Golden Branch

Wang Lin was too eager for power and pursued wealth and honor.

Wang Heng's coming-of-age ceremony was an opportunity for him to make friends with nobles and demonstrate his status.

"Ajiu, your coming-of-age ceremony, your coming-of-age ceremony, does your mother have any arrangements?"

Holding the strong woman's arm, Wang Lin walked around the yard and returned to the main hall, then asked.

In his opinion, Wang Heng's princess mansion had invited all the dignitaries in the capital to the house-warming banquet half a month ago.

Princess Langya made a stunning appearance, and her name became famous throughout the capital.

As this is the most important coming-of-age ceremony in a woman's life, the banquet at the princess's mansion will only be more grand and magnificent.

Maybe even Concubine Jiang will come in person.

Wang Heng smiled faintly, not showing any disgust, "Father, mother has remarried and is no longer a member of the Wang family."

There are also advantages to respecting the patriarchal line.

According to current etiquette, when a woman remarries, she will no longer have any relationship with her ex-husband or her previous children.

Wang Lin wanted to use his daughter to coerce Concubine Jiang, but the rules did not allow it.

"My coming-of-age ceremony, mother, please don't interfere too much!"

Wang Heng already has the status of a princess, so there is no need to always pull Concubine Jiang out to protect her from the wind and rain.

Wang Lin's eyes flashed with dissatisfaction: "Ajiu, what are you talking about? She is your mother. How could she not worry about such an important matter as the coming-of-age ceremony?"

Wang Heng tried her best to deny her involvement with Concubine Jiang, which directly touched Wang Lin's bottom line.

As his recovery was in sight, Wang Lin, as a feudal patriarch, began to behave like a master without realizing it.

The girl obeyed her father at home, so Wang Lin didn't feel any psychological burden when he scolded Wang Heng.

But Wang Heng is no longer Wang Jiu, she now has another identity - Princess Langya.

"Father! My daughter is a princess now. All matters will be arranged by the Ministry of Rites!"

Her coming-of-age ceremony was also presided over by officials from the Ministry of Rites.

As the biological father, Wang Lin has no right to make comments.

Wang Lin was choked and stared at Wang Heng with his eyes wide open: What does this unfilial daughter mean?

Are you using your status as a princess to suppress him?

"Wang Jiu, you, you are unfilial!"

"Father, the Saint has bestowed upon me the dignity of a princess, and I, as a subject, must abide by the rules of propriety!"

Filial piety is indeed important!

However, when loyalty and filial piety conflict, loyalty takes precedence.

Imperial power is higher than patriarchal power!

Wang Heng refused to give in.

Wang Lin was indeed her father, and in the Dayu Dynasty, which attached great importance to social ethics, he had the power of life and death over her.

But she is no longer an ordinary daughter, she is a princess!

She became "Jun".

As a subject, even if he is her biological father, she cannot offend him at will!

“…” Wang Lin rolled his eyes in anger.

Wang Heng was looking forward to it: "Being mad? Yeah! That's great!"

If Wang Lin could be as hot-tempered and intolerant as Madam Xie, then—

Wang Heng was destined to be disappointed.

Wang Lin is a man of poor character, but mentally strong.

Although he was so angry at Wang Heng that he couldn't speak for a while, he didn't faint as Wang Heng wished.

Taking a deep breath, Wang Lin quickly calmed down.

He forced a smile, but his body had not fully recovered yet, and he did not have good control over his limbs and muscles.

When he smiled, his face was distorted so much that he looked ugly and scary.

"Ajiu, you misunderstood! Father did this to make your coming-of-age ceremony more grand and dignified!"

"I'm not feeling well, so I'm afraid I can't preside over the ceremony. The lowly Cui family has already been divorced. If there aren't any elders at the coming-of-age ceremony, won't we be ridiculed?"

A girl's coming-of-age ceremony must be presided over by her parents and elder relatives.

Although Wang Lin was blinded by greed and wanted to take the opportunity to smuggle goods, his words were not completely unreasonable.

Wang Lin felt that he had accurately grasped Wang Heng's pulse.

He was certain that as a woman, Wang Heng would not want the most important coming-of-age ceremony in her life to be left with regrets or even become a laughing stock because of her parents!

Wang Heng continued to smile faintly: "It seems I misunderstood Father! Father was always thinking about me."

"However, Father, don't worry. I have already invited the daughter of the Wang clan of Langya to be the guest of honor and preside over the ceremony for me!"

Her father was seriously ill and her mother remarried, so her elder relatives did not take care of her.

But, if parents are unreliable, there is still family.

Wang Heng has resumed the family tree with Wang Yan's branch. Although he has established a new hall name, he is still of the same lineage.

The Wang family of Yizhou is a branch of the Wang family of Langya.

The patriarch of the Wang family of Langya is also a relative of Wang Heng, the head of the Wang family of Yizhou.

The coming-of-age ceremony for Wang Heng was presided over by a clan lady from the Wang family of Langya (Wang Yan's mother), which was completely in accordance with etiquette.

It would have been fine if the Wang Clan of Langya hadn't been mentioned. However, once the Langya Wang Clan was mentioned, Wang Lin, who had a strong psychological quality, couldn't help but feel stimulated.

Ah!

What an unfilial daughter!

She actually took the initiative to bow to Wang Shi of Langya!

The orthodoxy of more than two hundred years was all destroyed by that little beast Wang Jiu.

The core of the education Wang Lin received since childhood was only two points: climbing to the pinnacle of power and regaining the orthodoxy of the Wang family!

They are the real Wang family of Langya, not some side branch, let alone slaves.

Wang Jiu, that damned girl, took advantage of him being unconscious and actually...

The fortress on the ancestral land was given to Wang Yan, and the sacrificial fields, ancestral hall, etc. were also given away.

Although the family tree was returned, the orthodox reputation of the Wang family of Langya was gone.

Wang family of Yizhou?

Nonsence!

They are originally from the Wang family of Yizhou, so there is no need to fight for it.

Several generations and more than two hundred years of planning, all came to nothing.

All, all of them are... an unfilial daughter! An unfilial daughter!

Wang Lin finally couldn't bear it anymore, his eyes rolled back and he fainted.

"Aye! Yes! Your daughter has long advised you that your health has just improved, so you must not overwork yourself."

Wang Heng cried out in shock, her voice slightly tearful, filled with obvious worry and anxiety.

She was recognized as a "filial daughter" by the queen. When her father fell ill, she was extremely anxious and wished she could sacrifice herself in his place.

The invited imperial physician, seeing the worried Princess Langya, couldn't help but sigh inwardly: She is indeed a filial daughter. No wonder she was able to miraculously wake up a seriously ill patient who had been in a coma for a long time.

Wang Lin fell down again.

It is estimated that she will not be able to attend Wang Heng's coming-of-age ceremony.

Without asking anyone for help, Wang Heng easily solved the trouble with Wang Lin.

Lou Yu, who lived on the other side, received the news half an hour later.

"This Wang Lin is really restless!"

Lou Yu stroked the elephant bone.

It’s just like what Wang Mian said, “the cockroach that can’t be killed.”

In his last plan, Lou Yu succeeded in making Wang Lin fall into a coma.

However, Lou Yu never thought that this person could actually wake up and continue to be lively and active to cause trouble for Aheng.

"In that case, let's do it again!"

"It's a pity that Cui has remarried, and the entire Wang family has been completely subjugated by Aheng."

If no one makes trouble, Lou Yu will be one less knife.

Lou Yu could do it himself, but... wait a little longer, wait until A'hang has completed her coming-of-age ceremony and gets married successfully, then he would kill him directly and completely eliminate the trouble for A'hang.

Lou Yu secretly made a plan and put Wang Lin aside for the time being.

The most important thing at the moment is Aheng's coming-of-age ceremony.

Wang Heng invited a clan member of the Wang family of Langya as the elder of the family to preside over the ceremony for her.

However, the coming-of-age ceremony requires a woman of noble status and high moral character to be the main guest.

Lou Yu had already chosen the main guest for Wang Heng - Princess Jincheng.

This noble lady is the saint's sister and a great contributor to the establishment of the new dynasty.

Not only is she of noble status, she also has outstanding military achievements.

Not only did he hold a prominent position in the Yang royal family, he was also highly prestigious in the capital and in the army.

Lou Yu has a close relationship with Princess Jincheng. If he asks for help, Princess Jincheng will definitely agree.

In fact, as early as right after arriving in the capital, Lou Yu personally visited Princess Jincheng and invited her in advance to be the guest of honor for Wang Heng's coming-of-age ceremony.

Princess Jincheng also readily agreed.

Now that the host and guest are chosen, the sponsor needed for the coming-of-age ceremony will be someone who is either of high status or has a very good relationship with the bride.

Of the two sponsor spots, Wang Mian naturally took one.

Another one, Lou Yu also helped Wang Heng choose:

"The Crown Princess's younger sister, the youngest daughter of Duke Zhao, Lady Lu Youan of Qingshui County."

After Lou Yu made his selection, he personally told Wang Heng about it.

The Crown Princess was born into the Fanyang Lu family, also a top-notch family in the northern border.

The Crown Princess's family is a die-hard follower of the saint.

Otherwise, the sage would not have chosen Lu's daughter as the bride for his most trusted and beloved eldest son.

After the saint ascended the throne, he rewarded his meritorious officials. The Crown Princess's father was then conferred the title of founding duke of a county.

The Lu family of Duke Zhao is the second most powerful foreign relative after the Li family of Duke Feng'en.

The youngest daughter of the Lu family, the younger sister of the Crown Princess from the same mother, is as noble as a princess.

She was even more respectable than some unfavored royal ladies.

When Wang Heng first arrived in Beijing, she was not familiar with the existing circle of socialites in the capital.

But Lou Yu has strong connections.

He is the prince's confidant, and the Lu family instinctively wants to win him over and make friends with him.

As Wang Heng is Lou Yu's sweetheart, the Lu family naturally has to give her enough face.

During the house-warming banquet, the wife of Duke Zhao came to the banquet with her daughter-in-law, daughter and other female relatives.

The glass workshops in the East and West Markets and the Duke Zhao’s Mansion are also VVIPs.

They made every effort to "make friends".

Lou Yu saw it all.

After confirming that the Lu family was reliable, Lou Yu took the initiative to help Wang Heng expand her social circle and invited Lu Youan to be her sponsor.

Wang Heng: ...although he is still overbearing and makes decisions for her on his own initiative.

However, Wang Heng had to admit in good conscience that Lou Yu's arrangement was excellent.

Wang Heng, the Princess of Langya, is too empty.

If you want to integrate into the capital as quickly as possible, you must establish good relationships with the new rich.

The Lu family, the second relative by marriage, is indeed a family that needs to be befriended.

Wang Heng is not really an ungrateful person. She knows Lou Yu’s good intentions.

Well, the sponsor will invite Wang Mian and Lu Youan.

……

"What a pity! I wanted to be a sponsor for Princess Langya!"

When the news came out, Princess Hengyang felt a little regretful after hearing it.

Princess Jincheng was busy with official duties and finally found time to chat with her daughter when she heard her mumbling.

Princess Jincheng couldn't help but laugh: "Lou Hanzhang has already invited me to be the guest of honor for Langya, so it's not appropriate to invite you to be the sponsor!"

The coming-of-age ceremony is not only a ritual for girls, but also an interaction between families.

From the guest of honor to the sponsor, everyone’s selection has rules and requirements.

They can’t all come from one company, otherwise the “quota” will be wasted.

Princess Hengyang was the daughter of Princess Jincheng and her husband Wei Shilian after her second marriage.

He is thirteen years old this year, smart and clever, a real little adult.

As Lu Jue's half-sister, although they have different surnames, they have a very good relationship.

Lu Jue was far away in Yizhou, but he never stopped communicating with Princess Hengyang.

During festivals, important days, or just every once in a while, Lu Jue would collect many small gifts and send them back to the capital from afar.

The brother and sister had a good relationship and exchanged letters frequently. Even if it was just an unintentional revelation, Princess Hengyang had noticed something in her brother's mind:

"Brother has a girl he likes!"

"...it's actually Wang Jia Jiuniang, the legendary Princess Langya!"

"Ah! Princess Langya is indeed extremely beautiful. No wonder my brother admires her so much."

"Since you like it, I will help you get together!"

The little girl is smart and precocious.

Because of the good relationship between siblings, I wanted to do my best to help my brother.

Since her brother is not in the capital and is thousands of miles away from the person he loves, she will actively act as a matchmaker.

Hey, she and Princess Langya became close friends, and mentioning and praising her brother in Princess Langya's ears from time to time might have an unexpected effect.

Princess Hengyang attended the last house-warming banquet in person and showed her goodwill to Wang Heng.

After the house-warming banquet, Princess Hengyang found many excuses, such as visiting the princess's residence or inviting Wang Heng to visit.

In less than half a month, the two interacted several times, and Wang Heng also developed a good impression of Princess Hengyang, a lively and kind little sister.

The two of them became close friends and best friends.

When my best friend comes of age, Princess Hengyang is the best person to give her blessing.

But...

However, after hearing what Princess Jincheng said, Princess Hengyang nodded in understanding:

"That's right. Sister Langya invited you, my mother, to be the main guest, so it's not appropriate to invite me as well!"

Alas, what a pity to miss such a great opportunity.

She really cared about her brother.

When Princess Hengyang thought of her brother who was far away in Yizhou, she couldn't help but frown and sigh silently.

After several contacts with Wang Heng, Princess Hengyang really thought she was excellent.

She is beautiful and kind-hearted, gentle in nature, noble but not arrogant, talented but not ostentatious... She and my brother are such a perfect match.

Princess Hengyang's little head was full of messy thoughts.

Her little expressions are particularly lively and vivid.

When Princess Jincheng saw this, she couldn't help laughing: This child is still a child after all, and can't hide his thoughts at all.

Not only her, but also Lu Jue mentioned Wang Heng several times in his letter to Princess Jincheng.

In a recent letter, Lu Jue solemnly asked his mother if she could preside over Wang Heng's coming-of-age ceremony!

A woman, yet two powerful, handsome young men were plotting for her... Princess Jincheng, a strong lady who didn't care about the gossip in the capital or the girls in the boudoir, couldn't help but feel curious:

What kind of beauty is this Wang Jiu, to be so charming?!

Princess Jincheng couldn't help but become interested in the coming-of-age ceremony on April 21st!

……

The princess's residence prepared a coming-of-age banquet with great fanfare, and Lou Yu also made various arrangements for Wang Heng in addition to his busy official duties.

Amidst the busyness, the good day is coming.

Just the day before, a group of cavalry arrived in the capital after traveling day and night.

Something broke out!