Chapter Five, The Uninvited Guest

The young girl does not bear the surname Shen, nor is she named Mingzhu

At that moment, a fierce horse suddenly neighed from the other side of the long street

Xin Anbo, Zhang Fu

Please wait a moment, wait a moment

Red Bean looked at her young lady with confusion

Red beans are urgently needed

Zhang Fu politely returned the greeting to the man with the surname Shen

I spit! You cowardly son, you also wish to marry someone's daughter!

Returning to the residence in the west of the city, there is still a long way to go. Perhaps it is time to change to another place of residence; otherwise, my father has to leave the residence every day for court at midnight. The spring and winter are brief, yet the days are short and the nights long. If we change to a palace closer to the city, we can save some travel time

Zhu Mingyue lifted the spout of the kettle and personally poured a cup of tea, "I am deeply grateful for the favor shown by Lord Yao; how could I trouble the foremost minister of the court with such a trivial marriage matter?"

Zhu Mingyue half-closed her eyes and said, "Wen Bi, you have forgotten that I have already changed my name, yet you still call me as you did when we were children. It is quite late; how is it that you are here?"

Red Bean, with a sorrowful expression, went to support him

Just muttering a few words, I was caught off guard as someone wrapped their arms around my neck from behind, "I say, you few pedantic scholars, what nonsense are you babbling about!"

In a moment of desperation, the man hurriedly followed behind the horse-drawn carriage, chasing it down the street

Red Bean followed closely behind and whispered

The young servant became anxious as well, brandishing the whip and striking the horse forcefully.

Red Bean chuckled softly, "Indeed, otherwise the cost of this wine would surely be paid by another household."

"This prince asks you, where do you wish to go?" The man immediately jumped down from his horse, stepped forward, and fiercely blocked her path.

The man with the surname Shen displayed a look of sorrow and indignation, and coldly snorted: "Nowadays, he is the foremost meritorious minister before the emperor, and with official monks attending to him, he is indeed superior to others. Even if he acts recklessly, no one would dare to intervene!"

What about the man with the surname Shen? What is his background?

Indeed

At that time, she had just been appointed as a female official, serving in the Wenhua Hall, and had handled many memorials and edicts. The distance from Yunnan Prefecture to Yingtian Prefecture is more than a thousand miles. The battle reports that came from the distant border, after being reported, were discussed by the young Jianwen Emperor and several of his trusted ministers before the decisions were sent out. The entire process of back and forth had already taken more than two months

Zhu Mingyue's gaze flickered slightly. Yao Guangxiao stroked his chin and smiled, "Otherwise, does the young lady think this humble monk is referring to whom?"

Zhang Fudao: "This official has also received it. Perhaps due to the different seating positions, I did not notice the prince... Is the prince just coming out of the palace, or...?"

The east wing's dwelling has doors on three sides, and the covered corridors on both sides have been newly adorned, with the red paint fresh and gleaming. The left window is wide open, allowing sunlight to stream in through the intricately carved window frame, illuminating a sheet of rice paper spread out on the table, scattered with golden specks of light

Let us hope so

Yao Guangxiao's smile grew even more pronounced, "It seems that Miss Yue'er truly has her heart set on Young Master Zhang. I have been sitting here for so long, and only when I mentioned Young Master did the young lady deign to offer me a cup of tea. If Miss Yue'er is indeed fond of him, I could go before the Emperor to request a marriage decree. A talented scholar and a beautiful woman, matched in social standing, would surely make for a delightful tale

With bare hands, he swung the whip. The whip was newly made, with barbs still on it, and when it was cracked against the bluestone pavement, it immediately produced a crisp "snap" sound

The man frowned in displeasure and seemed to want to say something more, but the man with the surname Shen forcefully grabbed his arm and shook his head vigorously at him

Yao Guangxiao said with a smile: "Miss, you have wronged this poor monk. After the palace banquet dispersed last night, I could not sleep and went to the tavern on the street to find a few generals, where I encountered Lord Xin'an, who was looking for his brother."

Hong Dou let out a sigh of relief, and she felt that this person was unfamiliar, unlike the acquaintances from her youth. Just as she was about to offer a clarification, she was interrupted by Zhu Mingyue.

That one who just rode in recklessly is quite proud! Overbearing and tyrannical, truly detestable. However, that person is really quite handsome!

The person behind was also out of breath, and upon seeing the carriage come to a stop, they ceased their pursuit, bending over and panting heavily behind the carriage.

The red bean glanced from one side and couldn't help but smirk quietly.

Miss

The beauty of adulthood lies in not discussing troubles

Zhu Mingyue remained silent

The man possesses an exceptionally youthful visage, with features chiseled like those of a sculptor's work. Under the moonlight, he appears even more elegant and refined, exuding a sense of grace and poise. His thin lips are tightly pressed, and the proportions of his nostrils and jawline outline a perfect arc. The combination of beauty and masculinity is seamlessly integrated within him, such that even women of remarkable beauty would likely feel a sense of shame in his presence

Zhu Mingyue said: "Marriage is indeed a matter of great importance, determined by the orders of parents and the words of matchmakers. My daughter will listen to her father in all matters."

This young lady is truly unreasonable. After much effort and hardship, I, Shen, have finally found my younger sister. How can I possibly let this go without clarifying the situation

Hong Dou said, lowering her voice: "I remember that he seems to have been conferred the title of marquis in the first year of the Jianwen era."

I also have some impressions of the Mu family in Yunnan. He Fu defeated Meng with a knife and sent Si Lun back to Luchuan. After Si Lun's death, his tribe rushed to divide and seize his possessions, and it was Mu Sheng who led the campaign to pacify Luchuan

Zhu Mingyue had no choice but to take a step back, lifting her eyelids and saying: "Indeed, if you had not appeared, that young man with the surname Shen would undoubtedly have faced a punishment of lashes. Just as you did not rein in the reins in time, my young lady would have been trampled underfoot by the horse."

For many years, Hong Dou has served beside Zhu Mingyue and has a considerable impression of him—he is also a descendant of a famous general, the first meritorious minister of the Jingnan campaign, and the eldest son of the Duke of Rongguo. After his father died on the battlefield, he inherited his father's title and is now conferred the title of Earl of Xinan. In the twenty-ninth year of Hongwu, when the young lady, only seven years old, came to the capital of Yingtian, she studied, received education, and played with this young master.

Look at their behavior, ignorant brutes, they are simply a disgrace to civilization

At this moment, he looked down at her from a position of superiority and coldly asked, "Who are you?"

What red beans and green beans? I only recognize castor beans! Yes, castor beans! Last time, Jin Zhong, that shameless fellow, lost and gave me castor beans for my horse, which caused me to fall off as soon as I got on. What a damn misfortune!

Yingtianfu is located beneath the feet of the Son of Heaven, unlike the small towns of Suzhou and Hangzhou, where there are many extraordinary nobles who are arrogant and overbearing. Zhu'er, you should take an additional guard with you when you go out

The red bean suddenly trembled, frightened to the point of weakness in its legs

Zhu Mingyue stepped forward and supported his arm, "Father, this is Yingtianfu, not Beiping City"

Zhang Fu was even more astonished upon hearing this

Not knowing that Lord Yao had arrived, I have failed to extend a proper welcome

Zhang Fuwen looked at Hong Dou gently and said, "Rest assured, with me here, no one can bully your young lady."

The person behind is still pursuing.

Under the clear moonlight, the girl had a face as smooth as snow jade, with watery black eyes, the pupils deep and captivating, gazing at him intently. At this moment, without her adornments, she was not as elegant and splendid as during the palace banquet, yet she possessed a unique charm and grace. The silver hairpin and jade pendant accentuated her silky black hair, flowing like a waterfall; her eyes resembled polished lacquer, and on her forehead, a pure silver ornament sparkled brilliantly.

A sharp scream of "Ah" was emitted by the red bean

The man raised an eyebrow, a smile that sent chills, "You can give it a try"

When Hong Dou mentioned the words "Jianwen," Zhu Mingyue raised her hand to stop her for a moment, turned to look at her father who was soundly asleep on the bed, half-opened mouth, snoring, and gestured for Hong Dou to follow her outside

Yao Guangxiao then realized that someone had entered, opened his eyelids, and said with a slight smile: "Miss Yue'er, good afternoon"

Just right

Hong Dou lowered the curtain and said with delight. It was evident that she harbored some affection and praise for the new emperor in her heart

Zhu Mingyue picked up a wolf hair brush, intending to write the four characters "Shaonian Qingsiang" on the Xuan paper. At that moment, a maid came in from outside to report.

Zhu Mingyue said: "They must have been taken away by those old generals to drink, along with my father"

Who goes there? Step aside at once!

If Zhang Fu can be considered a young prime minister, then Mu Sheng is undoubtedly a young general

Look at this young gentleman, so refined in appearance, yet unable to understand the words! My young lady has a good temper, but I cannot help but protect my master. This whip does not have eyes; I advise the young gentleman to step aside quickly

Zhu Mingyue pulled him and slowly walked towards the outside of the Fengtian Gate. Just as they were about to reach the front of the Chengtian Gate, a group of military generals emerged from behind.

Before Zhu Mingyue could respond, Hong Dou joyfully said, "That would be wonderful! Who knows if those two will take the opportunity to turn back and cause trouble while the young master is away"

Xinanbo

It is likely that the remaining generals are in a similar situation

Jia Ding City of Suzhou Prefecture

The horse's hooves are raised high, the rider sits upright on the horse's back, yet they barely come to a stop. With the fierce neighing of the steed, a rider approaches rapidly, dust swirling in the air. It is evident that the rider possesses exceptional equestrian skills. Accompanying this approach is an unstoppable, formidable momentum.

Red Bean opened her mouth and said, "Miss, is the master alright"

powerful minister

Shen Family, Mingzhu

As Hong Dou spoke, she tilted her head and smiled with a hint of ambiguity, "Miss, Young Master Wenbi is quite attentive. He thinks of what others do not."

The young girl squinted her eyes, disliking the posture of being looked up at, and thus turned around and walked away.

Upon hearing this, Hong Dou couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, fortunate that he still had some restraint and did not outright assert that her young lady was indeed the one.

The person blocking the way stuttered, yet their voice was soft, too eager and somewhat awkward, clearly exhibiting an accent from the southern regions, which gave off a strong scholarly air

After the imperial banquet concluded, many military officials were still not satisfied. They left the main hall together and, upon exiting the Feng Tian Gate, began to laugh and joke with one another again

On the east side of the hall, rows of tables were set up, piled high with wine jars. It was the officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice who drank the most, refusing to let the palace maids take them away, competing with each other to see who could hold their liquor better. A few military officers were also engaged in a drinking contest, their faces flushed and necks thick, their shouts growing louder, causing the literati to snicker and shake their heads in disapproval.

At this moment, the man said: "Since it is uncertain whether it is or not, it is also impossible to determine that it is not. You still need to go with him for a trip."

At that moment, Hong Dou saw someone stepping in to mediate and could not help but joyfully exclaim, "It is good that the young master has arrived. Those two individuals were trying to bully the young lady!"

Zhu Mingyue suddenly felt a sense of unease in her heart

Hong Dou lifted one side of the curtain, and Zhu Mingyue walked in. Hong Dou softly said: "I have also inquired, but very few people know. It seems that there is not much foundation in the capital, it is probably just a wealthy household from Yunnan."

Even when intoxicated, I did not forget to conceal her whereabouts

Zhu Mingyue said: "Father got drunk and was only sent back at dawn"

Is it allowed or not allowed

"This prince has come to seek someone," the man said, turning his gaze to the girl behind him, "but I happened to encounter someone who is relying on violence."

Zhu Mingyue thought it made sense, so she looked at him apologetically and said "Thank you for your trouble"

It turns out that Lord Yao is here to act as a matchmaker

Having said that, he forcefully swung the whip, aiming to strike that person.

Zhu Mingyue also smiled and said through the car curtain, "I forgot, you have never been good at drinking."

Having said that, a sharp gaze filled with a smile glanced towards the red bean on the side

What relationship could there be? I, a mere servant, dare to say that the master is indeed a favored person in front of the Emperor. The Emperor treats those military generals with considerable affection, indulging and accommodating them, as if he fears that the palace rules might constrain them. Just now, I observed it clearly; after just one round of drinks, the Emperor left the table with a beaming smile, not wanting to spoil the enjoyment of those few.

When the red beans return, the young girl sitting at the desk, with half of her body enveloped in sunlight, appears graceful from the side, her skin surpassing snow in its whiteness, and her pair of pitch-black eyes, clear and transparent. Her arm, suspended in mid-air, is as steady as a rock, holding a wolf hair brush between her jade-like fingers, resembling ink on pear blossoms.

Some of the former officials of Jianwen who walked behind, mostly civil servants, had never witnessed such a scene. Their brows furrowed deeply, and expressions of disdain and contempt were clearly visible

Yao Guangxiao took it over, the delicate glass was thin and translucent, revealing the fragrant and fresh tea inside

Zhu Mingyue glanced at him and said, "What does Lord Yao wish to say?"

A beauty that captivates the nation, standing apart from the world

"You girl are truly beautiful, just like our Yue'er..." Zhu, taking advantage of the moonlight, widened his eyes to take a look, grinned foolishly, "But you definitely aren't as smart as our Yue'er. Our Yue'er, she is like the little literary star from the heavens, reincarnated as my daughter..."

No

The red bean on one side spoke quickly, blurting out.

During the era of Emperor Taizu, a multitude of military stars gathered, among whom the most renowned commanders were Xu Da, Deng Yu, Chang Mao, Lan Yu, and Mu Ying. They expanded territories and eradicated the barbarians, becoming celebrated founding heroes. Following them were figures such as Zhang Yu, Zhu Neng, Qiu Fu, and Jin Zhong, who assisted the current sovereign in the campaign to pacify the realm and ushered in the Yongle era.

Shameless monk

Upon hearing this, the red bean beside her was somewhat taken aback, still not having had enough to drink

A hand clenched a small token in the sleeve, just as she was about to take it out, a male voice suddenly sounded from behind her

If one were to encounter Zhang Fu, he is not a man of many words

Zhu Mingyue sat beside him and said, "Lord Yao, from where have you come? Suddenly stopping at the Duke's residence, it cannot be for the purpose of delivering an imperial edict, can it?"

She picked up the bedding that had fallen on the ground, and Hong Dou continued: "After the master returned to the residence, I went out to inquire a bit. To my surprise, it was not necessary to ask in detail; that Prince Qian Ning is indeed well-known. His surname is Mu and his given name is Sheng, and he is the third head of the Qian Ning Wang Mansion in Yunnan."

The man with the surname Shen still insisted, not daring to come any closer, let alone step forward to pull her, stubbornly blocking the road and refusing to leave. Hong Dou also became somewhat anxious, fearing that if this continued, it would lead to trouble, so she simply snatched the horsewhip from the servant's hand.

After the man with the surname Shen finished speaking, Hong Dou was completely bewildered.

It can be said that he is the young lady's childhood sweetheart

The hooves struck the ground as the restless horse snorted loudly in place. The man on the saddle soothingly stroked the horse's mane, a slight smirk appearing at the corner of his lips as he coldly remarked, "Was it her who had someone strike you just now?"

Zhu Mingyue squinted her eyes and said

Zhu Mingyue shook her head, indicating that she was fine. Zhang Fu smiled at her reassuringly, then naturally stood in front of her, blocking the gaze of others.

Master, I am Hong Dou.

If the ruler and his ministers are harmonious, and the entire court is united, staying might allow my father to realize his ambitions; if days like this could continue indefinitely, remaining might also be a good thing. Yet, no one knows if such a possibility exists.

This statement was directed at the man with the surname Shen, yet the speaker's eyes remained fixed on Zhu Mingyue without blinking, showing no intention of revealing their name, nor did they regard her and her servant with any importance

Because her father was a soldier, she had a fondness for the barracks and the soldiers. Zhu Mingyue bowed respectfully to those individuals, recognizing a few of them, who had previously resided in the mansion in the west of the city

Zhu Mingyue could not help but feel angry, secretly thinking that this person truly did not know how to appreciate kindness, causing a disturbance here in the middle of the night. At that moment, the man with the surname Shen, who had been standing to one side, suddenly stepped forward and bowed to Zhang Fu, saying, "I did not know it was Young Master Zhang from the Xin'an Bo's residence, and I apologize for the rudeness. Since it is already past curfew, we should not linger any longer, so... we shall take our leave."

A mere commoner, relying solely on financial means, can command such attention from the esteemed King of Qianning? ... Furthermore, they were even brought into the palace to attend a banquet...

Hong Dou muttered under his breath "bastard" and urged the servant repeatedly "hurry up", intending to quickly shake off the person behind.

The red beans nodded slightly, leading the maid to the front. Zhu Mingyue picked up the brush and, at the bottom of the rice paper, wrote two powerful and rounded large seal characters with precision, each stroke strong and weighty, elegant and extraordinary

It turns out to be Shen Mingzhu, not Zhu Mingzhu

The man immediately became extremely agitated, his voice trembling, and even his shoulders began to shake. "If the young lady is a relative of any official in the court... it is impossible that she has just arrived in the capital, right? Moreover, to my knowledge, the families of those from the Northern Army are still on their way, making it even less likely. ... And if the young lady is permitted to attend the imperial banquet, she must be Zhu'er, the daughter my Shen family has lost for many years..."

Park

Pearl

Having said that, she handed the tea cup to Yao Guangxiao

She was neither a person from the palace during the Jianwen period, nor did she have any need to waste time. Almost at the same moment, Zhu Mingyue was about to lower the curtain of the carriage and instruct the driver to continue on the road, when she suddenly heard the man speak urgently:

Yao Guangxiao said: "It is the unworthy monk who has come, is the Duke still resting?"

To my surprise, I encountered him here

Is the young lady unwilling

The maid said that the young lady is taking care of the master

No matter the reason for coming, she does not intend to associate with the people and matters related to it any longer

"The carriages of other families are all parked at the Cheng Tian Men city gate, yet ours is waiting in front of the Hong Wu Men, having taken such a long detour for nothing," complained Hong Dou as she helped her onto the carriage

After many years of not seeing each other, she could hardly recognize the person before her. The warm and bright figure from her childhood memories was a small boy who had just begun to grow, but now he had shed his youthful innocence. His features were striking, and between his brows lay a newfound maturity and wisdom, making him even more handsome and ethereal.

Hong Dou could not help but exchange a glance with the young lady. Upon hearing this, it was difficult for both of them not to recall that day outside the makeup shop in the southern part of the city, when Yao Guangxiao personally brought officials to capture a young girl. Her appearance was indeed quite remarkable, leaving a lasting impression. Coincidentally, she was of a similar age to Zhu Mingyue, and at the corner of her right eye, there was also a tear mole, a delicate red, sorrowful and reminiscent of a trembling drop of blood

The reckless man had long been dumbfounded, not knowing whether it was the girl's beauty that captivated him or some other reason. With his mouth half open, he stammered for a long while before finally saying: "Zhu'er, are you, are you Zhu'er?"

"It was you who crashed into the carriage first, yet you still dare to ask who my young lady is and what right you have to question her?" Hong Dou, fiercely protective of her master, shouted loudly

Surprisingly, they are meditating and reciting scriptures

Red Bean Road: "Naturally, it is irrelevant. The young lady has already left the palace, and everything has settled down. Even if someone wishes to stir up trouble again, they will not find us to blame."

Zhu Mingyue fell behind, walking along the palace wall until she reached the front of the Fengtian Gate. From a distance, she spotted Zhu Neng, whose face was flushed with red, swaying as he walked, clearly also intoxicated. Hong Dou hurried over, quickly stepping forward to support him, but was brushed off—"What kind of little girl are you? Why are you grabbing me!"

Red Bean, upon hearing him call his young lady by her given name, could not help but scold loudly: "You are truly a brazen scoundrel! Who on earth are you to dare obstruct the carriage of the Duke's residence?"

The man was momentarily taken aback, but he assumed that her lack of a direct answer was an implicit confirmation. His clenched jaw and tense face turned even redder as he asked, "May I inquire, Miss, if you are fourteen years old and born in the year of the Earth Dragon?"

I had thought that a frail person would not be able to run far, yet unexpectedly, his pace was not slow at all. Even though the horse-drawn carriage was racing, he did not fall far behind! The repeated calls of "Miss" echoed behind, particularly grating to the ears. If it were during the day, it might have attracted a crowd to watch the commotion. Not only was Hong Dou irritated, but even the young driver was exceptionally annoyed.

A faint sound came from behind the curtain

Zhu Mingyue glanced at her and gestured for her to go and make tea

The modest gentleman, warm and gentle as jade, exudes a soft and radiant charm. It is unclear whether his words were directed at Hong Dou or meant for Zhu Mingyue behind him, but Hong Dou's cheeks flushed crimson due to the handsome man and his captivating smile

"Miss, why do you think Lord Yao has come here?" Hong Dou asked with some concern

Is it referring to Yao Guangxiao, Yao Gong? Aside from him, she cannot recall anyone else who would dare to sit openly in the women's section of the west hall; moreover, among all the civil and military officials, he is the only one who is a monk. The man before her is dressed in the attire of a common scholar, yet he does not appear to have any official title, so how was he permitted to enter the palace to attend the banquet?

Zhu Mingyue approached the large huanghuali wood desk, raised her hand to move the paperweight slightly, "That person keeps insisting on finding his sister, claiming that it was the monk in charge who abducted her. And we happened to encounter a group of officials and monks in the south of the city that day, capturing a girl..."

Persevere without giving up

What if the young lady does not leave

"This is truly what Lord Yao said!" Hong Dou exclaimed in astonishment

Wen Bi

Yao Guangxiao said with a smile: "Indeed, given Miss Yue'er’s conditions, I fear the threshold will be trampled, and I am also concerned that we may not be able to select a satisfactory candidate. The Duke will be at ease!"

Only after those two left did Hong Dou feel a sense of relief, shaking her head and saying: "Really, just look at their attitude! Thanks to the young master, otherwise, the maid and the young lady would have suffered greatly."

The heavily intoxicated general swayed as he spoke, his tongue somewhat tangled.

Zhu Mingyue said: "It is very strange"

The wind rustled the satin garments, creating a whooshing sound, and that person seemed like a proud hawk, drawing ever closer in the blink of an eye. It was only then that Hong Dou remembered that her young lady was still standing by the carriage, and she hurriedly ran in that direction, but it was already too late

The man coldly laughed and said: "Just now, when her maid was about to whip someone, why didn't I see any city patrol officials come out? Is it possible that this curfew grants special amnesty to the people of the capital?"

Zhu Mingyue paused for a moment in contemplation, "Let us wait for half an hour; if he has not left by then, we shall go over."

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear

The speaker was unintentional. The several civil officials, upon hearing this, immediately changed their expressions, exerting all their strength to struggle free from the grip of the military general, and fled from the front of the Fengtian Gate as if covering their faces.

After a brief conversation, by the time they arrived at the mansion in the west of the city, she was almost dozing off. The carriage came to a steady stop, and Zhang Fu jumped down from the carriage, then kindly lifted the curtain.

Why didn't you go join in the fun?

The man stretched his neck and shouted loudly. However, the driver merely said "Get lost," and the carriage passed directly over him, impatiently kicking up dust as it left.

Speaking of that gentleman with the gentle breeze and clear moon, he is truly refined and elegant, with a graceful demeanor; moreover, at the tender age of twenty, he has inherited his father's official position, so it would not be an exaggeration to call him a young minister.

Hong Dou, unaware of her thoughts, covered her lips and smiled, saying: "By the way, a servant from the residence of Duke Xin'an just came by, bringing some herbal medicine to relieve intoxication. He also inquired whether we are in need of a guard or something similar, suggesting that we could draw some from Duke Xin'an's household. It would not be too late to return them once the old servants from Beiping arrive."

"I... I..." The man with the surname Shen looked at the young girl, momentarily at a loss for words. He lowered his head, his face filled with sorrow, and said, "I, Shen, feel that the young lady resembles my younger sister greatly, but I am not certain..."

If the monk is on official business, how could the young lady forget to offer a cup of tea to drink

She suddenly raised her gaze and met a pair of deep black eyes

Is it true that your younger sister has been with Master Daoyan all this time

Having closed the door, the master and servant proceeded to the eastern chamber's bedroom

Hong Dou revealed a hint of a cold smile and said, "Do not say that this servant did not remind Young Master Shen; daring to block my young lady's path, even high-ranking officials and nobles must weigh their actions, let alone you, a mere commoner!"

Zhu Mingyue wrung a cloth in the hot water from the basin and wiped the face of the person on the bed, saying, "I do not know where the wine was drunk, but it is certain that father must have lost in drinking."

The red bean let out a delicate reprimand, interrupting his words: "Where did this fearless scoundrel come from? Do you know who my young lady is, to dare block the way halfway! If you wish to keep your life, leave at once!"

As the night deepened, the banquet in the palace had been lively for an entire night. Zhu Mingyue felt somewhat weary and quietly dozed off against the soft seat. The interior of the carriage was very comfortable, adorned with soft satin, even the corners were wrapped in satin. The window curtains fell to the bottom, making the interior both ample and warm. A cool night breeze flowed in through the curtains, swirling around the incense burner on the sandalwood table, carrying a faint fragrance of the bright moon.

Master Wenbi is indeed elegant and gentle, quite unlike someone who has once led troops into battle. If it weren't for the fact that the young lady later entered the palace, they might have been even closer.

Indeed, if we speak of the new nobility of the current dynasty, not only the original Northern Army but also the young King of Qianning from Yunnan can be considered one. Although he was granted the title of marquis in the early years of the Jianwen era, he did not participate in the Jingnan campaign. After the emperor ascended the throne, he held him in high regard, and he can be described as a young man who achieved success at an early age, possessing extraordinary nobility. Hong Dou remarked, "However, there is no longer any mention of Jianwen now, as the emperor has long changed the fourth year of Jianwen to the thirty-fifth year of Hongwu. It is just that I speak too freely and always forget to be a bit more cautious about such matters."

He walked to Zhu Mingyue's side, his tall figure casting a shadow over her, "Are you alright?"

Did that young lady just arrive in the capital? Has she ever been to Jiading City in Suzhou Prefecture?

At this moment, the womenfolk circled from the Xihua Gate to the front of the Fengtian Gate. The young ladies from various households, with graceful steps, were assisted by their maids as they boarded the sedan chairs or carriages of their respective families

According to the rules of propriety, young women from prestigious families are absolutely forbidden to meet unfamiliar men without the company of elder relatives, especially unmarried young ladies. However, Zhu Mingyue not only ordered the carriage to stop but also personally lifted the curtain of the carriage

That voice was very melodious, carrying the warmth of spring rain. Zhu Mingyue instinctively turned her head and saw a familiar face

Who

In, beneath ... ...

Zhang Fu smiled and glanced at her, then turned around to face the young girl in front of him, "I didn't scare you, did I"

As the words fell, the young maid beside her repeatedly shook her head, "No, I did not, I did not."

Outrageous

No wonder the generals in the Northern Camp often mention her.

At this moment, it has been a while since the banquet in the palace has ended, and with the night watch in the imperial city, how could anyone still dare to gallop on horseback within the capital? That voice simultaneously caused several people to turn their heads to look, only to see a man riding swiftly under the bright blue moonlight, clad in a royal blue robe trimmed with crimson, exuding an imposing and majestic presence.

At this moment, Hong Dou returned with two maidservants, one carrying an exquisite blue-and-white porcelain pot with a delicate glazed spout, while the other held a crackle-glazed glass cup, both sparkling and translucent, far from being mere humble items

Half an hour later

Arrogant as fire, defiant like the wind

Every person and event related to Yao Guangxiao is peculiar. What she cannot comprehend is whether Yao Guangxiao intentionally had her sit in the public chair, which led the other party to come knocking.

Zhu Mingyue, whose expression had always been solemn, finally relaxed her brow at this moment, while simultaneously suppressing the murderous intent that had just arisen. "So, you are here to seek your relatives?" She slightly shook her head, "Then you have truly mistaken the person, for I am a resident of the capital and have no connection whatsoever with your lost younger sister."

Zhu Mingyue said: "Tomorrow, you should go out and inquire a bit."

Hong Dou went out to inquire, and soon returned to the house, "Miss, Mr. Yao has arrived!"

I am surnamed Shen. I sincerely apologize for disturbing you at such a late hour, it is indeed extremely rude of me... However, the situation arose unexpectedly, as you bear an uncanny resemblance to my younger sister, Shen Mingzhu. In my longing for family, I hastily pursued you in a moment of urgency... I only wish to ask, are you from Yingtian Prefecture? If so, which prefecture do you hail from?

Now, the carriage is occupied only by the maid and the coachman, with not even a single guard present. Who would have thought that right under the feet of the Son of Heaven in the capital, there would be someone so blind as to cause a disturbance! Hong Dou is immensely relieved that a carriage has arrived at the palace gate to pick someone up; had they taken a sedan chair, they might have been entangled in trouble.

I apologize for my boldness, may I ask which noble house the young lady in the carriage belongs to? I, I...

Moon, little moon

A strong smell of alcohol wafted through the air, causing the civil officials to cover their mouths and noses in disgust, struggling to shake him off, as they were no match for those military generals. At that moment, another inebriated officer shouted, "Don't say I didn't warn you, the Emperor enjoys this too; when he drinks, he's even fiercer than us! If you look down on me, are you not also looking down on our Emperor!"

Zhu Mingyue's eyes were filled with indignation as she stared directly into the man's pair of eyes that were laced with disdain and mockery. Not to mention the streets of the capital, even within the imperial palace, no one had ever dared to speak to her in such a manner! Was it because they were taking advantage of her being a solitary woman, vulnerable and alone?

So you, you really are my sister, aren't you

Zhang Fu smiled faintly and, with elegance and politeness, said: "When did Prince Qian Ning arrive in the capital, as he is not at the Yunnan residence?"

Zhu Mingyue, upon hearing matters related to Yao Guangxiao, instinctively sought to avoid the topic, and thus said: "I shall reiterate, I am not the person that Young Master Shen is looking for. Moreover, my ancestral home is Huizhou Prefecture, and I have grown up in Beiping, so I do not recognize any members of the Shen family. Young Master Shen need not waste any more words."

After the renowned generals, more renowned generals emerge. Zhang Fu is the eldest son of the Duke of Rongguo, Zhang Yu; after the passing of the famous general Li Wenzhong, his eldest son Li Jinglong succeeded him; that Mu Sheng is the second son of the former governor and Prince of Qianning, Mu Ying, and is also the current prince of Yunnan

The horse-drawn carriage, while in motion, was suddenly halted by the reins, causing Zhu Mingyue to jolt unexpectedly, her shoulder colliding with the corner of the carriage window

What if I were to kill him?

During the time of the Great Ancestor, the Mu family was stationed in the regions of Yunnan and Guizhou. Later, the first Lord Mu passed away while in office, which caused great sorrow to the Great Ancestor. He posthumously honored him as the King of Qianning, with the posthumous title of Zhao Jing, and he was enshrined in the ancestral temple. Subsequently, his eldest son, Mu Chun, succeeded to the position and served for seven years... Considering the history, the Mu family has been guarding Yunnan for quite some time. However, since Mu Chun had no sons, after his death, his younger brother inherited the title, who is the second son of the late Lord Mu and the current head of the Mu family, Mu Sheng.

The fierce horse came to a sudden stop one foot away from the girl

Miss, I heard Young Master Wenbi refer to that person as 'King Qian Ning'

Red Bean Road: "Miss, do you not doubt the words of that Young Master Shen? Is it truly the case that Lord Yao has captured his sister?"

Yao Guangxiao smiled as he raised both hands, slowly rotating the Buddhist beads that he had slipped onto his wrist. "When it comes to the talented youth, the young master can certainly be considered among the best. Even the duke is quite pleased with him. I believe that the young master and the well-educated young lady are a match made in heaven, are they not?"

The last sentence was spoken while looking at Zhu Mingyue, with her chin raised, exhibiting an extremely arrogant attitude

It is truly incomprehensible. Such a royal and solemn place has been turned into a chaotic mess by this group of filthy individuals

Zhu Neng, who was completely intoxicated and oblivious to his surroundings, was carried back by several attendants from the tavern. Upon seeing him, the gatekeeper hurriedly assisted in bringing him into the inner courtyard's bedroom. Hong Dou settled the bill, while the household servants busied themselves with his washing and settling in. By the time Zhu Neng lay on the couch, snoring loudly, the sky had already brightened.

The man who rode in on horseback looked indifferently at the conversation among several people, his thin lips pressed together as he coldly snorted and said: "This time, the palace has set a banquet, and I am naturally here on imperial orders. What, did Duke Xin'an not receive the imperial decree to attend the banquet in the palace?"

She parted her lips, her voice resembling the spring water infused with frost

Zhu Mingyue asked: "What did you say?"

Miss, the man with the surname Shen who just collided with our carriage is quite strange

You are welcome. It has been many years since we last met; if it weren't for this carriage from the National Government, I might have almost failed to recognize you. I heard that you have been recuperating in Suzhou; have you been well? How is it that you encountered him upon returning to the capital?

Having said that, she signaled to Hong Dou to drive him away

His last sentence, raised in volume, was clearly directed at those inside the car

It cannot be wrong! Zhu'er's facial features are remarkably similar to those of the young lady, especially the tear mole at the corner of her eye, which is identical to the one on the young lady's right eye! Furthermore, during the recent banquet, I, Shen, have been paying close attention to the direction of the young lady. Although I could not see clearly, the young lady was always seated with that shameless monk. Who else could it be but Zhu'er?" As he spoke, his voice grew softer and more sorrowful, "I just do not understand why a girl of no rank is allowed to sit at the public seat?"

As soon as Zhu Neng heard it was Zhu Mingyue, he immediately became a bit more alert, "What is Yue'er doing in the military camp? Isn't she recuperating in the Jiading villa in Suzhou?"

Before the red bean could react, those generals unceremoniously took Zhu Neng away. The red bean wanted to stop them but was unable to do so, only able to watch helplessly as the figures receded into the distance, with one or two jokes still echoing from ahead

The young servant tightened the reins, let out a "whoa," and the panting horse came to a halt.

It turns out that it was my father who went to Lord Yao to complain," Zhu Mingyue said, "The matters my daughter seeks are all known to Lord Yao. As for the rest, there is no need for Lord Yao to worry about it.

"Wait a moment, miss, I indeed have urgent matters to discuss!"

Zhu Mingyue looked at the man in front of her

Yao Guangxiao wore a charming smile, showing no signs of anger. Zhu Mingyue said, "Your Excellency's words are truly flattering. There are not many servants in the residence, and the living quarters are old and shabby, everything is kept simple; even the tea served in the residence is old tea, fearing that Your Excellency may not be accustomed to it"

In the midst of my wandering thoughts, the vehicle suddenly jolted violently.

The horse, unable to bear the pain, neighed once and galloped away with the cart, spreading its four hooves.

The two attendants followed behind and walked out of the Chengtian Gate. At this moment, the people in front had already walked quite far. After passing the Outer Wulong Bridge, a horse-drawn carriage stopped in front of the Hongwu Gate. The coachman, noticing the two of them, swiftly lifted the curtain and hung it on the silver hook, preparing a small red satin stool.

The young girl looked at him coldly, her eyes glistening with tears beneath her beauty mark. "Under the feet of the Emperor in the capital, it is once again the curfew following the palace banquet. Not only is one loitering outside at will, but also colliding with the carriages of officials' families. What is the intention behind this? Even if one were to claim that he intended to 'assassinate the king and kill the emperor' on the spot, it would not be an exaggeration, let alone merely using a whip"

The night breeze was slightly cool, and his voice came through the car curtain, gentle and warm

Zhu Mingyue said: "Thank you very much"

It can be considered lenient

Zhang Fu touched his forehead and said, "They indeed have a particular fondness for this."

The man kept staring at the young girl in the car, not shifting his gaze, and he paid no attention to what Hong Dou was saying. It was only when Hong Dou shouted angrily that he felt it was rude, his face flushed with embarrassment, and he clasped his hands in salute, bowing deeply to the two of them.

Zhu Mingyue said: "The events of last night have spread to Lord Yao's ears so quickly. I truly wonder if that girl Hong Dou has been bribed by Lord Yao."

Zhu Mingyue paused for a moment with the pen in hand, not raising her head, "You go."

"Well, it won't be your turn even if we take turns," a smiling face leaned closely to Zhu Neng and said, "I have three sons at home, how about I let you choose one for your daughter?"

Red Bean opened its mouth in astonishment and then burst into laughter

Standing upright in such a manner, with a steady and powerful grip on the pen—this is not something that can be achieved overnight

Zhu Mingyue declared resolutely

Zhang Fu also reflected on his own lack of decorum, scratching his head and smiling as he said: "Look at me, having asked so many questions, I don't even know which one to have you answer. It's too late, let me take you back."

Zhu Mingyue saw the excited expression of her maid and chuckled, "Let's go"

I would also like to express my gratitude for the kind favor of Mr. Yao

A mere official's family member, what audacity you have, who gave you the courage

Zhang Fu was taken aback; he was unaware of the details, but seeing that the other party was clearly not friendly, he could not help but say: "There must be some misunderstanding here. King Qian Ning has long resided in the fief and is not well acquainted with the curfew in the capital. Since it is already late at night, it would be better to disperse now to avoid attracting the city patrol officials later, which would only add unnecessary trouble."

Five years

Is there really such a coincidence in the world?

Zhu Mingyue smiled and said, "Isn't Lord Yao trying to use this to compensate for my daughter?"

Your daughter is quite beautiful; let her be my daughter-in-law!

Even so, Wen Bi did not see him off far, and he would certainly visit in the future

Well

Hong Dou stepped over the threshold with a copper basin, which contained the prepared hot water. "The master does not even know which tavern he drank at; after a whole night, it amounts to just a few silver ingots"

The man let out a cold snort, flicked his robe, and mounted the horse. The man with the surname Shen repeatedly apologized, turned his head, but reluctantly gazed at Zhu Mingyue, who stood behind Zhang Fu, turning back every three steps.

Girl, your father has entrusted us, so you can rest assured one hundred and twenty percent!

The person hesitated for quite a while, seemingly timid, and mustered the courage to say: "I truly apologize for my boldness, and I am well aware that visiting a young lady at such a late hour is quite inappropriate. However, there is no greater courtesy than that of kinship, and I indeed have an urgent matter to discuss. I hope that the young lady in the carriage will grant me an audience, no matter what!"

The man with the surname Shen held his neck stiffly, remaining silent, clearly indicating his refusal to speak.

The man's anger surged as he spoke, and before Hong Dou could step forward to intervene, the man with the surname Shen rushed over and firmly grabbed him from behind, saying, "Your Highness, do not frighten my sister!"

The man with the surname Shen gritted his teeth and nodded with resentment: "It has been five years. My younger sister got separated from our family in Jiading City, Suzhou, and it has been a full five years since that parting. Over the years, despite the efforts of my Shen family members to search for her, there has been no trace. I never expected that she was actually being kept by that dead monk all this time!"

As the words landed, it was as if lightning had suddenly struck, causing a look of vigilance and suspicion to suddenly appear in Hong Dou's eyes, instinctively glancing towards her young lady.

The imperial banquet lasted quite late, named "The Joy of Sovereign and Subjects Together," yet the Emperor had retired early. The various civil and military officials remained, enjoying a harmonious atmosphere, engaging in conversation with ease

The master and servant walked out of the eastern wing of the house, following the path towards the courtyard of the northern wing. Upon entering the side hall, they saw a monk in a black robe sitting on a rose-carved backrest chair, holding a string of prayer beads, with his eyes closed and muttering words.

Hong Dou's hand holding the whip paused, staring blankly as a horse and rider galloped towards this direction

Zhu Mingyue said: "Regardless of whether it is true or false, I only hope that this matter has nothing to do with us"

The carriage carried several people and continued towards the west of the city. The young driver, feeling more confident with the passengers aboard, slowed down a bit compared to before. The sound of hooves and the creaking of the wheels made the streets in the deep night even quieter, while the curtains on both sides fluttered, occasionally revealing the faint lights from the shops along the street.

Yao Guangxiao said with a smile: "By the way, Miss, you must have met that person already"

Zhu Mingyue could not help but smile after he finished speaking

Upon hearing this, Hong Dou wanted to laugh but dared not to, as it seemed that the young lady still had no intention of serving him tea

The man stared at her for a moment, crossed his arms and coldly laughed, saying: "You are neither an official nor a noble courtier, so what power do you have to act with such impunity?"

The red bean furrowed its brow, turned its head to glance at the curtain behind, and upon hearing no response, understood the meaning of its young lady. It exchanged a knowing look with the young servant beside it, who comprehended and raised the whip vigorously, "Giddy up—"

Hong Dou, both angry and amused, repeatedly said: "My lord, you have had too much to drink, please hurry and come with me. The young lady is still waiting for you over there."

Indeed, your father has a good capacity for alcohol, let's gather again, my brothers!

But she naturally would not meet him

After all, as a newcomer to wealth, one should exercise some restraint. Otherwise, why allow others to criticize these trivial matters

However, my lord still has to attend court tomorrow

The sound of Dada's horse's hooves is very clear on the quiet street

The man also recognized the visitor, and his eyes involuntarily narrowed.

The impolite question did not offend Zhu Mingyue, who gently nodded and said, "That's right"

The two younger brothers also entered the palace to attend the banquet, and after a long time had passed, they still had not returned. I was worried, so I went out again to search for them.

However, knowing that she had an encounter with Xinanbo, how could one be unaware of the incident where the carriage of the Duke's residence was collided with by those two unfamiliar men. "Lord Yao does not drink alcohol, yet he goes to the tavern. Tea, perhaps?"

The curtain was slowly lifted

Yao Guangxiao said: "I feel ashamed, truly ashamed, as I merely wanted to join a few colleagues for some merriment. Little did I expect that most of them would drink themselves into a stupor, their speech becoming slurred. Only the young master of the Zhang family abstains from alcohol, exercising self-restraint and composure, which is indeed rare.

The next day, at the break of dawn, the door of the residence in the western part of the city was knocked upon

"You should at least consider whose family member it is. Truly, it takes a lot of courage borrowed from the heavens." Hong Dou pouted and muttered another sentence.

Yao Guangxiao sighed lightly and said, "The Duke has been constantly mentioning this in front of me. Due to those years spent in the palace, Miss Yue'er’s marriage has been delayed, and I feel guilty about it."

The man furrowed his brow and looked at her: "You are... Shen Mingzhu?"

What is handled is documentation, yet for the soldiers at the border, it is a matter of blood and sand, facing death countless times.

Zhu Mingyue glanced at the deep night sky and said, "Let us return. Instruct the servants to prepare some hangover tea and ginger soup. When father returns, have him drink them to avoid catching a cold."

The man, with a demeanor as gentle as the wind after the rain, was dressed in a robe of blue silk brocade, accompanied only by a young servant. He neither rode a horse nor took a sedan chair, but walked leisurely under the moonlight, resembling the gentle spring breeze caressing the willows, bringing an inexplicable sense of tranquility and warmth.

The red bean stared wide-eyed, furious that he still dared to create a scene.

Miss, Mr. Yao came on his own, stating that he was passing by and wanted to pay a visit to you. I have escorted him to the side hall of the northern chamber

The Emperor just announced that there will be a special amnesty tomorrow, and there will be no morning court session...

Miss

The coachman and the maid, Hong Dou, both bowed respectfully towards her and humbly stepped aside

Please wait a moment, miss, allow me to speak next

Hong Dou was astonished and stared wide-eyed. What is wrong with this person? They are utterly disrespectful and disregard all rules, not only failing to pull away that person who is recklessly claiming kinship, but also attempting to forcibly take the young lady away!

Zhang Fu's lips curled into a faint smile, "I do not favor Du Kang. If I go, I fear I will be intoxicated beyond measure. Even if tomorrow's morning court is adjourned, by the time the morning court of the day after arrives, I am afraid I will not be able to rise."

He turned his gaze towards the man with the surname Shen and said, "What do you think?"

Outside, the sound of reprimands from the red beans could be heard simultaneously. Zhu Mingyue opened her eyes but did not move—at this hour, in such a place, it was surprising that someone would dare to obstruct her.

Zhu Mingyue looked up, facing the galloping hooves that soared and then swiftly descended, without taking a step back. It was not because she was the general's daughter and fearless in the face of danger, but rather because the man on the horse was too fast, leaving her no time to react before he was upon her. In that critical moment, she could even feel the chilling aura emanating from the man.