Zeng, her daughter and servants entered the Dele Pavilion, Yaojin, who was waiting as ordered, invited the mother and daughter of the Yao family to the bamboo courtyard.

The scenery in the small courtyard is elegant and it is spacious enough yet private, which Zeng finds very satisfying.

And when she saw the young man standing next to the Grand Princess, Zeng felt even more pleased.

Zeng had only seen Chang Sui'an in Dayun Temple many years ago, but she didn't pay much attention to him at that time, and she couldn't recognize him at first glance. She just felt that this young man was really handsome, and a very tough kind of handsomeness, commonly known as "tough handsomeness".

Zeng's eyes were amazed - according to her experience, the flowering period of this kind of tough and handsome man is usually the longest.

After paying respects to the Grand Princess, Yao Xia was stunned when she looked up - could she have walked into the wrong courtyard?
Chang Sui'an was also stunned. He finally saw his mother today, but his mother dragged him to the music hall and repeatedly did not give him the chance to speak. But what was happening now... ?
When the Grand Princess saw the two people's reactions, she was no longer uncertain and smiled and asked them to sit down and talk.

During the conversation, Zeng already knew that the man in front of her was the eldest son of the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery, the General Xiao Chang who had made great military achievements... So, the eldest princess was actually trying to introduce her own son to someone else?

But wasn't the disparity in social status too great? Why did she feel so dizzy? Was she dreaming?

When Zeng and the eldest princess were smiling at each other, she pinched her daughter by mistake with her hand under the table, causing Yao Xia to hiss and gasp.

Chang Sui'an looked at her hurriedly with concern.

Yao Xia looked embarrassed, somewhat excited and delighted, yet also somewhat at a loss.

The tea and snacks placed on the small table exude a sweet aroma, and the musician plays the piano behind the screen. Everything you smell and hear is pleasant and enjoyable.

After drinking a cup of tea, the eldest princess smiled and said that she wanted to take a walk in the courtyard.

Zeng quickly stood up to accompany him.

Chang Sui'an and Yao Xia followed him out. As the younger generation, they followed behind, but were stopped by Yao Jin with a smile: "My dear, His Highness wants to talk to Madam Zeng alone about something."

Although these words were spoken to Chang Sui'an, since the word "alone" was mentioned, it was naturally inconvenient for Yao Xia to follow him.

After saying this, Yao Jin bowed slightly and went to the side to watch.

It would be impolite to go back to the room at this point, so Chang Sui'an casually invited Yao Xia to go over and admire the bamboo.

He made a random invitation, and Yao Xia agreed randomly. (End of this chapter)