On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

Spring is fading and summer is just beginning to appear.

In recent months, as the military situation in the northern border region has become increasingly tense, the central government has been operating like a high-speed machine, with various war preparations proceeding at a rapid pace.

Murong Yan was in charge of the Zichen Palace when memorials came in like snowflakes, most of which were related to the transportation of grain and fodder, the replenishment of troops, and the defense of the border.

Lin Zhen frequently visited the Privy Council and the Ministry of War to discuss details with the generals, often returning late at night. In the imperial court, the atmosphere of advocating war had gained absolute dominance.

However, beneath this seemingly united front, a hidden undercurrent, caused by the extermination of the Kong family, has never subsided and is instead quietly surging within certain circles.

On this day, Murong Yan handled government affairs in a side hall of the Zichen Palace until the lanterns were lit.

The hall was brightly lit by candlelight, illuminating her slightly tired but still focused profile.

She was still only wearing the Phoenix Descent dress, and the black and gold shawl that covered her had been taken off and hung on the wind-shaped clothes rack to the side because it was warm inside the palace.

Under the candlelight, the dark Suzhou brocade absorbed the light, appearing even more serene and profound. The woven gold cotton and the phoenix patterns embroidered with gold thread exuded a restrained and dignified radiance as she intently reviewed the documents.

The exquisite craftsmanship of Suzhou brocade ensures that this cotton nightgown will not feel particularly heavy or stuffy even when sitting for a long time.

The five-zhang-long Suzhou brocade train stretched out from under the phoenix chair, meandering across the polished gold brick floor. Because she spent her days hunched over her desk, the hem of her skirt was unintentionally squeezed and pulled by the chair and footstool, and dragged by her occasional pacing and thinking. It formed several deep folds and messy curves, appearing particularly chaotic, silently telling the story of her owner's hard work throughout the day.

One of her wide, bell-shaped sleeves hung softly over the edge of the table, its gold tassels brushing the ground, while she used the other sleeve to gently support her forehead.

The black jade thumb ring on her left thumb gleamed with a deep luster in the candlelight.

Lin Zhen walked into the hall under the cover of night, still carrying a trace of the unique ink fragrance and dusty atmosphere of the Ministry of Revenue.

He waved away the palace servants who were standing by, walked to Murong Yan's side, and did not immediately make a sound to disturb her. He just stood quietly, his gaze falling on her slightly furrowed brows, his eyes full of heartache.

Murong Yan seemed to sense something, raised her eyes, and when she saw it was him, her tense expression softened instantly, and the corners of her lips turned up slightly, with a hint of weary coquettishness:

"My husband is back... How did the grain distribution go today at the Ministry of Revenue?"

As she spoke, she naturally put down the vermilion brush and extended her hand to him.

Lin Zhen immediately took her slightly cool hand in his palm, warming it, and sat down on the brocade stool beside her, saying gently:

"Generally speaking, things are going smoothly. However, the Jianghuai canal transport has been slightly delayed recently due to the spring floods. We have increased manpower to supervise the transport, and it should not delay the needs of the northern frontier. As for you, you have been reading memorials all day long, and your eyes are tired. You should take a rest."

He reached out and naturally massaged her temples with just the right amount of pressure.

Murong Yan closed her eyes comfortably, rested her head on his shoulder, and sighed softly, "It's good that my husband shares so many chores with me. But... these recent memorials, I feel like something is... not right."

She opened her eyes, her gaze clearing again. She pulled several memorials from the table that weren't directly related to military affairs and handed them to Lin Zhen.

"My lord, look, these documents were submitted by the Censorate and the Ministry of Rites. They mostly discuss the standards for selecting officials in this year's autumn imperial examinations, or the water conservancy projects and the education of the people in various prefectures and counties. However, between the lines, they always emphasize benevolent governance, forgiveness, the integrity of scholars, and the inheritance of etiquette..."

Lin Zhen took the memorial, quickly glanced through it, and his brows gradually furrowed.

These memorials are meticulously written and full of classical allusions. They may seem like old clichés, but when considered in the context of the recent situation, their implications become somewhat subtle.

Especially when he mentions "one should not abandon etiquette and teachings because of temporary success" and "the governance of a country should be based on benevolence and virtue, with punishment as a supplement," his writing, though subtle, reveals a hint of disapproval of the "severe punishment" imposed on the Confucian family.

“And another thing,” Murong Yan sat up straight, pointing to one of the memorials submitted by a Hanlin scholar who considered himself a man of integrity,

“Look here, he strongly recommends several young scholars from Qinghe and Boling, saying that their families have a long history of learning, they are well-versed in the ways of the sages, and they are worthy of being role models for scholars… The Cui families of Qinghe and Boling are related to the Kong family of Qufu by marriage for generations and have a very close relationship.”

Lin Zhen put down the memorial and snorted coldly:

"It seems that with the fall of the Kong family, though the monkeys have scattered, there are always other trees that feel the pain of losing their kin, or that they want to take the opportunity to seize the banner of scholarly discourse. Cui Mingyuan's words at the banquet that day were indeed not unintentional."

Murong Yan leaned back in her chair, her fingertips unconsciously twirling a lock of hair that had fallen over her shoulder, a hint of coldness flashing in her phoenix eyes:

"They dare not openly oppose the Northern Expedition, much less criticize the government, so they make a fuss about these seemingly unrelated matters of education and the selection of officials, expressing their dissatisfaction in a roundabout way, trying to subtly influence public opinion, and perhaps even... they want to place more people who are inclined to their doctrine of benevolence and forgiveness in the future court. This is more alarming than the blatant rebellion of the Confucian family."

"Yan'er's concerns are quite valid." Lin Zhen grasped her hand, his tone steady yet sharp.

"The Cui family is deeply rooted, with disciples and former officials all over the country, and their influence is especially great among the literati. If they intend to stir up trouble, they are indeed more difficult to deal with than the Kong family. However, at present, the war in the northern frontier is the most important thing, and the stability of the court is the top priority. We need to be aware of these undercurrents and keep a close watch on them, but we should not make a big move, lest we alert them and be used by them to incite discontent among the literati and affect the morale of the troops at the front."

Murong Yan nodded, a hint of weariness flashing in her eyes, but more so a knowing calm:

"I understand. Now is indeed not the best time to eliminate internal troubles. As long as they do not openly rebel and do not hinder the northern expedition, I can allow them to remain dormant for the time being. But..."

She abruptly changed the subject, her tone becoming resolute.

"If anyone dares to take advantage of the national war to hinder us, or to secretly collude with external forces, I will not tolerate it! The Kong family is a prime example!"

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling murderous aura that permeated the warm bedchamber.

The dark gold color of her phoenix-themed dress seemed to deepen with the fluctuations of her emotions.

Just then, a cautious voice from an eunuch came from outside the hall, saying that Cui Mingyuan had important business to discuss with him regarding the arrangements for this year's Confucius memorial ceremony.

Murong Yan and Lin Zhen exchanged a glance, a knowing look flashing in their eyes.

Murong Yan quickly suppressed her emotions, regained her imperial dignity, and announced loudly, "Summon them."

Cui Mingyuan bowed as he entered, performing the proper courtesies. Today, dressed in formal official attire, he appeared even more refined and composed.

He presented his memorial, clearly reporting on the preparations for the Confucius memorial ceremony. His words showed the utmost respect for the revered teacher Confucius and meticulous attention to ritual and regulations, making him appear as a loyal and dutiful minister.

Murong Yan listened quietly, occasionally asking about a detail or two, her attitude calm and even approving: "I have always trusted Minister Cui with his work. The Confucius Memorial Ceremony is a grand ceremony of the nation, concerning the inheritance of cultural heritage. It must be solemn and thorough to show the court's respect for culture and morality."

Cui Mingyuan repeatedly praised His Majesty's wisdom and then said:

"Your Majesty has worked diligently to govern the country, and your achievements in both civil and military affairs are evident to all. This year's grand ceremony is eagerly anticipated by scholars and literati from all walks of life, which will not only demonstrate Your Majesty's educational achievements and unite the hearts of scholars, but will also be of great help to the current war in the northern frontier."

His words still sounded like a compliment and a gesture of concern for the country.

However, to Murong Yan, the words "uniting the hearts of scholars" had a deeper meaning.

She smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying: "I hope so. Thank you for your trouble, Minister Cui."

Cui Mingyuan reported a few more words, and seeing that Murong Yan had no further instructions, he respectfully took his leave.

Throughout the entire process, there was not a single fault in his words and actions.

After Cui Ming left, the hall returned to silence.

Murong Yan looked at the memorial concerning the Confucius Memorial Ceremony, a cold smile curving her lips:

"My lord, look, the more grand the Confucius memorial ceremony is, the more it highlights the tragic extinction of the Confucius family line in the eyes of some people, and the more it makes me appear... heartless and ungrateful, right?"

Lin Zhen walked to her side, put his arm around her shoulder, and said firmly:

"Right and wrong, merit and demerit, will be judged by future generations. We only ask that we have a clear conscience and protect the stability of this country. As for some rumors and gossip, they are nothing more than the chirping of autumn insects, not worth mentioning. When we win a great victory in the north and the world is at peace, these noises will naturally disappear."