Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 4939: Splendid Times
Teams of fully armed Jinwu Guards, holding spears in hand, shuttled through the streets of Chang'an. The cold wind was howling, torches were swaying, and the clanging of armor plates as they walked. Their mighty murderous aura scared the troublemakers and knights-errant into living in their own neighborhoods and dared not show their heads to cause trouble. The children were not afraid. From time to time, a child in new clothes would run up with food, raise their red faces from the cold, and give it to the patrolling soldiers with their hands raised high.

The Jinwu Guards would neither accept nor stop, but every time at this time, these soldiers would straighten their chests while walking, and lightly hit their breastplates with their right fists as a greeting.

They receive instruction from the military Sima in the barracks every day, learning everything from reading to writing, which makes them all aware of their responsibilities. On New Year's Eve, when the whole family is reunited, they have to patrol the capital in the biting cold wind. In addition to obeying the military orders, they also have to protect the lights of thousands of homes and the peace of the prosperous era.

Seeing the innocent and simple smiling faces of the children and their little hands raised high holding cakes or bacon is the most direct recognition and praise for their hard work, which will make them feel recognized and proud of what they have done from the bottom of their hearts.

It is almost dawn, and the old year is replaced by the new year. Some families can't wait any longer and move their fireworks to the courtyard or the street. Children excitedly hold lit incense sticks and move closer. There is a "hissing" sound of sparks and smoke, and then a "boom" as the firework breaks through the shell and soars into the sky, soaring straight up with a swaying flame tail, and "bang" explodes in the night sky, blooming into a dazzling firework.

According to the rules, during the three-year mourning period for Emperor Taizong, all celebrations should be stopped throughout the country. However, Li Chengqian issued an imperial decree that except for the royal family who had to observe mourning, the rest of the ministers and common people could celebrate on their own during the festive period... This move naturally aroused praise from the people.

Fang Jun came out of Taiji Palace and rode back to Chongrenfang surrounded by his personal soldiers. He rode slowly and let the reins run freely. From time to time, he looked up at the brilliant fireworks in the night sky and couldn't help but smile.

Whether it was opening up the sea or expanding the border, everything he did was ultimately for the people of the Tang Dynasty and the descendants of China to have an extra bowl of rice to eat and an extra piece of clothing to wear. This was the embodiment of his own value.

What glory, wealth, and power are nothing compared to the lights of thousands of homes and the prosperous times?

However, due to the tense atmosphere within the royal family this year, Fang Xuanling and his wife, along with Xiao Shuer, Qiaoer and the children, stayed in Jiangnan and never returned to Beijing, which made him feel very worried and missed them...

When they arrived at the gate, the guards had already opened the gate and were waiting outside. When they saw Fang Jun from afar, they all bowed to the ground and said loudly: "Congratulations to Erlang on the auspicious New Year, all the best, and may your family be healthy and may you be a noble for generations!"

Fang Jun laughed loudly as he rode into the gate and waved his hand: "Reward!"

A personal soldier behind him smiled and stayed behind, jumped off his horse, took out a handful of silver ingots from his bag, and gave them out one by one.

……

In the back hall, they were waiting for Fang Jun to come back to have the New Year's Eve dinner together.

Princess Gaoyang held Wu Meiniang's hand and whispered to her what happened in the palace just now, especially Fang Jun's request for her to send someone to send fireworks to Princess Qinghe...

Finally, Princess Gaoyang sighed and said, "I never cared about these things in the past. No matter if it's a man or a woman, since we are in such a noble position, we don't have to follow the principle of being faithful to one person. If we can live well, we can live well. If we can't live well, we can find another good man. We can't just hang ourselves on a crooked tree, right?"

These words were somewhat unorthodox, at least they did not conform to mainstream values. Anyone who heard them would blush and curse that they were ridiculous... But Wu Meiniang agreed with them and nodded in agreement.

Jin Shengman on the side widened his eyes, looked left and right, and felt deeply impressed. These two people were too amazing. In this society where men are superior to women, they performed "unruly" and "rebellious" to the fullest...

But I don’t know if they dare to say this in front of their husband, and if they do, will they get beaten…

Princess Gaoyang was obviously deeply touched by Wu Meiniang's approval, and said with emotion: "In the past, he and Changle were not clear, and I simply disdained it. If Changle wanted to follow him, she could follow him, and she couldn't marry into the Fang family. Even when he was flirting with Baling, I was not very worried. I just warned and warned him, and Baling would definitely retreat. But now I see that our young man may really have some dirty thoughts in his heart, and he is particularly interested in the princess..."

It would be fine if it was just one or two, but why did they choose to target her sisters? How could she tolerate this?
Jin Shengman couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, are you worried about Princess Qinghe? Not really..."

Wu Meiniang understood what Princess Gaoyang was worried about: "His Highness Jinyang didn't show up today?"

"He said he was not feeling well and did not show up."

Princess Gaoyang held her hand tightly. She was indeed very smart and knew what she was really worried about.

Be it Baling or Qinghe, even if they are put together, they are not enough to make her feel afraid. They are just "playthings". They are not even as good as Changle, so how can they climb over her head?
Princess Jinyang is the real threat.

Wu Meiniang pursed her lips, a little worried: "Jinyang is different after all. Langjun has almost watched her grow up. This kind of affection is extraordinary. Moreover, Jinyang has always been close to Langjun. Sometimes he doesn't even care about the distinction between men and women. He regards him as a brother and a father. What if Langjun has hidden thoughts? What should I do?"

One can understand Princess Jinyang's intentions by simply looking at the fact that she repeatedly refused marriage proposals and even threatened to become a nun.

Although it is difficult to see through Fang Junzhi's mind, we can get a glimpse of it when we combine it with the tragic death of Qiu Shenji, who had previously regarded Jinyang as "a thing in his pocket", at the Jiangnan ferry...

Wu Meiniang raised her eyebrows, feeling great pressure, but also full of fighting spirit: "That depends on what our husband thinks. If we leave her outside, we can do whatever he wants. Even if she gives birth to an heir, it doesn't matter. We will even send our blessings. But if you want to marry her back, it will definitely not be that easy."

Naturally, she had a deep understanding of Princess Jinyang. Although she looked delicate, pretty, well-behaved and clever, she was actually beautiful and intelligent, with a lot of scheming. She was definitely not someone who would submit to others' wishes. Once she entered the Fang family's gate, she would pose a great threat.

Of course, the possibility of Princess Jinyang marrying into the Fang family is too small...

Thinking about it this way, her husband was simply a philanderer and a troublemaker. Fortunately, she had returned to Chang'an from Luoyang. If she had been careless for a moment, her husband might have made a fait accompli for her...

Princess Gaoyang nodded and reminded him, "You need to hurry up with Princess Baling. At the banquet in Taiji Palace today, many royal ladies talked about her in private. They all said that her relationship with Chai Lingwu was quite cold and the couple's relationship was almost broken. If she divorced first, it would be difficult for you to push her away given your personality."

Maybe you and I only had a fleeting romance before, but if Princess Baling divorces because of this, you may have to take on the so-called responsibility.

Wu Meiniang said, "On the fifth day of the first lunar month, all the women in the family will go to the Da Ci'en Temple to burn incense and pray for Empress Wende. I will find an opportunity to talk to her then."

Princess Gaoyang nodded: "That's perfect."

She knew that what Wu Meiniang meant by "a talk" would be words as sharp as knives, "a combination of wind, snow and sword", which most people could not withstand.

Jin Shengman stood aside in silence, her heart pounding with fear and uneasiness. Listening to the two men's plan to "deal with" Princess Baling, she felt a chill in her heart and was filled with worry.

If they treat Princess Baling like this, what if her sister is not tolerated either?
After taking a bath, Fang Jun changed into casual clothes and walked out of the back hall leisurely. He looked at the servants and maids hiding in the distance, and then looked at the three women gathered together. He snorted and said, "You three are always gathered together and chattering. It must be bad news! Tell me, what are you planning?"

The three girls stood up and greeted each other. After Fang Jun sat down, they sat down. Princess Gaoyang smiled and said, "What are we planning? From what you said, it sounds like we sisters are plotting something."

Wu Meiniang said coquettishly: "In my husband's eyes, we don't look like good people."

Fang Jun sneered: "Haha, you are quite self-aware."

If you, Wu Meiniang, were a good person, then everyone in the world would be a white lotus...

Wu Meiniang was dissatisfied and said in a tender voice: "My dear, what you said is unfair. I went to Luoyang for my family's property. I, a woman, listened to abacus beads all day long, and pretended to be nice to a group of men, and schemed and calculated. In the end, not only did I not get any credit, but I ended up with nothing, right? Isn't it unfair!"

Fang Jun took the tea handed over by Jin Shengman and drank a sip. He nodded and said, "It is true that Mei Niang has been wronged. As a father, I feel very guilty. So, after the new year, I will hand over all the affairs and select someone else to take charge of the business. When Mei Niang returns to Chang'an, I will feel at ease."

Wu Meiniang: "..."

It's a waste of time, isn't it?

You know that I like the feeling of being in power, and that I like the decisiveness in deciding all matters in the entire company with just one word, so you deliberately use words to stop me?

Why is it that this stinky man is so good at talking? Can’t you just give in to me?

Humph, just wait, I will drive away all your female confidantes...

She said aggrievedly, "My dear, why do you say that? I am also a member of the family. It is natural for me to work hard for the prosperity of the family business. But my dear, you look down on my contribution during this period. It is really chilling. If I had known this, why would I have rushed to Luoyang alone?"

Jin Shengman admired Wu Meiniang the most. Seeing this, he quickly held Wu Meiniang's hand, raised his eyebrows at Fang Jun, and said dissatisfiedly: "How can you bully me like this? Sister Mei Niang is so lonely and alone in Luoyang. You should comfort her more and be considerate."

Princess Gaoyang also said: "Our family business is almost entirely supported by Mei Niang. She has worked hard and made great contributions. It is not an exaggeration to say that she is a 'virtuous wife'. How can you still be so picky and nitpicking? You have no conscience!"

The three women formed an alliance, sharing the same aspirations and advancing and retreating together. Fang Jun decisively admitted his mistake: "Okay, okay, it's my fault. When we get to bed, I will devote myself to you and teach you everything I know!"

"Pooh!"

The three girls spat in unison.

The ghost is telling us everything he knows, do you really think we don’t understand?

Obscene!

(End of this chapter)