Harem Daily Life

When the Queen Mother heard that He Xuan's marriage was in the offing, she immediately became interested. "Oh? Tell me quickly, which family is he from?"

The Queen Mother's eyes were full of anticipation as she stared at Tao Yanyan closely.

Tao Yanyan glanced at He Jinan and said softly, "Replying to the Queen Mother, if it's as I expected, it should be the second son of the Changyong Earl's Mansion."

The Queen Mother was still searching her mind for her impression of the Marquis Changyong's residence when He Jinan said, "Are you talking about Mo Xingzhou? But he... is a few months younger than me."

Tao Yanyan smiled and said, "My Queen Mother only said it's a possibility. They left Beijing together to join the army this time, and they've gotten to know each other better. As for whether they'll get closer in the future, it all depends on their fate."

The Queen Mother pondered for a moment and said, "The Changyong Marquis's Mansion is a family of scholars. This Second Young Master is not afraid of hardship and is willing to join the army. I think he is also a passionate young man. Since the Queen thinks he is not bad, then we will take a closer look. We must make sure they are in love and become a perfect match."

Because Shu Siyi's matter affected the empress dowager's rest, Tao Yanyan did not stay with Jin'an for long. He said a few words and then knelt down to pay his respects.

After leaving the Changchun Palace, Tao Yanyan warned, "You must keep your mouth shut about what you said to your grandmother today about your eldest sister's marriage. Don't tell your sister about it either, lest she be embarrassed. Do you understand?"

He Jinan nodded and asked, "How did the Queen Mother know for sure that the Imperial Sister was interested in him, and that Mo Xingzhou was also interested in the Imperial Sister?"

He Jinan, who has not yet experienced the heartbeat of youth, really knows nothing about it.

Tao Yanyan smiled and said, "As for your sister, it's quite obvious. But whether Mo Xingzhou is interested in Xuan'er, Mother is really not sure. So we have to wait a little longer. Time will tell."

He Jinan curled his lips, a plan came to mind, and said, "If you want to know what he is thinking, I have a way."

Tao Yanyan raised an eyebrow: "What method?"

He Jinan said confidently, "He made an appointment with me and said he would treat me to a meal. I'll find out after asking him a few questions."

Tao Yanyan patted him and said, "You better be careful and be skillful when you're trying to get the right answer."

He Jinan patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, mother. Leave everything to me."

Shu Yunyun was sent directly back to the Shu family by Eunuch Qin, who also brought the Queen Mother's oral instructions, asking the Shu family to quickly prepare for Shu Yunyun's marriage. The other party was a guard of the Imperial Guard.

Lord Shu and Madam Shu were both bewildered, and Shu Yunyun's aunt turned even paler.

"Sir, we have to go back and report. Shu Siyi's luggage will be delivered later. The Queen Mother said that since the man and the woman are in love, then let them be together and get married as soon as possible. Shu Siyi's position as a female official has been automatically revoked because she is going to get married. The Queen Mother said that because she is a member of the Shu family, she specially allowed Shu Siyi to leave the palace and marry before she turned 25. Sir Shu, there is no need to come to the palace to thank her, just take care of your daughter."

The eunuch who came to deliver the message didn't have a smile on his face. Lord Shu stuffed some silver into his mouth and wanted to find out more about why this happened suddenly, but the two eunuchs refused to accept the silver.

"Sir, instead of asking us, you should ask your daughter. We are going back, so please don't send us off."

In a rush, Shu Yunyun lost her position as a court lady in one day and was driven out of the palace to marry. The changes happened so fast that she was stunned.

"You evil girl, tell me quickly, what did you do in the palace that made the Queen Mother want to kick you out personally?" Lord Shu was furious and asked the housekeeper to get the family rules to teach his daughter who had brought shame to him a lesson.

"Haha, what did I do? I was just talking to the Second Prince, and Queen Tao caught me. She accused me of seducing the prince, so the Queen Mother expelled me from the palace. I was wronged like this, and my father still beat me. Won't you stand up for me?"

Lord Shu frowned, wondering if Shu Yunyun's words were to be believed. Madam Shu sneered, "You look so coquettish, with abacus beads flying all over your face, and you thought the Queen Mother and the Empress were vegetarians. How could they not see through it? Humph, if it's true, as you say, that you're wronged, then why would the Queen Mother directly arrange your marriage to a guard? Perhaps you've been restless in the palace, always looking at the pot while having your cake and eating it too, and the Queen Mother has learned of your treacherous ways?"

A trace of guilt flashed across Shu Yunyun's face, as if her thoughts were being seen through. Madam Shu sneered again and glanced at her aunt: "Like mother, like daughter! Both mother and daughter are equally seductive."

After saying that, he didn't bother to pay attention to the three people present. He stood up and swaggered out of the hall and left.

"Master, are you really going to let Yunyun marry that guard Wang?" The concubine knelt on the ground and pleaded: "How can a guard of low status be worthy of Yunyun? Master, please think of a solution quickly!"

Lord Shu was so angry that he kicked the concubine: "You are so arrogant and incompetent! The Queen Mother has given the order, and you are trying to disobey her? You are more likely to cause trouble than to accomplish anything. Now I can't even face the Queen Mother. I have lost all my dignity!"

The mother and daughter were so despised that they cried together, but no one felt sorry for them.

In the palace, Manager Zhao sent away a giant Buddha that was causing trouble everywhere. He instantly felt refreshed and wanted to set up a table to celebrate.

Consort Xian also heard about this and raised an eyebrow: "I've said it before, that person is not a safe person. This time, the Queen Mother is really not protecting her and directly drove him away."

Yufen said, "I heard that the Queen Mother is really angry this time. It's all because that niece of the Shu family has set her sights on the Second Prince."

Concubine Xian drank her tea and pondered, "It's understandable that the Queen Mother dotes on her legitimate grandchildren, but this Second Prince... he was clearly brought back from the common people. How can she dote on him so much that she doesn't even care about her mother's family's reputation?"

Yufen had previously privately asked Chang Tai why the Second Prince, who was born a commoner, had the same status as the Crown Prince and the other Queen's biological children in the eyes of the Queen Mother, His Majesty, and the Queen. However, Chang Tai only told her that it was because he had been raised by them since childhood and had a close relationship with them.

"Perhaps it's because he's been by your side since he was young, so he's become attached to you. Besides, the Second Prince is very talented and looks a bit like Your Majesty."

Yufen's words made Concubine Xian suddenly feel dazed, as if she had overlooked something.

But in the end she didn't remember it. After all, she was one of the batch that entered the palace three years later and had no idea about the existence of Yin Jieyu.

He Jinan had an appointment with Mo Xingzhou for dinner, and the banquet was held at the Sihai Restaurant.

"No wonder every time I come here, no matter how crowded it is, the shopkeeper refuses to offer this private room to you. So it's reserved just for you?" Mo Xingzhou patted He Jinan's arm and said, "It's thanks to the Second Prince that I can have a meal in this private room today."

He Jinan didn't explain. This private room was reserved for his mother, and he was just taking advantage of her presence today. He smiled and said, "I've been back in Beijing for a few days now, and I heard that several families are hosting banquets and inviting military commanders to their homes. How are you? Have you received any invitations?"

Mo Xingzhou shook his head: "I received it, but I didn't go." After he finished speaking, he picked up some food for He Jinan and said: "These banquets are nothing more than finding husbands for our daughters. I have no interest in them at all."

He Jinan raised his eyebrows: "Why? Don't you want to get married?"

Mo Xingzhou shook his head like a rattle. "No, no, I already have someone I love, so I won't waste my time looking for her. It's just... our social statuses are so different. I need to earn some fame before I can propose marriage."

He Jinan lowered his head and took a sip of tea: "Aren't you afraid that your sweetheart will get married early and you won't have any chance?"

These words made Mo Xingzhou drop his head instantly. The young man had nothing and no official rank, and he felt ashamed of himself.