A rich man came to Chang'an Huifeng Bank, bringing more than a dozen carts of foreign treasures in exchange for gold. Fortunately, due to the closure of the Chengdu main bank, the Chang'an branch has effectively taken over the business of Shu, and its manpower has been greatly expanded.
In less than two months, the market prices in Shu suddenly skyrocketed. The imperial court had prepared rice, flour, cloth and other items early. Official sales offices were set up in various states and counties to suppress the prices of daily items. Rare items could no longer be dealt with. Many factories were unable to deal with them.
When the owner moved away from Shu and wanted to close down, the government sent people to buy it and hired talented people from the private sector to take charge. Those with insufficient workers sent troops to the colony to replenish the population.
As the guerrillas died down, the unrest in various places quickly subsided. By the year 2010, the country was generally stable. All the slave status among the Chinese people had been abolished. Even the maids in the palace had signed service contracts, and their monthly money was converted into salary. For several years,
The former Shu Kingdom no longer had new eunuchs, but there were still many of them. They had nowhere to go, so they still stayed in the palace to work. In fact, the workers brought from the colonies were all slaves, and since there were no people in the imperial court,
Break.
It was not until mid-February of the following year that the King of Shu returned to his country and sent someone to the palace to report the news to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince rushed over to say hello. The King of Shu had already read about what the Crown Prince had done from the newspapers in the south, and knew that he was forcing the guerrillas to do nothing.
So instead of blaming the prince for being silly, he praised her a few times.
The prince said: "My son is incompetent and can only think of this stupid way."
The King of Shu said: "It's amazing that you can prepare for the crisis early. The lonely king may not have thought of it."
The two men had just talked for a while when the Queen Mother sent someone to call her son to say something urgent. The King of Shu hurried over. The Queen Mother happily welcomed her son and came forward and said: "I have chosen my daughter-in-law for Yan Erxiang and will take care of her."
She is satisfied."
The King of Shu was startled: "Does Yan'er like it?"
The Queen Mother said with a straight face: "Since ancient times, parents have ordered matchmakers to marry, so there is no way to decide whether she likes it or not." Then she smiled and said, "Don't worry, this girl is not said to be one in a thousand, she is smart and
You are sensible." The King of Shu had been thinking for a long time and was about to speak when the Queen Mother said first, "That's it. I have chosen a day. The ninth day of the lunar month next month is an auspicious day, so it is the best time to get married."
The King of Shu hurriedly said: "Mother, you are too impatient."
"There is no rush." The Queen Mother smiled as if the spring breeze was blowing on her face, "I have been preparing for half a year, and the girl's dowry has been packed. I am just waiting for the wedding."
The King of Shu frowned: "Did the Queen Mother tell others?"
"Of course." Queen Mother Wang said, "I sent two people to their house to take care of her." Nai waved his hand and said, "You men don't have to worry about these things in the backyard. Hurry up and give the An family a decree. I'll do it now."
.”
Newspapers from other countries would not report such trivial gossip as the Crown Prince of Shu having two concubines. The Chengdu Weekly did not say anything either, so the King of Shu did not know everything. Seeing the Queen Mother's appearance, he knew it must be the case.
Something unexpected happened. Suixu argued with each other and refused to issue an order on the spot. The Queen Mother was so angry that the King of Shu said helplessly: "Mother, my son has just entered the palace less than an hour ago. He has been out for half a year, and the country
There are more things going on than in the previous ten years. As the king of Shu, my son has to figure it out first, right? I just paid my respects to my father, and he also said that Yan'er and Acen were tormented."
The Queen Mother snorted heavily: "Anyway, I have decided on this one. He has to agree whether he agrees or not. It's not up to him." The King of Shu humbly responded and coaxed the old lady to talk some more. But luckily Situ Cen
He rushed outside to ask for a meeting, and hurriedly took the opportunity to run away.
When the King of Shu returned to his outer study, he saw his son, brother and several staff members were laying out maps and diagrams on the long case. He coughed twice. Without looking back, Situ Cen said: "Second brother came just in time. We are thinking about building a railway.
.There are several options, can you take a look?"
The King of Shu glanced at them a few times and coughed twice: "Acen, please lay down slowly first. Yan'er is coming with me." Then he led the prince to the penthouse next door.
When the prince thought that he had just come out from his grandmother's house, he made a rough guess and suddenly had a headache. The king of Shu asked in a low voice: "What happened? Why is your grandmother determined to find you a wife?"
The prince shook his head: "Sure enough, I can run in the first grade but not the fifteenth. Father, it's a long story." Then he said that Qiu Xingzheng recommended Ding Mei, and he personally went out to pry the person over. The Supreme King insisted that she accept two
Only female officials were allowed to be used as concubines. Ding Mei coaxed the three young ladies and said that she was attracted to Tong Buye. "I originally thought that Tong Buye had been in the Jiaofang Division, and my grandparents would definitely not allow me to marry her."
, we can maintain the stalemate for a few more years.”
The King of Shu frowned and said: "I don't blame you for this, but Acen should understand. When he got married, he almost didn't marry your third aunt. Your grandmother doesn't want her children and grandchildren to be the masters of their own marriages. It would be easier to be vague and choose
I understand that it’s as if I’ve offended her. It’s not easy to handle now.”
The prince also frowned and said, "I don't want to bring this girl down."
The King of Shu thought for a while: "That's it, I'll think of something later."
The two men returned to the outer study room and discussed state affairs with Situ Cen and others. They talked until dinner time. The King of Shu took the opportunity to tell Situ Cen that the Queen Mother had chosen a concubine for the prince. Situ Cen smacked his tongue: "I forgot about my mother.
Such a temper! What should I do?" He thought for a moment, "You still need someone to tie the bell to untie it. It was Ding Mei who caused the problem, so let her handle it."
The King of Shu thought: "That's fine, let's see what ideas the leader of Qin State can come up with." Then he called the prince over.
The prince was stunned for a long time after hearing this. "Then...whose girl did my grandmother order for me?"
The King of Shu said "Ouch": "I forgot to ask my mother." Situ Cen gave him a big look.
So he quickly sent a confidant eunuch to the Queen Mother's courtyard to inquire. Not long after, the eunuch came back and reported, "The Queen Mother said she is the eldest granddaughter of Lord Anzi Xiaoan."
Situ Cen suppressed a smile and gave a thumbs up: "Master Xiao An is the most beautiful man in our dynasty, and his daughter must be as beautiful as a fairy. My eldest nephew is so beautiful."
The prince was speechless and called an entourage over. "Go to my house and ask Mr. Zhan Shiding to come over."
Not long after, Ding Mei came. The prince was busy reporting to the King of Shu about the replenishment of labor from the colony a while ago. He had no time to spare, but Situ Cen walked out and took Ding Mei to the wing and said this to Ding.
She laughed dumbly: "Does the Queen Mother think the prince is so lecherous?" She shook her head. "Wei Chen understands. Wei Chen will deal with it now." Situ Cen smiled and raised his hand.
It was getting dark early at this time, but luckily the clear oil street lamps beside the road were bright and clear. As she was about to enter the Prince of Shu's palace, Ding Mei naturally changed into a third-rank official robe. She didn't go back, and went straight to An Zixiao's mansion.
When I got to the door, I knocked on the door knocker. After a while, an old doorman came out and yelled: "Who is disturbing me in the middle of the night?"
Ding Mei's entourage was a familiar one, so he opened his mouth and said: "A third-grade official."
The old man trembled and said: "Our master is from the second grade."
The entourage said: "There are three or four men in your family, only Mr. An is from the second rank. The other men are more than twenty years older than us, and their official titles are not as high as ours."
Only then did the old man see clearly that there was an old man wearing a crimson official robe and a flat-winged black gauze hat standing at the door. He looked young and handsome. He was so frightened that he hurriedly called Qian'er: "I have seen you before. If you dare to ask me your name, I can let you in."
Report back to the master."
Ding Mei said "Hmm" and frowned slightly. The abolition of slaves can only let those who want to leave, but this old slave is used to being a slave. If he is given freedom, he would rather follow his master. The attendant said loudly: "Our master
It’s Master Zhan Dingmei from the Prince’s Mansion who wants to see the eldest lady of your family.”
The old man's eyes immediately lit up. These days, the fact that the eldest lady is going to be the concubine has already spread to everyone in the house. The nun sent by the Queen Mother said that she would issue a decree to marry him as soon as the prince comes back. The prince is today this afternoon
When they arrived, people came to the Prince's Mansion in the evening? He smiled happily and kowtowed: "I'll go back right now!" He respectfully let them into the hall and asked for tea. When they got to the brightly lit place, they realized that Lord Ding was a
The young girl suddenly made several twists and turns in her heart.
The disciple went in to reply. Ding Mei had already participated in the court meeting, so An Zixiao recognized her and almost stood up when he heard the report. "Master Ding is here?"
"Exactly." Menzi winked and said, "That gentleman is a girl! But she is not handsome."
An Zixiao said displeasedly: "How can a high official of the imperial court allow you to talk nonsense?" The disciple quickly confessed. An Zixiao stroked his beard and said, "Master Ding is the most impartial and upright person. Since I am here to see the eldest girl, I will go first.
Missing. Let..." He thought for a moment, "Let the eldest son go to the hall to pick me up and lead the eldest girl to the yard." The gate son agreed and left the room and couldn't help but bared his teeth: the female official has a good background.
.
At that moment, Mr. An personally led the way and accompanied Ding Mei to the door of the eldest girl's yard. He was waiting outside. A maid greeted Ding Mei when she entered. Miss An stood on the steps in front of the hall looking very happy. Ding Mei was slightly shocked when she saw it.
Ding Mei had been in a brothel for several years and had seen many beauties. After the Qin State entered the Federation, Jia Xu transferred her away from Chang'an. He first took a three-month leave to accompany Liu Feng in the State of Lu, and then sent her to the capital and Dajia.
Studying in La. I don’t know how many beauties Ding Mei has seen here. From Lin Daiyu and Liu Mingyue to the Empress Dowager Shen of the Wu Kingdom, she has seen all the stunning beauties in the world. After seeing this girl, she was still stunning. I thought to myself: The Kingdom of Shu really produces beauties. Ming
There was no expression on his face, he smiled and bowed to Miss An.
Miss An naturally knew the importance of the words "Shizifu Zhan Shi", and seeing that Ding Mei was plain in appearance, she hurriedly invited her to sit in the inner hall.
After taking two sips of tea, Ding Mei motioned to Miss An to evacuate the people serving in the room. Miss An obeyed. Ding Mei was about to speak when she caught sight of the big bookcase in front of the window. Just now there was a maid who happened to block her view; the maid
As soon as she left, she saw something on the desk. She actually forgot to talk to the concubine-to-be and looked at that one. Miss An waited for a long time and said softly: "My brother made that for fun. Mr. Ding
If you like it, I'll give it to you."
Ding Mei was overjoyed: "Your brother did it? How old is your brother?"
Miss An was stunned for a moment: "He is nineteen years old this year."
"What school did you go to?"
"Department of Chinese Studies, Shu University."
Ding Mei looked at the thing and said: "A small magnet alternator drives the doll. If my brother, a Chinese scholar, can make this thing, it shows that he has a lot of interest in physics. And being able to make the generator so small is a gift.
That's incredible." Nai clicked his tongue, "How can there be a shortage of science and engineering talents in Shu! Miss An, if the prince wants to ask your brother to preside over the physics laboratory, is it difficult?"
Miss An thought she had fallen in love with her brother, but Co-author actually took a fancy to his brother's other talent for the prince, and said with a smile: "If it can be used for the prince, our family will naturally be willing."
Dingmei smiled brightly: "I never expected to have such an unexpected surprise. It's really a worthwhile trip." After chatting a few words, he said seriously, "Today I came to see Miss An on the order of His Highness the Third Highness."
Miss An quickly stood up and saluted: "Please give me some advice."
Ding Mei sighed: "I know that you are the kind of girl that the Queen Mother likes because your brother avoids the door and does not enter your courtyard. The prince will definitely not like you."
Miss An's color suddenly changed: "Your Majesty... don't you like it?"
Ding Mei said sincerely: "You are indeed a beauty. But not all men in the world like beauties. There are many kinds of beauties, and there is no shortage of beauties around the prince. Moreover, he went to Dajiala when he was young, and the folk customs there are similar to those of the Shu Kingdom.
It’s completely different. She’s already used to life there.”
Miss An was already crying: "Then I'll just change it according to him."
Ding Mei smiled and said: "Do you really want to change it according to his preferences?"
Miss An choked up and said: "Otherwise, what else can we do?"
Ding Mei said seriously: "The prince doesn't like girls who put their minds on men. She likes girls who put their minds on themselves." Miss An was stunned, obviously not understanding. Ding Mei took a sip of tea and said, "For example
, a little girl learns music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and knots to embroider, not to please her husband and mother-in-law, but to like herself. I don’t like these. I like to strategize and be in charge of the court. Lin Daiyu, the prime minister of Yan State, likes it first.
He built houses, then fell in love with battlefields, and now he is the prime minister of a country. A good friend of mine loves beauty the most, and he dresses himself up all the time, so he became a professional model. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen in Beijing
The girl is a chemical engineer. The sister of Princess Regent Yan loves to make snacks, so she opened a snack shop. The prince likes such a girl. And the prince doesn’t like the rules of the backyard. For example, his brother cannot even enter his sister’s courtyard. We
There are both men and women working in the same place, so there are so many objections that are easy to avoid. She also doesn't like women who don't leave the house and don't step out. The two concubines were sent out to go shopping the day they entered the house. Now one is studying medicine and the other
I am learning to plant flowers and trees. Miss An, the prince will definitely not like the girl that the Queen Mother likes."
Miss An was stunned. For a long time, she murmured: "Don't you say that all men in the world like...?"
"You are talking nonsense." Ding Mei said, "If you follow the Queen Mother's instructions and be humble and submissive, you will be alone in the empty house for the rest of your life. Unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Unless you change yourself." Ding Mei said, "If you don't change, the prince will definitely not like you; if you change, she may like you."
"But the Queen Mother..."
"It's not like there are no virgin queens. Even the Queen Mother can't force the Emperor to marry her own niece. How can the Queen Mother force the Crown Prince to have a bridal chamber with someone?" Ding Mei looked at her steadily, "No matter how much the Crown Prince values your brother,
I won't transfer this respect to you. Miss An must not be a fool, and she knows who has the final say in the prince's house."
After a long time, Miss An whispered: "I... understand." Ding Mei nodded.