Golden Branch

"Ying? Ying Niang?"

Concubine Jiang sat cross-legged on the main seat, holding her chubby granddaughter who was a few months old in her arms.

She pinched the little guy's cheek lovingly and murmured, "It's a good name indeed!"

No matter what the meaning of this word is, as long as it was given by the prince, it is excellent.

Concubine Jiang has been in the inner court for more than 20 years and is well versed in the art of survival.

"Has Hanzhang's official position been decided?"

Concubine Jiang quickly dropped the topic of the name and turned to ask about her son-in-law's future.

"Yes! Minister of Revenue!"

Wang Heng knelt beside her mother, wiping her daughter's saliva from time to time as she screamed.

Although Lou Yu had a good family background and was favored by the emperor, he had one major shortcoming: he was too young.

At the age of 22, he could barely be called a young man, but it was difficult for him to be the chief officer in the Ministry of Revenue.

He had resigned as the Governor of Nanzhou, a fourth-rank official. Now that he was back in Beijing, the most appropriate thing to do was to transfer him to the same position at the same level.

This is already considered a promotion.

After all, even if they are of the same rank, Beijing officials are half a level higher than local officials.

Furthermore, the prince was truly planning for Lou Yu, and being too rigid would only lead to failure.

If you praise someone too high, he or she will easily become a target and then fall hard.

Only by taking it step by step and making steady progress can we go further and higher.

"..."

Concubine Jiang didn't say anything, just nodded slightly.

The son-in-law has been married for less than three years and is still a young boy in the eyes of the senior officials in the court.

From the Shaoqing of the Dali Temple, to the local governor, and then to the second-in-command of the Six Ministries, he has taken one step at a time, and his future career will surely be even brighter.

Concubine Jiang is almost forty years old. Although she takes good care of herself, she looks no more than a beautiful woman in her twenties or thirties.

But, old is old.

Beauty fades with age, but what the palace lacks the most is young, pretty and stunning beauties.

Wei Zhaoyi, who was once favored, is already considered an old person, let alone Concubine Jiang, who is now middle-aged?

There are fresh faces in the harem every year.

Fortunately, the emperor loves new things and does not dislike old ones. Queen Li is fine, as she is his first wife and there is no need for her to compete for favor.

Concubine Jiang and the other four concubines have accompanied the saint from the time he came to his residence until now, and they have all been sitting safely in their concubine positions.

Saints cherish old friendships. Even if they no longer have favor, they will still have the friendship of many years and the fate of raising children together.

Every few days, the saint would come to Baifu Palace and have a meal and chat with Concubine Jiang like an ordinary couple.

Maybe it is not as passionate as when we were young, but it is also long-lasting.

Concubine Jiang knew very well that all she could rely on in the future was the saint's kindness and her children.

Her son is still young and cannot support her.

Daughters and sons-in-law are particularly important.

Especially the son-in-law, who was favored by the emperor at a young age and had a smooth career.

Having him outside the palace is a great help to both Concubine Jiang and the Ninth Prince.

"As long as I do my duty and educate my rhino slave well, I can live a peaceful life!"

Concubine Jiang always said this to herself.

She was indeed law-abiding and never got involved in the ups and downs in the palace.

"I heard that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has let Xiao Dalang join the Ministry of Revenue?"

Concubine Jiang valued her son-in-law, so naturally she paid special attention to his every move.

She lowered her voice and whispered, "Eastern Palace..."

After saying just two words, Imperial Concubine Jiang seemed to have thought of something and changed the subject, asking Wang Heng, "Have you ever been to the Eastern Palace to pay your respects to the Crown Princess?"

Wang Heng's eyes flashed.

There must be a reason why my mother specifically mentioned Xiao Lu.

Could it be that there is something special about this step-wife who married my brother-in-law?

Wang Heng's brain worked rapidly, and she quickly found the image of little Lu that she had seen with her own eyes before leaving Beijing.

She was a young lady with a childish face, about thirteen or fourteen years old, still a half-grown child.

Born into the Lu family, she is the Crown Princess's younger sister and has been carefully brought up by her family since childhood.

If it weren't for the accidental death of the elder Lu, the younger Lu should have followed the family's arrangements and married into a well-matched family of nobles after she came of age.

Unfortunately, no if.

After the elder Lu passed away, the prince, the Lu family and others, for their own considerations and for many interests, made the younger Lu the successor.

She married her brother-in-law, who had many children. The couple was more than ten years apart in age, and he made many demands on her to ensure the interests of his original wife's son...

Mrs. Lu was definitely wronged in this marriage.

Wang Heng disagreed: "Being wronged is not important. Who can live a life of willful debauchery? Who hasn't suffered some grievances?"

"What's important is that even though I was wronged, I was able to let everyone know about it, and I felt sorry for her and felt guilty towards her!"

Especially men, well, that is, the prince.

Once a man feels distressed, even if there is no love, he will still "favor" you!

"Mother, I have already submitted my visiting card to the Eastern Palace, and the Crown Princess has allowed me to meet her tomorrow!"

Wang Heng's mind was full of thoughts, but she didn't say them out loud.

Of course, she didn't try to hide her feelings.

Therefore, Concubine Jiang only needed to glance at her to know that she had guessed something about the Eastern Palace.

The prince knew about the grievances suffered by little Lu and felt distressed.

Now, although Xiao Lu has not yet consummated her marriage with the prince, and there is no talk of deep love between them, their relationship is becoming closer day by day.

After thinking about it again and again, Concubine Jiang couldn't help but whispered to her daughter:

"The Crown Princess is young and loves to study. Your Highness will take time out of his busy schedule to give her guidance!"

Wang Heng raised her eyebrows. Oh wow, little Lu is so smart.

She did not compete for favor as a wife, but was more humble and acted like a student.

The prince and little Lu, one teaches and the other studies, and even if it is serious knowledge, their relationship will gradually become closer.

Wang Heng was a teacher herself, and she always had some affection for the students she had taught.

Wang Mian also once told Wang Heng the love story of "The Tale of Genji".

Only then did Wang Heng understand what the "cultivation system" meant.

In fact, the relationship between Wang Heng and Lou Yu also has this meaning.

Although Lou Yu is only one year older than Wang Heng, he is precocious and so intelligent that he is almost a demon.

At that time, Wang Heng had been hiding her incompetence because of her heart knot.

She didn't dare show her intelligence and could only act like a silly, clumsy, soft and sweet little chubby girl.

Before the two of them became Mr. Shen's disciples, Lou Yu would teach her while despising her for being stupid.

After becoming Mr. Shen's disciple, Lou Yu studied hard while also supervising and encouraging Wang Heng.

Lou Yu also always said that he raised Wang Heng!

Not only did Lou Yu take care of Wang Heng's food, clothing and other expenses, he also took care of her studies.

The deep relationship between Wang Heng and Lou Yu was due to these experiences in their childhood.

Xiao Lu's strategy may not be very brilliant, but it is effective.

Now that the prince feels sorry for her and has pity for her, the marriage consummation and childbirth can all go smoothly.

"..." Wang Heng collected her thoughts and curled her lips slightly.

She didn't respond explicitly, but her expression was already a response—

She received Concubine Jiang’s reminder!

There is a stir in the Eastern Palace. Little Lu is no ordinary person. She has excellent IQ and EQ, and is gradually winning over the prince and becoming the real mistress of the Eastern Palace.

In one or two years at the fastest, or three to five years at the slowest, Mrs. Lu will have her own children.

An old man, a young wife, and a young son... Xiao Dalang's situation will become increasingly difficult!

After saying this to Concubine Jiang, Wang Heng talked about their experiences in Nanzhou and presented Concubine Jiang with many local rituals.

Concubine Jiang played with her daughter and granddaughter for a while, invited them to eat, and gave them rewards before letting them leave the palace.

After leaving Baifu Palace, Wang Heng followed the palace path and left Taiji Palace.

Coming and going on the palace road were palace slaves and officials' wives.

If Wang Heng sees someone familiar, she will stop and say hello.

For some people, even if you are familiar with them, it is not easy to have contact with them openly.

such as--

"Mrs. Zheng?"

After leaving the palace and getting on the four-wheeled carriage, Bai Zhi leaned close to Wang Heng's ear and whispered something.

A hint of surprise flashed in Wang Heng's eyes. It had been so many years, and this was the first time Zheng Yi had contacted her on his own initiative!

As Wang Heng's former mother-in-law, Zheng Yi did not spend much time with her.

Moreover, this person is too utilitarian and can never forget his past glory.

Female attendant!

The first female official in the harem!

It can even influence the previous dynasty and sway the court!

Unfortunately, with the fall of the previous dynasty, Zheng Yi, the once powerful female official, was forced to live in the mountains.

She was later found by Concubine Jiang, who sent her to educate Wang Heng.

Wang Heng admitted that Zheng Yi was qualified as a tutor.

She was proficient in the six arts and other talents, familiar with court etiquette, and had a deep understanding of the nobles of all ranks in the north.

With her by her side to "enlighten" her, Wang Heng quickly mastered everything in the capital.

But this person really wants to return to the center of power.

To achieve the goal, they will stop at nothing.

In her eyes, the little girl Wang Heng was just a tool to be used.

Wang Heng didn't want to talk about feelings with an outsider, but after all, it was her Wang family that supported Zheng Yi. However, Zheng Yi did not have the awareness of "eating the emperor's salary and being loyal to the emperor", and she had too many selfish thoughts!

When Wang Heng was young, she was just pretending to be well-behaved and good-tempered. She was never a softie at heart.

Sensing Zheng Yi's ambition, Wang Heng readily "accomplished"

Her Wang family's temple was too small to accommodate the huge Buddha statue of "Minister Zheng".

Fortunately, we found a better way out for her, which will definitely allow her to display her strengths.

Lou Yu helped secretly and actually let Zheng Yi bring Zheng Ying and Zheng Tao into the Prince of Qi's Palace.

A pair of concubines from the Zheng family became the prince's concubines.

Zheng Yi became a slave in the backyard of the Prince of Qi's mansion.

With the ascension of Prince Qi to the throne, the Prince of Qi became the Crown Prince, and Zheng Ying and Zheng Tao, as old residents of the palace, also gained a certain status.

In the past few years, the two of them have given birth to children for the prince.

and many more!

son? !

Wang Heng's thoughts quickly diverged, and she suddenly thought: "Zheng Ying gave birth to Xiao Balang for the Crown Prince, and Zheng Tao also gave birth to Xiao Shierlang!"

Although he was a concubine's son born to a lowly mother, he was the most particular about rules in the royal family, but he cared the least about the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children.

As long as they are favored, concubines can be promoted to the position of legitimate wife, and illegitimate sons can inherit the throne.

In the past, the Eastern Palace had Da Lu, and the status of Xiao Dalang and Xiao Sanlang as legitimate sons was extremely stable.

With the passing of the elder Lu and the younger Lu's "competition for favor", the Eastern Palace finally presented a scene of "a hundred flowers blooming".

The wind blew, and people's hearts moved.

Xiao Lu started planning before she even gave birth.

How could those concubines in the backyard of the Eastern Palace who had given birth to sons sit still?

Zheng Yi returned to the palace in order to fight for power and profit.

She had no chance to display her power in the past, but now that the water in the East Palace's pond had been disturbed, she certainly couldn't help herself.

Fishing in troubled waters?

Or do you want to have a situation where the fisherman benefits from the conflict between the snipe and the clam?

Wang Heng pinched her palms, a cold look flashing in her eyes:

Zheng Yi wants to stir up trouble in the Eastern Palace, let her do it, but she shouldn't try to get involved with her!

Haha, Zheng Yi quietly asked Bai Zhi to pass on the message. Although he didn't say anything important, it seemed like just old friends reunited, reminiscing about the past, talking about separation and chatting. However, in the palace, let alone people, even a stone is smarter than those outside.

Wang Heng could guess Zheng Yi's intention with her toes.

"Why, is she trying to win me over? Oh no, what am I? A fake princess with an empty title!"

"Zheng Yi's real target is my brother!"

The prince's confidant and an important official in the court.

He has made great contributions and holds a high position of power.

Win him over, make him a big promise, and let him work hard to support Xiao Balang or Xiao Shierlang!

"...Broad daylight is indeed a good time for dreaming!"

Wang Heng guessed Zheng Yi's intention and felt a bit amused and helpless.

Why did Zheng Yi think that her empty words could make her brother do something stupid?

Just because we are old friends, do we have some feelings for each other?

Haha, brother, you only need to be loyal to the prince, and there is no need to get involved in the competition of the next generation.

Not to mention, the prince has already made the choice for my brother by handing Xiao Dalang over to him!

Concubine Jiang has heard the news that Xiao Dalang has entered the Ministry of Revenue for training. Wang Heng doesn't believe that Zheng Yi, who is even more adept at scheming, would not know about it!

Zheng Yi still took the initiative to come forward.

Did she overestimate herself, or underestimate Lou Yu and Wang Heng?

"This world is truly full of self-righteous wits!"

Wang Heng was so angry that she laughed. It was rare for her to be so mean.

The carriage was moving slowly on Zhuque Street. Wang Heng leaned against the window, thinking to herself.

The wet nurse, maids, etc. looked after Anan, feeding her water and fruit puree, or playing with her with toys.

The carriage was not very quiet, but it was unusually harmonious.

Suddenly, the driver shouted "Whoa" and the carriage stopped abruptly.

Under the influence of inertia, Wang Heng's body suddenly leaned back.

Anan, who was playing with toys on the floor with his little butt sticking out, rolled to the side with a grunt.

Fortunately, every corner of the carriage was covered with soft cloth padded with cotton, so little Anan was just frightened and not hurt!

Even so, Wang Heng was very angry.

As she bent down to check on Anan, she asked in a cold voice, "What happened?"

It was driving fine and suddenly stopped. There must have been an accident.

"Reporting to the princess, yes, there was someone chasing us from the front. I was afraid I might have spooked the horse, so I pulled the reins urgently!"

The driver hurried back.

He was not trying to excuse himself, but stating the facts.

"Who is it? How dare they act so recklessly on Suzaku Street?"

As Wang Heng spoke in a cold voice, the guards outside the carriage quickly gathered around and protected the carriage tightly.

"The Dali Temple is investigating the case! All outsiders, please step aside immediately!"

Before the guards could reply, a commotion was heard outside the car!

Dali Temple?

Zhou Jiming?

This is really a case of enemies meeting on a narrow road, oh no, it's a reunion of old friends.

It was just a coincidence today, one by one they showed up...