My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 287: No Harem Interfering in Government Affairs

The sunlight shines through the clouds, casting mottled shadows on the earth.

On the official road, an elegantly decorated carriage moved slowly forward. The wheels rolled over the ground, making a dull and rhythmic squeak, as if telling the story of the long journey.

Inside the car, Feng Huiyin was wearing a light pink silk skirt with delicate plum blossom patterns embroidered on the hem, which swayed slightly with her movements.

She leaned lazily on the soft brocade cushion, gently lifted a corner of the curtain with her white fingers, and looked through the narrow gap at the scenery outside the car that was constantly receding.

A breeze blew by, and a few strands of black hair playfully fell on Feng Huiyin's pink cheeks. She subconsciously smoothed them with her hand, with a bit of tiredness and expectation in her eyes.

The maid Xiaochun was busy sorting packages. She was wearing an emerald green cloth shirt and looked neat and tidy.

On the round face, a pair of bright big eyes sparkle with curiosity and excitement.

He looked up at his young lady from time to time, his hands moving non-stop and humming an unknown little tune.

Seeing Feng Huiyin like this, Xiaochun raised the corners of his mouth slightly, a hint of mischief flashed in his eyes, and he joked: "Miss, you seem to be restless all the way. Are you thinking about how His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will welcome you?"

As she spoke, she stopped what she was doing, clasped her hands over her chest, tilted her head, and looked at Feng Huiyin expectantly.

The two grew up together. In name they were master and servant, but in reality they were no less than sisters.

Feng Huiyin's cheeks flushed instantly, as if something had hit the nail on the head. She lowered the curtain in a panic, turned her head, and glared at Xiaochun in a reproachful manner: "Xiaochun, you are such a teasing girl. I was just thinking about all the traveling and I wonder what Luoyang is like."

As she spoke, she gently smoothed the hair by her ears, trying to hide her shyness.

Xiaochun blinked her bright eyes, and came to Feng Huiyin with a smile, holding her arm with both hands and shaking it gently: "Miss, please don't be so stubborn. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is now famous. Our Changle Feng family expressed support at this time. I'm sure His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will look at you differently."

"Who knows, once I see you, I will be completely captivated by your beauty and talent."

At this point, Xiaochun couldn't help but chuckle, her eyes narrowed into crescents, and the dimples on her face were faintly visible.

Feng Huiyin gently patted Xiaochun's hand and pretended to be angry, "You are getting more and more outrageous. His Royal Highness has seen all kinds of women around him, and he is still fascinated by me. I am just worried that if His Royal Highness thinks that our Feng family has other purposes in doing this, he will be angry with me."

At this point, a trace of worry flashed in Feng Huiyin's eyes, and her originally bright eyes dimmed a little. She bit her lower lip subconsciously, and her hands unconsciously clenched the corners of her clothes, and her knuckles turned white due to the force.

After that night with the prince, Feng Huiyin became the most honorable person in the family. Even the respected elders were kind to her.

However, the more such treatment she received, the more pressure Feng Huiyin felt.

Because all of this depends on the prince.

So much time had passed, and the prince hadn't even said he would contact her after returning to Luoyang.

Will the prince really miss her?

Can she occupy a place in the prince's heart?

Xiaochun quickly let go of Feng Huiyin's arm, straightened his expression, held Feng Huiyin's hands with both hands, and said seriously: "Miss, don't let your imagination run wild. Our Feng family has always been loyal, and this time we sincerely support His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Besides, you are gentle, kind, and well-educated. How could His Royal Highness the Crown Prince not like you?"

As he spoke, Xiaochun gently patted the back of Feng Huiyin's hand, trying to give her strength.

In fact, Xiaochun was also a little flustered.

But at this time, it is natural to say nice things.

Feng Huiyin sighed softly, nodded, and forced a smile: "I hope so. But royal affairs are always complicated. I'm really afraid that if I'm not careful, I'll cause trouble for the family."

He lowered his head slightly and looked at the two people's clasped hands, but the worry in his heart did not dissipate.

The two chatted for a while, and the carriage slowly drove into Luoyang City.

"Miss, look!"

Xiaochun suddenly jumped up excitedly, pulling Feng Huiyin's arm with both hands, his eyes wide open and his face full of surprise.

"This Luoyang City is really lively!"

Feng Huiyin was startled by Xiaochun's actions. She quickly steadied herself and looked in the direction of Xiaochun's finger.

The moment the car curtain was lowered, Feng Huiyin's eyes suddenly widened and she was deeply shocked by the scene before her.

The streets were crowded with cars and pedestrians. People were wearing all kinds of clothes, some were hurrying on their way, while others were strolling leisurely.

The streets were crowded with cars and pedestrians. In addition to the common people dressed in Tang Dynasty costumes, there were also many foreigners in strange costumes walking around.

There were people from the Western Regions with high noses and deep eyes. The men wore pointed felt hats with rolled brims, narrow-sleeved Hu clothing, leather belts inlaid with gems tied around their waists, long boots on their feet, and walked with brisk steps.

The woman was wearing a colorful shawl and a floor-length skirt with exquisite exotic patterns embroidered on the hem. She had a pretty face and lively eyes.

Their stalls were filled with a wide variety of goods, including dazzling jewelry, exquisite spices, and peculiarly shaped handicrafts, attracting many people to stop and watch and choose.

Further away, you can see tall Arabs with dark skin, wearing white robes, turbans, thick beards and deep eyes.

There are many shops on the street with dazzling signs swaying gently in the breeze.

There is a cloth shop selling all kinds of exquisite silks. The colorful silks sparkle with charming luster in the sun. The shop assistants are enthusiastically introducing various fabrics to customers.

There are restaurants and teahouses with tempting aromas wafting out of them. The waiters stand at the door, shouting enthusiastically to attract customers. The restaurants are full of diners and there is constant laughter and chatter.

There are also grocery stores filled with rare toys, which attract children to stop and watch at the door, their eyes full of curiosity and desire, and their little hands pointing at the items they like from time to time.

There were many jugglers on the street. A big acrobat, with bare chest and strong muscles showing, was throwing several throwing knives into the air and catching them accurately. The flying knives flashed coldly in the sun, attracting a group of people around to watch the fun and cheers.

A sword swallowing artist with a stern face slowly inserted a long sword that was shining with cold light into his throat. The crowd exclaimed in surprise, and some people even covered their eyes, but could not help peeking through their fingers.

There were also a few monkey trainers. The monkeys were dressed in brightly colored clothes and performed all kinds of funny movements under the direction of the artists. Sometimes they did somersaults, and sometimes they bowed like humans, making everyone laugh, and the children laughed so hard that they fell backwards.

Suddenly there was a loud noise, attracting the attention of the two women.

On the streets, craftsmen were busy moving around, carrying huge stones.

That was the sound of stones falling to the ground.

Under the command of the supervisor, a group of laborers pried up the old stone slabs and replaced them with new and larger ones. Each slab was polished to be flat and smooth. The workers worked together, shouting slogans, and laid the stone slabs steadily on the ground.

"This Luoyang City is indeed worthy of its reputation."

Feng Huiyin couldn't help but sigh, opened her mouth slightly, and her eyes were full of amazement and curiosity.

"It's much more prosperous than our Changle."

As he spoke, his eyes scanned the street back and forth, not missing any details, trying to take in this bustling scene.

Xiaochun was also overwhelmed by the sight, muttering, "It's so lively, there will be plenty to visit in the future."

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and she gestured with her hands, as if she couldn't wait to go shopping. She pointed at the circus here, then at the store there, and kept saying, "Miss, look at that, and that."

Just as Feng Huiyin and Xiaochun were immersed in the prosperity of Luoyang City, the carriage slowly stopped.

The coachman respectfully lifted the curtain and said, "Miss, a distinguished guest is here to greet you." Feng Huiyin was startled and subconsciously straightened her clothes, then slowly got off the carriage with Xiaochun.

I saw a man dressed in gorgeous clothes, with a white face and no beard, walking towards me with steady steps. He had a kind face, but his eyes showed a bit of shrewdness and competence. Behind him were several servants who were also dressed in exquisite clothes.

The man came to Feng Huiyin, bowed slightly, performed a standard court ceremony, then raised his head and said with a friendly smile: "Miss Feng, you have worked hard on the journey. I am Wen Zhong, and I have come to greet you on the orders of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Upon seeing this, Feng Huiyin hurriedly bowed slightly in return, her heart filled with surprise and emotion. She had not expected that the prince would send such an important eunuch to greet her. This was enough to show how much the prince valued her and Changle Feng.

This was the name of the crown prince's eunuch, Wen Zhong, whose name spread along with the crown prince's prestige.

Everyone knows that Wen Zhong, the crown prince's eunuch, is the crown prince's confidant.

Many people believe that the eunuch Wen Zhong will become a big figure like the current emperor's eunuch Zhang Ananda.

Even if he is a duke or a prime minister, he has to give him some face.

Feng Huiyin said softly, "Thank you, Eunuch Wen, for coming here in person. I am terrified."

Wen Zhong smiled and waved his hand, saying, "You are too polite, young lady. His Highness is very grateful for the support of you and Changle Feng, and he specifically told me to entertain you well."

After saying that, he turned sideways and made a gesture of invitation.

"Young lady, please follow me. His Highness has prepared a welcoming banquet in the mansion and is waiting for you."

Feng Huiyin nodded slightly, and under the guidance of Wen Zhong, she got back into the carriage.

The carriage started slowly and drove towards the Luoyang Palace City.

Along the way, Wen Zhong introduced the situation in Luoyang City and the arrangements for the welcoming banquet to Feng Huiyin in detail. He was extremely respectful to Feng Huiyin in his words, which gradually dissipated the tension and uneasiness in Feng Huiyin's heart, and was replaced by anticipation for her future life in the Prince's Mansion.

As the carriage gradually approached the Prince's Palace, the number of pedestrians on the street gradually decreased and the atmosphere around became solemn.

Feng Huiyin's heart began to pound and she clenched her hands tightly.

Xiaochun also noticed the young lady's nervousness. She stopped talking and just sat quietly by the side, looking at Feng Huiyin with encouraging eyes. From time to time, she gently patted Feng Huiyin's shoulder to give silent comfort.

The main gate of Luoyang Palace.

The carriage stopped and Wen Zhong went over to take it.

Not long after, the carriage started slowly again and entered the palace.

Soon, they arrived in front of a palace.

The driver jumped out of the car and opened the door respectfully.

Feng Huiyin took a deep breath and slowly stepped out of the carriage.

Surrounding them was a team of guards standing with their eyes fixed straight ahead, and patrolling royal guards could be seen not far away.

The guards in armor stood tall and straight, like tall pine trees, with stern eyes, revealing a murderous aura, giving people a feeling of majesty without even being angry.

Xiaochun also got out of the car. She walked to Feng Huiyin, gently pulled her sleeve, and whispered, "Miss, don't be nervous."

The study room in the palace.

Li Chengqian was looking through the files at the desk.

The eunuch Wen Zhong reported: "Your Highness, Miss Feng is here."

Li Chengqian nodded: "Announce."

Wen Zhong went out to pass on the message. Upon hearing this, Feng Huiyin took a deep breath and slowly walked into the study in the palace.

At this time, the maid Xiaochun was not qualified to go in and could only wait outside.

"I have met His Highness the Crown Prince."

Feng Huiyin's voice was soft and melodious, like the sound of a yellow oriole singing in a valley, gently echoing in the study.

Li Chengqian raised his head and smiled slightly, "Huiyin, there's no need to be polite. Please take a seat."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Wen Zhong brought a chair and placed it next to Li Chengqian's desk, which made Feng Huiyin even more nervous.

Feng Huiyin is no stranger to chairs.

Originally, the Feng family of Changle mainly sat on their knees. Most of the noble families actually adhered to tradition, and the spread of chairs was not so rapid.

After all, in this era, most people live in their own little world.

For example, Feng Huiyin grew up in Xindu, Jizhou, and has never been out.

That's why I am so shocked by the prosperity of Luoyang.

"Has it been hard along the way?"

Li Chengqian put down the file and asked.

The horse-drawn carriages of that era were very uncomfortable to ride in.

Most of the official road was bumpy and rugged, and even the carriage was very bumpy.

For a lady from a wealthy family like Feng Huiyin, this was probably the first time she was traveling far away.

Feng Huiyin heard this and replied softly, "I have always liked horse riding and I am quite used to it."

This statement is to express that he is not just a pretty face, but has learned the six arts of a gentleman.

Li Chengqian smiled when he heard this and asked, "Huiyin, have you seen the scene in Luoyang? What do you think?"

This is a test.

What is being tested is Feng Huiyin's talent. If she knows nothing, she will just be a vase.

If I really have some literary talent, maybe I can really help with something.

Li Chengqian is short of people around him now.

What is lacking is confidants.

Li Chengqian didn't have much to say about the harem interfering in government affairs, as Empress Changsun was also in charge back then.

Moreover, the textile industry is about to rise and will recruit a large number of female workers.

It would be great if Feng Huiyin could help in some ways.

(End of this chapter)