Chapter 10, He Gaosheng

Indeed, it is a case of thunderous noise but little rain! Although I am impatient to manage the affairs of the Wu family, the fact that I bear the surname Wu cannot be overlooked. Therefore, Ling Bo did not forget to join her hands in gratitude to heaven and earth. However, how could Wu Sansi happen to submit a memorial? If it were not for the accurate intelligence from Shangguan Wan'er, could the timing have been so precise? Poor Zhang Jianzh, at that time, did not know how to express his frustration!

The new emperor ascended the throne, bringing about a new atmosphere. In addition to promoting loyal ministers and demoting the former followers of the two Zhangs, as well as restoring the national title to Tang, several other significant actions included demoting Luoyang from the capital to the Eastern Capital, while the Northern Capital was restored to its original name, Bingzhou. Furthermore, the Taichu Palace was renamed back to its original name, Luoyang Palace.

Starting from noon, the threshold of the Xianju Hall was nearly worn down by the continuous stream of congratulatory guests. The original four palace attendants exerted all their efforts but still found themselves in a flurry. In the end, it was Chai Shuxian, who came to convey congratulations on behalf of Empress Wei, who could not bear to watch any longer and dispatched four more people to help, which barely managed to handle the situation. By evening, Shangguan Wan'er initially thought that no more guests would arrive, but unexpectedly, even at the time of lighting the lamps, there were still a steady stream of people coming.

It was just this noon that His Majesty issued a decree appointing Shangguan Bingbi as a Jieyu. Such significant news has prompted countless people to offer their congratulations; could it be that the young lady truly does not know

Seeing Zhu Yan's skeptical expression, Ling Bo couldn't help but feel a wave of frustration. Who would have thought that her spontaneous trip to the southern market for a brief respite would lead her to miss such a significant event! After a moment of annoyance, she pondered for a while, and with a relaxed and carefree expression, she no longer mentioned anything about going out, but instead entered the house on her own.

At the hour of the pig, when a certain palace maid in the Xianju Hall inadvertently revealed that Emperor Li Xian had gone to see Empress Wei, the expressions on the faces of the women became truly remarkable. Some twisted the handkerchiefs in their hands, some unwillingly bit their lips, and others stood up directly, casually finding an excuse to turn and leave. The first person to walk out led the way, followed by countless imitators. In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the once crowded Xianju Hall became empty.

Seeing the unmistakable look of melancholy on Shangguan Wan'er’s face, Ling Bo chose not to speak, simply sitting quietly. It was unclear how much time had passed when she suddenly heard a long, suppressed sigh from across the table. When she focused her gaze again, that expression had vanished without a trace.

Hearing that familiar voice, Shangguan Wan'er glanced outside and immediately caught sight of a head peeking out from the door, which made her smile. She casually dismissed everyone and then went up to pull Ling Bo inside with one hand, playfully scolding, "I thought you had forgotten your aunt! In the afternoon and evening, with people coming and going, I didn't see you at all. What, can't you even prepare a gift?"

You stingy girl, you only used a box of pastries to congratulate me!

"Who said that the Guifei Red from Tianxiangzhai is more beloved than gold?" On www.hetushu.com, the cold gaze of Guan Wan'er frightened others, but Ling Bo was not easily intimidated. She then revealed her other hand from behind, which held a long box. "However, speaking of congratulations, this is the string I specially obtained from Qinxin Pavilion a few days ago. If it weren't for winning the bet, they wouldn't sell it for a thousand gold pieces!"

What is for dinner? Hurry and set it out. I have been out all day, and I am starving

The maids Zhu Yan and Zi Mo, who remained at Linbo Pavilion, saw their mistress returning and hurriedly went to greet her. Before they had a chance to speak, they heard Ling Bo singing. Zhu Yan, being young, let it pass, but Zi Mo, who was brought out from home by Ling Bo, could not help but chuckle and said, "Miss, what is it that brings you such joy"

Ling Bo felt a jolt in her heart, and then she immediately forced a smile. The person she encountered today, Pei Yuan, was none other than an unidentified individual from Tingzhou

Today, I encountered a big silly goose, of course I was delighted! Ling Bo was not at all offended by the teasing of the little girl; instead, she gently patted Zi Mo's head. Noticing that both of their palace outfits seemed to be for an outing, she couldn't help but feel curious, "Why are you dressed like this?"

Upon witnessing the scene of people leaving with cold tea, Shangguan Wan'er did not express anger but instead smiled. She stood up, took a long breath, and then called over the original four palace attendants along with the newcomers. In a solemn voice, she instructed: "Starting tomorrow, except for Empress Wei in the Central Palace and a few princesses from outside, anyone who comes to visit in the inner palace shall be turned away. Just say that I am not permitted to meet with palace relatives without an imperial decree."

Shangguan Jieyu? Lingbo suddenly fell into a state of extreme confusion, and it took her a long time to regain her senses: "Are you referring to Aunt Shangguan? Wait, when did she receive the title of Jieyu?"

Zimo, being young and inexperienced, could be excused, but Zhuyan was left utterly perplexed by her master's resolute actions. With a sense of responsibility, she stepped forward once more to remind, "Miss, I have heard that Empress Wei has also sent Palace Attendant Helou and Palace Attendant Chai to offer congratulations. Naturally, Princess Taiping has sent someone as well, and even the two princesses, Anle and Changning, have dispatched people to convey their greetings! At this point, nearly all the noble ladies who could attend have gone to the Xianju Palace, and given your close relationship with Shangguan Jieyu..."

The four old ones understood the situation well, while the four new ones were somewhat perplexed. Before Shangguan Wan'er could give any further instructions, a burst of laughter suddenly rang out from outside: "Aunt Shangguan is so ruthless; does that mean I won't be able to enter this door in the future?"

Unlike Zimo, Zhuyan was brought to the palace for upbringing after the death of Lingbo's parents, and it was only then that she was assigned to serve. Although they had only spent two years together, she understood that this young lady was different from other daughters of military families; she was intelligent yet knew how to maintain propriety, and she was very clear about whom to be close to and whom to distance herself from, with information flowing to her with great ease. Therefore, upon seeing her master display an unprecedented look of confusion, she couldn't help but wonder where her master had gone today.

Shangguan Wan'er originally intended to simply enjoy a laugh with the books, but upon hearing that Lingbo had specially brought this, she naturally felt delighted. She handed the box of strings to a palace servant to keep safe, then sat opposite Lingbo. Opening the box of Guifei red, she picked up a piece to taste, and a smile of reminiscence gradually appeared on her face. While the palace was filled with delicacies, she always remembered the time in her childhood when she served as a maid in the Yeting, when her mother exchanged the money earned from spinning yarn and weaving socks for a small piece of pastry.

She was lost in thought when a warning from Shangguan Wan'er floated into her ears: "By the way, be careful while wandering outside these days. The Luoyang Gazette reports that there are quite a few unidentified individuals in the city. Don't let your guard down just because you have skills!"

Shangguan Wan'er closed the pastry box and said softly: "Today, when I went to meet His Majesty and the Empress, Zhang Jianzhong was vigorously arguing that the various military officials should be executed. Just at that moment, that scoundrel submitted a petition to exempt the marquis title, so His Majesty repeatedly praised him for his understanding of reason, resulting in Zhang Jianzhong feeling quite embarrassed. It seems that for now, the Wu family has likely passed this hurdle."

At this moment, Zhu Yan was taken aback, raising an eyebrow in surprise: "Isn't the young lady planning to go congratulate Lady Shangguan Jieyu? Both I and Zimo have been waiting for you all afternoon"

"Aunt, with your promotion to the rank of noble consort, how could I not come to congratulate you?" Ling Bo blinked her eyes and, as if performing a magic trick, produced a box from behind her. "This is the most famous Guifei Red from Tianxiang Studio in the Southern Market, which I specially brought back!"

At dusk, the golden rays of the setting sun cast a layer of gold over the majestic and elegant palaces of the Luoyang Palace, adding a touch of the divine atmosphere. As it is the day before the Lantern Festival, there is no curfew today; thus, the palace is filled with the sounds of music, and the outside is bustling with activity.

She sent the bewildered Zimo to the small kitchen to fetch dinner, leaving Zhu Yan, who was still frowning in deep thought, behind. Ling Bo took off her cloak and walked to the window, gazing blankly at the sky. This room faced west, and every summer, the window could hardly block the setting sun, making it unbearably hot, while in winter, only a corner of the sunset was visible. As she watched the sun gradually sink into the west, she recalled the scene from that night when she broke into the palace, and a faint smile involuntarily appeared at the corners of her mouth. This room faced west, and every summer, the window could hardly block the setting sun, making it unbearably hot, while in winter, only a corner of the sunset was visible. As she watched the sun gradually sink into the west, she recalled the scene from that night when she broke into the palace, and a faint smile involuntarily appeared at the corners of her mouth

Indeed, a crisis is an opportunity. Shangguan Wan'er has successfully achieved her first goal, which is truly commendable

Ling Bo returned unusually early today. She was in a good mood when she left, and her spirits were even higher upon her return. When she arrived at Linbo Pavilion near Taoguang Garden, she was even humming a tuneless little song, her mind filled with thoughts on how to play tricks on that peculiar quartet of young master and his servants.

Not waiting for Zhu Yan to finish speaking, Ling Bo smiled and said: "It is precisely because of this friendship that I will not join in the commotion at this time, do you understand?"

At first, she felt surprised, but after the hour of the dog, there were still people lingering and unwilling to leave. She immediately discerned three aspects of the situation. Those meticulously dressed women were not there to congratulate her; they clearly sought to take this opportunity to get close to the heavenly countenance. Unfortunately, the perspectives of certain individuals were truly too superficial