Chapter 8, Liu Lang

Yuan Xiu listened in silence for a while. After the noise outside subsided, and Yu Wenrong resumed driving, she finally asked, "Such a grand occasion, is it a summons from the palace?"

You are not worthy of knowing! Yuan Xiu knew that he coveted her beauty, and an indescribable disgust welled up in her heart, leaving no room for kind words.

A light carriage passed through Yongchun Gate and turned east. The residence of Princess Pingjin was built in Changlefang, closer to the southern inner court. However, Zhao Xian was the Empress Dowager, and according to the regulations for mourning ceremonies, she could not be compared to the Imperial Concubent. The mourning for Fengchun was treated like a national funeral, held in the main hall of the Tai Chi Palace, and she could only run back and forth.

Wai Mian glanced at the pedestrians not far away and vaguely addressed, "Madam, it is unknown, but the defense history of Weibo has never ridden a horse; instead, it is carried in a carriage, which is supported by sixteen strong men. Observing the dust beneath the feet of the strong men, it is likely quite heavy. When the strong men move in unison, it is as if a heavy hammer strikes the ground, thus causing the ground to shake and the carriage to move."

Nonsense! Liu Lang withdrew his gaze, chuckled and scolded lightly, saying, "In the capital, there are hidden talents and formidable figures. Listening to that young lady's tone, she must have quite the background. This is not Hebei. Moreover, I was reckless just now and have already displeased her. How can I add fuel to the fire?"

Liulang smiled and instructed Xiahou: "Go find out the identity of that young lady."

Watching Yuan Xiu and his group depart, Liu Lang stood still, gazing longingly after them. However, he seemed to have completely disregarded the fact that he had been driven away. His attendant in a green robe stepped forward helplessly to remind him: "Liu Lang, that young lady has already gone quite far. Moreover, if you truly like her, with Xia Hou here, why did you instruct us not to retaliate just now? That young lady only brought along eight rather mediocre guards, and together they would hardly be a match for Xia Hou!"

"It doesn't matter, this isn't the first time I've made an adult angry," Liu Lang said nonchalantly

"Stay aside." Yuan Xiu did not wish to draw attention upon leaving the palace today, so he did not even ride in the princess's sedan chair, and naturally, he would not engage in conflict with the local warlords.

Another person immediately spoke up to dissuade: "Liulang, you must not! The three towns have always shared weal and woe together, and it is through marriage that we are connected; this is the way to longevity. How can we change this for a woman of unknown identity?"

Yuan Xiu sighed in the carriage: "In the past, the three towns of Hebei were filled with proud soldiers and fierce generals, succeeding from father to son, and from uncle to nephew, much like feudal lords. They even compelled Emperor Dezong to issue an edict of self-accusation. Now, even a mere defense envoy carries such an imposing demeanor when meeting friends. The military governors of Hebei must surely feel like emperors of the five provinces!"

Yuwenrong whispered: "Before the ceremonial procession arrives, I heard the messenger speaking to someone just now, indicating that he is on his way... to Pingkangfang to meet friends"

Cai Lvxing, lively and spirited, noticed that Yuan Xiu was in a bad mood. Intending to divert her thoughts, she asked Wen Rong through the carriage curtain: "The East and West markets are bustling; why is it that today we hear no noise?"

Several individuals followed behind that person, seemingly servants. Upon hearing the words, their faces showed displeasure, and they were about to scold on behalf of their master, but the person gestured to stop them. He then looked reluctantly at Yuan Xiu, lowered the curtain of the carriage, yet was unwilling to leave just like that. Outside, he once again apologized, saying: "I have been quite rude earlier; I hope the young lady can forgive me. May I ask which family you belong to?"

Chang Le Fang is located to the east of the Eastern Market and to the south of Dao Zheng Fang. In fact, before the passing of Zhao Xian, Yuan Xiu originally resided with her in Xingqing Palace. However, Zhao Xian was a serious person, not one to engage in light-hearted conversation. Not to mention the Eastern Market, even during the lifetime of Emperor Xianzong, she had only visited the Princess Pingjin's residence once with Feng Chun. She was not allowed to go out, and the close attendants like Cai Lan were also kept by her side. At this moment, hearing Yu Wenrong introducing from outside, they could not help but look out from all directions.

The ceremonial procession arrived with great pomp, and the few pedestrians along the way stopped to make way. A few individuals happened to be near the carriage of Yuan Xiu, thus Yuan Xiu did not allow the green canopy to be lifted for a closer look. One could only hear the clamor of the carriages outside, and there was even a sensation of vibration within the carriage. Yuan Xiu wondered, "Why is the carriage moving when the procession is slow?"

Indeed. Outside, there are no curtains to shield from the dust, making it much clearer to see. It is said that they are from the Wei Bo capital's defense history team. Not a single one of the Hebei regional governors has come; the highest-ranking envoy is this Wei Bo defense historian.

The following day's spring rain fell slowly, resembling the fine hair of a cow

To the south of Xingqing Palace lies the East Market

Yuan Xiu responded with an acknowledgment, and at that moment, a soldier's shout came from a distance. Shortly after, the guards in front of the carriage reined in their horses and, leaning close to the curtain of the carriage, whispered, "Master, it seems that ahead is the ceremonial procession of the governor paying respects to the Empress Dowager. What are your intentions, Master?"

The people behind him exchanged glances, and after a while, one person stepped forward to remind him: "Liulang, before you set off, it seems that the governor has just received an envoy from Youzhou, hasn't he"

That person cleared his throat and said: "The gentleman is quite fond of the seventeenth daughter of the Li family"

Liu Lang... the man named Xiahou silently clasped his fists and turned to leave. The one who had just tried to dissuade him immediately looked dejected, saying, "The governor will surely be angered by your presumptuousness!"

Yuan Xiu ignored him and instructed Yu Wenrong: "Drive them away, do not delay the appointed time"

This person and their companions were originally near the carriage, and their agility was remarkable. By this time, the guards in front and behind the carriage finally reacted, drawing their swords and shouting. However, they found that the person had already approached Yuan Xiu directly. Caught in a dilemma, they only dared to threaten and persuade, but did not dare to step forward

After Liu Lang finished giving his orders, he could no longer hear his own words. He reminisced with a certain flavor about the fleeting glimpse he had in the carriage earlier. Unlike the usual opulence and flamboyance of Tang dreams, she wore a plain garment with a wooden hairpin, her skin as white as snow and her eyes dark as the night. The expression between her brows and eyes conveyed an extreme sense of clarity, akin to a solitary plum blossom blooming defiantly in the midst of drifting snow. The pride and sharpness emanating from her essence seemed to be compellingly striking.

The guard received the order, and without needing further words from Wenrong, cleverly drove the carriage to the side of the road

Liu Lang... Among that person's attendants, someone could no longer contain themselves, but they heard Liu Lang laugh heartily and confidently say: "Even if it is the five surnames and seven hopes or the Wei Du of Tian Chi Wu, I am still capable of entering the door. Miss, you are underestimating me too much!"

In ancient rites, the state mourning required officials to wear mourning garments for three years. However, during the reign of Emperor Wen of Han, this was changed to thirty-six days. Since the time of Emperor Gaozong of our dynasty, this practice has been followed. Consequently, the public has suspended feasts, dances, and weddings, which naturally affects the market.

At this moment, the sound of someone shouting from ahead grew closer. Yuan Xiu tilted her ear to listen and softly exclaimed, "Is it the envoy from Hebei?"

The young woman wore her hair in two hanging buns, indicating that she was still unmarried. Coupled with her manner of speaking and the presence of her attendants, it suggested that her status was not low... I never expected that upon returning to Chang'an, I would encounter such a fate

Hmm?

Cai Lu regretted her impulsiveness, while Cai Lan's already low enthusiasm for Yuan Xiu diminished further by two points. She said, "A Jia, we are approaching the entrance of Chang Le Fang." And the library.

The person was filled with rage both before and during the lifting of the curtain. However, upon seeing Yuan Xiu clearly, the anger vanished like ice and snow in spring. At this moment, after hearing Yuan Xiu's sharp retort, his gaze unexpectedly softened, and he gently inquired, "I was indeed rash. May I ask which family this young lady belongs to?"

Yuan Xiu was in a bad mood, and Yu Wenrong did not dare to speak. Cai Lan and Cai Lu knew this and allowed her to vent her feelings about the matter. However, just as Yuan Xiu finished speaking, Yu Wenrong exclaimed in surprise, and then the carriage curtain was suddenly lifted by someone, who shouted: "How dare a mere woman speak recklessly about Hebei!"

Is it Lady Li Shiqi? Liu Lang thought carefully and shook his head, saying, "We will return immediately and send a message back to Weizhou by carrier pigeon to inform the lord to put this matter to rest"

Yun Rong has not yet responded, while Cai Lan has already pinched her arm hard. Cai Lu let out a low cry of pain, and Yuan Xiu淡淡 said: "It must be due to the national mourning."

Yuan Xiu speculated that this person must have a significant connection to the regional governors, perhaps even one of the retainers brought along by the defense historian of Weibo. His dislike for him grew even stronger, and he coldly remarked: "Since you are aware of the recklessness, why do you not go down?"

Yuan Xiu, trapped in the carriage with nowhere to hide, did not even bother to conceal herself. She pushed aside Cai Lan and Cai Lv, who tried to block her way, and boldly met the furious gaze of the person lifting the curtain. Coldly, she said: "This is well-known among the three towns; how could one possibly silence the voices of the people in Chang'an!"