Chapter 3, The Farewell of Liu Zhe

Yunzhou was quite dissatisfied, but Yuan Xiu was older than her and also the younger sister of Fengchun, so after a long period of resentment, she could only endure it

Yuan Xiu looked at his back, his expression somewhat melancholic

At a quarter past the hour of the Rabbit, the dawn light broke through the clouds in the east, and people gradually began to gather. Yuan Xiu waved and called over a nearby eunuch: "Where is Deputy Director Qiu?"

"Fifth Brother, I am leaving," Yuan Xiu said, lowering her eyelids. Feng Chun's brow slightly furrowed, and after a pause, she replied, "Mm." She then turned to inquire about the situation of the envoy.

The youngest Princess Liyang is only six years old, timidly watching her sisters argue, not daring to speak.

Originally implemented to expand territory, the garrison system has now become a cumbersome and seemingly independent regional power. The court is not unaware of this fact. In the past, the family of Empress Dowager Wenhua was reported for its close ties with the military governor of Xichuan. Even though at that time Fengchun had already been established as the crown prince and Empress Dowager Wenhua was still pregnant with a young son, Emperor Xianzong still heeded the advice of the then chancellor Du Qingtang to conduct a thorough investigation and imposed severe penalties to deter those court officials colluding with the regional powers.

As he spoke, the fish oil from outside had already drawn Feng Chun in. The people nearby all bowed in greeting. Feng Chun's face was pale, with dark circles under his eyes, which made Yuan Xiu feel both heartbroken and angry. She abandoned Qiu Fengxiang and stepped forward, softly asking: "Did Fifth Brother have a restless night last night"

Feng Chun did not catch the meaning behind her words and comforted her, saying: "I am fine, but you have lost quite a bit of weight. I will have Fifth Sister-in-law ask the physician to take good care of you." After a pause, he lowered his voice, "You need not go out of the palace today, nor worry about those rules. Just go back to Fengyang Pavilion and have a good sleep. If anyone bothers you, just let me know."

Upon seeing her return, Princess Dongping, ranked eighth, turned her head and said, "Sister-in-law Wu has yet to arrive. Ninth sister, do you know the reason?"

At this time, some officials had already arrived at the Tai Chi Hall, particularly the Wang family, the maternal family of Empress Dowager Zhao Xian, who arrived early

At that moment, a shadow flashed by the palace gate, and two individuals entered one after the other. Upon seeing them, both stopped a few steps away and bowed respectfully.

Yuan Xiu calmly remarked: "Seventh Sister still has a face like a peach blossom even in mourning; I fear that Liu Sanlang's gaze is upon you."

I will go to invite them right away

Sidu must also take care of his health, and Ershierlang should pay more attention. Most of the greetings were directed towards Yuanxiu, not only because Yuanxiu was more valued by Fengchun, but also because she was raised by Zhaoxian. If her biological mother were not the Empress Yuan, who held a higher status than Zhaoxian, she would not have been listed under Zhaoxian's name. Now, the Wang family is her maternal family, but it is still somewhat different.

Seeing that Yuan Xiu had lost interest in the conversation, and since this was not the appropriate time for discussion, the few of them hurriedly clasped their hands in salute and withdrew

Yunzhou's mother and Zhao Lihui are aunt and nephew, so she naturally favors the Zhao family. Yuan Xiu is still angry with Zhao Lihui over last night's incident, and she certainly does not speak kindly to her.

Although Fengchun was renowned for his intelligence and quick wit during his time as the crown prince, from a governance perspective, he was still too young. After two years on the throne, he had to go through considerable turmoil to replace Du Qingtang and elevate his own teacher, Wei Zao, to the position of chancellor. Before the passing of Empress Dowager Zhaoxian, Yuan Xiu recalled that Fengchun seemed to be preoccupied with dealing with the remnants of Du Qingtang's faction. With the situation in Chang'an still unresolved, how could he possibly address the distant fiefdoms?

The esteemed master has inquired. As for Cui Feng, his talents and learning are not to be discussed; merely observing his demeanor is a form of enjoyment in itself. It is no wonder that Changyang holds him in such high regard. In the midst of national mourning, the plain garments he wears seem to transform him into a celestial being. Even a simple gesture of his hands conveys a sense of ethereal grace. He spoke clearly, saying, "My father and second uncle have difficulty walking and will arrive shortly, as I have been sent ahead with my cousin."

Although she was so angry that she shed tears, in the midst of mourning, others only regarded her as weeping for Zhao Xian. The Sixth Princess of Jiacheng, who stood a few people away, even spoke a few words of condolence to her.

Yuan Xiu felt touched by his concern for her, but still reminded him: "I heard that Zhao Lihui's health is not well. While Fifth Brother visits her, he should also take care of himself."

Before long, a middle-aged man, around forty, with a pale face and no beard, was brought over by the eunuch. Although his complexion appeared somewhat haggard due to overwork, his gaze was bright and spirited, and he carried himself with great poise. Upon approaching, he respectfully saluted, saying: "I have received the summons, and I am unaware of what instructions you have regarding the books"

But is it not the son of Liushi from Hedong? Yuan Xiu pondered for a moment and said

"Everyone has not yet arrived; can someone go and inquire?" said Yuan Xiu

The emperors before Emperor Xianzong had rather unfavorable posthumous titles. While they cannot be deemed tyrannical, for a ruler of an empire, being mediocre is also a form of incompetence. Emperor Xianzong was prudent, frugal, and possessed steadfast determination, making him a competent sovereign. However, his reign was short; he ascended the throne at the age of thirty and passed away before reaching fifty. A little over ten years is insufficient for addressing the entrenched regional powers that had been established for over a century, allowing only for some tentative measures and minor adjustments.

Fifth Sister has some matters to discuss with Eldest Sister, she will arrive shortly. Yuan Xiu replied, "Did Seventh Sister not inform you?"

"Ah, what a good memory you have," said Prince Xia, the twenty-second son of the Wang family and the cousin of Empress Dowager Zhao, in a gentle manner. Yuan Xiu slightly nodded and said, "Let us move on for now; Fifth Sister has some matters to attend to later. Seventh Sister will stay here with me to help keep an eye on things."

Changyang is very clear, so upon arriving here, it is quite different from being in the Hall of Governance; I hardly speak, allowing Yuan Xiu and the Wang family to respond instead

Upon seeing Changyang and Yuanxiu, several individuals nearby approached to pay their respects: "May the esteemed one find solace in your grief"

"Sister-in-law Wu is well aware of her background; she knows better than you and me when to do what. There must be a reason for her to say this at this moment. Brother Wu hasn't said anything, so how can you speak of her in such a manner?" Yuan Xiu said discontentedly, lightly scolding.

Seeing that no one was nearby, Changyang leaned in and teased, "Could it be that Liu's third son has fallen in love at first sight with Jiu Mei?"

"Then be mindful of your wording; the late emperor did not fail to invite masters to teach us!" Yuan Xiu maintained a cold expression. Firstly, the Wang family had already taken on troublesome matters for them, and it was indeed inappropriate for her to offend Princess Pingjin only to be schemed against by Princess Yunzhou. Secondly, she understood that Princess Yunzhou's remarks were precisely aimed at sowing discord in front of her.

Princess Yunzhou, who is ten years old and just one year younger than Yuanxiu, stood right behind her and interjected at this moment: "Ninth Sister, is there something that Fifth Sister-in-law must say at this time? Fifth Brother has already arrived, yet she, as the Empress, has not yet made an appearance"

Feng Chun is here, so there is no need for her to worry about presiding over matters. Yuan Xiu then returned to the ranks of the princesses, while Chang Yang had already returned to his position when Feng Chun first entered.

That person is tall and graceful, possessing an elegant demeanor, yet is merely in the prime of youth, being the esteemed Prince Consort Cui Fengwu of Changyang.

Changyang's fiery temperament unexpectedly transformed into grace and shyness in front of this person

Qiu Fengxiang nodded and said, "Everyone will arrive shortly, so please rest assured, A Jia."

Feng Chun was taken aback and was about to say something when Qiu Fengxiang approached to report: "Everyone, the mourners from Hebei have arrived and are requesting an audience outside the Chengtian Gate"

Just ... ...

Currently, these military governors can only be appeased for the time being

Yuan Xiu also recognized himself. This future brother-in-law of the seventh sister, but seeing another unfamiliar person beside him, whose demeanor and appearance were equally impressive, he asked, "Has Cui Dalang not accompanied your father? Who is this?"

"There is no need for excessive formalities between the two of you." This time it was Changyang who spoke, her demeanor dignified, yet her eyes occasionally glanced towards one of the individuals.

Speaking, he turned to introduce the unfamiliar young man: "This is a cousin of mine, Liu Zhebie, who is the third in the family. He has not yet reached the age of adulthood, hence he has no name character."

"Seventh Sister was lost in thought, how could she still hear our questions?" Dong Ping scoffed, gesturing for her to look for herself. Yuan Xiu didn't need to look to know that it was certainly due to Cui Fengwu.

Yunzhou immediately reddened his eyes: "I was merely asking casually"

The world still belongs to the Li family, but ever since Emperor Xuanzong favored sycophants, chaos has erupted within the country, leading to the fall of Chang'an and forcing the need to seek assistance from foreign tribes to restore the capital. The once-mighty Tang dynasty, which had instilled fear in all nations, began to decline.

Changyang felt embarrassed and dared not say much upon hearing her mention the words "mourning"

Cui Fengwu's demeanor is renowned throughout Chang'an, to the extent that it is said that one glance at Cui Lang can lead to a lifetime of regret. Initially, when Empress Yang was selecting a son-in-law for Changyang, she asked for Changyang's opinion, and she personally pointed out Cui Fengwu at first sight. From that moment on, it was love at first sight; she did not, like other princesses, keep concubines, but devoted all her thoughts to her husband.

Liu Zhebie did not know whether it was her first time entering the palace, but after leaving, she turned back to glance at them a few times, seemingly with lingering affection