Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 4947 Jinyang: You must stand on my side in the future!

The heavy snow fell, covering the buildings and palaces. Under the bright lights, the East Palace was peaceful.

For dinner, Crown Prince Li Xiang ate seafood sent from the East China Sea. His belly was full. Empress Su did not dare to let him go to bed early. She watched him walk back and forth in the palace to digest the food. Princess Changle washed up and went to take care of her son Lu'er. Princess Jinyang was bored and suddenly remembered that there was a "Shenjiying" lurking in Lizheng Palace. She called the eunuch and asked, "How much seafood is left from the East China Sea?"

"Your Highness, it's difficult to travel these days, so every time Huating Town sends us seafood, it's always in large quantities. There's still a lot left, and I've had it stored in the cellar. But if it's not eaten within the next two days, it might go bad."

Princess Jinyang sat upright on the embroidered cushion and sipped her cherry-like mouth, "No need to store it, cook it all and give it to the soldiers of the 'Shenjiying' as a midnight snack."

This eunuch was the queen's confidant, so he naturally knew that there was a troop hiding in Lizheng Palace. Upon hearing this, he immediately responded, "Yes, I will have someone cook it right away."

"Well, go quickly."

Princess Jinyang hummed, and then continued: "Come and inform me when it's ready. I'll go with you to express my condolences. These students came to the palace to protect the prince, and they have made great contributions. But I haven't met them yet."

"Here."

The eunuch withdrew.

Princess Jinyang picked up the teacup and took a sip. Her hands were as slender as orchids, her posture was elegant, her waist was thin, her back was straight, her hair was as black as clouds, her head was as delicate as a goose neck, and her petite and slender figure was full of dignified and elegant charm.

The reason for going there to "express condolences" is naturally to win people's hearts.

The commander of this "Shenjiying" is Cen Changqian, the nephew of the late Zhongshu Ling and Jiangling County Zi Cen Benwen. He was raised by Fang Jun since childhood as a successor and has a solid foundation in the civil service system. He was born in an academy and was strongly promoted by Fang Jun. As soon as he entered the officialdom, he was appointed as the Chief Clerk of the Zuo Jinwu Guard, and was like a rising star in the political arena.

However, these are not the reasons why Princess Jinyang is willing to "respect the wise and humble herself to the humble". The real reason is that Cen Changqian is Fang Jun's confidant and has a bright future within Fang Jun's small circle.

If you want to conquer your brother-in-law, you must first conquer the people around him, otherwise who will speak for you at the critical moment?

When it comes to the scene, a confidant like Cen Changqian saying something to me, although it cannot influence my brother-in-law's decision, it will definitely have an immeasurable impact...

In this era, there was a lack of seasoning, so the way of cooking food was naturally very simple. Especially seafood, which required its freshness and original flavor, was cooked quickly. However, feeding more than a hundred people was not an easy task.

Half an hour later, the eunuch came to report that the seafood had been cooked. He took it upon himself to add more dishes to make up the food share for a hundred people.

Princess Jinyang stood up and went to several side halls at the back with a large group of eunuchs and palace maids.

It was a top secret that the "Shenjiying" was hiding in the Lizheng Palace, but after all, with so many people hiding there, it would be difficult not to be exposed in their daily lives, so the Queen found an excuse to drastically increase the number of slaves and palace maids in the Lizheng Palace, while keeping it strictly secret from the outside world.

At this time, the Lizheng Hall was like the "palace within the palace" of the Eastern Palace...

Cen Changqian had already learned that Princess Jinyang had given a midnight snack, so she took more than a dozen students from the academy to wait in the corridor of the side hall.

It was snowing heavily before my eyes. The roof of the palace was hidden in the darkness, and the double eaves were illuminated by the light of the lanterns, casting a shadow.

Snow powder fell down, and a pretty crimson figure appeared in the sight.

Her black hair was tied into a bun, studded with pearls and jade, her slender neck was like a swan, and she wore a crimson cloak over her skirt. The snow-white fur collar made her skin look as white as jade. She walked lightly on the thick snow on the ground, with a dignified and graceful manner.

When I got closer, the lanterns in the corridor illuminated a small face the size of a palm, with picturesque features and natural beauty.

Cen Changqian quickly led the other dozen or so students from the academy out of the corridor, knelt on one knee in the snow, and said, "Your Highness, the Princess, is here to see us."

Princess Jinyang stopped walking, her manners were elegant, her lips opened, and her voice was as clear as pearls falling on a jade plate: "My dear ministers, please stand up without formalities."

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Cen Changqian and others stood up, turned sideways and stood in a row with respectful expressions.

The reputation of Tang princesses was not very good, which led to many meritorious families not wanting to marry princesses, but Princess Jinyang was obviously not one of them. As early as the time of Emperor Taizong, Princess Jinyang's reputation had already spread among the court officials. This little princess was not only talented, beautiful and intelligent, but also kind-hearted and had a good character. She had interceded for civil and military officials many times.

It is said that no one could control the fury of Emperor Li II, but Princess Jinyang was the only one who could console him. Often with just a few words and a smile, Emperor Li II's anger would be quietly dissipated. He would allow his ministers to make mistakes and would eventually just laugh it off.

Therefore, Princess Jinyang enjoyed a very good reputation among civil officials and military generals.

In addition, the students of the academy had the utmost respect for Fang Jun and regarded him as the role model to pursue throughout their lives. As for the extremely close relationship between Fang Jun and Princess Jinyang, the students of the academy all regarded Princess Jinyang as "one of their own family" and were naturally close to her.

Princess Jinyang raised her pretty face slightly, smiling lightly, reservedly and gently: "You are all the pillars of the country, the future backbone of the empire. The royal family is deeply grateful that you can enter the East Palace to protect the safety of the crown prince. Moreover, you are all my brother-in-law's students. You are still dedicated to the public during the New Year holidays. How can I treat you poorly? Today, there is seafood sent from the East China Sea. I have someone cook a delicious meal and give it to you for supper to show my gratitude."

Cen Changqian and his companions were extremely terrified and said, "Your Highness's love and care are deeply appreciated! However, as subjects, we should protect the safety of the crown prince. Even if we are stabbed with swords and axes and die in pieces, we will have no regrets and will not accept Your Highness's praise."

Princess Jinyang smiled and said, "You must be Cen Changqian, right? I often hear my brother-in-law talk about you. You are indeed a talented person with a handsome appearance and outstanding abilities. No wonder my brother-in-law thinks highly of you."

Cen Changqian raised her head and saw the little princess in front of her smiling. In the heavy snow, the gentle smile on her beautiful face was as clear and pure as a pool of spring water. Her bright eyes reflected the light of the lantern and her eyes were as clear as water...

The girl's slender body was wrapped in a cloak, and she stood there gracefully. An air of virtuousness and elegance emanated from her, making people feel close to her.

Cen Changqian's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly lowered her head, not daring to look directly at him. She said with a little embarrassment, "I am only diligent. I am ashamed to accept your words, Your Highness."

Although he thought that the relationship between the Marshal and Princess Jinyang was somewhat unacceptable, he also felt that the beautiful and pure girl in front of him could only be matched by a great man like the Marshal who was both vigorous and talented in both civil and military affairs...

Suddenly, he added, "Your Highness is a close friend of the Marshal. We obey the Marshal's orders, and naturally we also obey His Highness' orders. As long as His Highness gives an order, all students of the academy will obey!"

"..."

Princess Jinyang pursed her lips and smiled so hard that her eyes narrowed.

Originally, she loved her brother-in-law and his subordinates and students. Now, after hearing what Cen Changqian said, she felt that they were basically "one family"...

No matter how smart she is, she is just a little girl who has just come of age. She is no match for a cunning boy like Cen Changqian who has the "potential to be a prime minister". With just a little flattery, the princess is so happy that she feels very comfortable and in a good mood...

She looked at Cen Changqian with a smile and said in a crisp voice, "I will remember what you said!"

Cen Changqian bowed again: "My humble servant's words are from the bottom of my heart, as precious as gold and jade, and will never be changed!"

Princess Jinyang smiled like a flower: "I am here, I think you are too restrained and can't enjoy yourself, so I will go back now. When you leave in the second half of the night, I will not come to see you off, but I sincerely wish you all a bright future and aspirations. We have become friends, and friends should help each other. Although I can't help you to rise to prominence, if someone bullies you, you can come to me and I will definitely lend a hand!"

If you want to get something in advance, you must give it first. If you may need the help of these students in the future, you must promise them in advance. If you promise to give them an official position when the time comes, it will not impress these proud children...

From Cen Wenben onwards, they were all young men under the age of twenty. They had always admired such a noble lady from a wealthy family. Now, seeing this beautiful, intelligent, dignified and virtuous princess being so open with her, they naturally wanted to get closer to her.

More than ten people knelt on one knee and said in unison: "We are willing to serve Your Highness!"

Even though Princess Jinyang was known for her intelligence and stable mood, when she saw these heroic young men showing her respect and awe, she couldn't help but feel a surge of heroic spirit in her heart, thinking, "A real man should be like this."

No wonder those men still climb up tirelessly even when they are in high positions and hold great power. The scenery at the pinnacle of power is indeed very different.

……

Inside the side hall, a group of students from the “Shenjiying” were toasting each other and were in high spirits.

Although Princess Jinyang is just an unmarried princess and has never had any power, her influence in the imperial palace is definitely among the top five. Even His Majesty will not easily refute her request, especially since Fang Jun dotes on her and almost obeys her every word. Today's promise can be said to be an extremely powerful "amulet".

As long as he does not commit an unforgivable crime in the future, he can seek protection from Princess Jinyang based on his current relationship...

Besides, they were all young boys in love, and when faced with the beautiful and lovely Princess, whom they regarded as their close confidant, their blood boiled and their emotions were excited.

Cen Benwen ate seafood, drank two glasses of wine, and reminded others: "We will be leaving the East Palace soon, so you should drink less to avoid delays."

"Here."

He has a good family background, excellent grades and strong abilities, and is highly valued by Fang Junzhi. Now he has become a leader of the academy. Whenever he gives advice, everyone agrees and there is no objection.

An eunuch walked in quickly, looking a little panicked. He came to Cen Changqian's side and whispered in her ear, "Something is wrong. All gates of the East Palace have been tightened up, and the number of patrolling guards has almost doubled. I'm afraid you can't get out."

"Ok?"

Cen Changqian raised her eyebrows and her heart skipped a beat.