The winter solstice came as scheduled.

This is an extremely important and busy day for everyone in the Forbidden City.

Especially when the Shaoqing of Guanglu Temple, who was in charge of court sacrifices and meals, had been thrown into the prison.

Yan Qingyun got up early and went to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to attend the meeting of officials.

And Jiang Mian also asked the system to set a dozen or so ear-piercing alarms for him, and finally got up sleepily, sat in front of the bronze mirror, and let the maids dress him up for several hours.

Before sipping on the rouge, Jiang Mian quickly ate a few mouthfuls of steaming dumplings with the hot soup.

The warmth in his stomach made Jiang Mian wake up a little bit, then he suddenly remembered something, turned his head and asked, "Did the prince have breakfast before he left?"

"Back to the princess, Your Highness, he only drank a few sips of tea before going to court." The little maid blinked and sold Yan Qingyun without hesitation.

"Really, he urged me to eat well all day long, but he turned out to be so casual..." Jiang Mian snorted lightly, "How about this, first wrap those pieces of sweet-scented osmanthus cake, and we'll bring him to eat later."

Although in order to ensure proper etiquette in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, it is almost normal for officials not to eat or drink before going to court, but after today's court meeting, Yan Qingyun probably will not have the leisure to go back to the palace for breakfast.

Now that the weather is so cold, and Yan Qingyun is a martial artist, even if he stands there still, it will still be like a burning stove... It's no wonder he's not hungry.

After the sun gradually fell on the shallow snow, and after tidying up a bit, Jiang Mian was also helped into a sedan chair and headed towards the Temple of Heaven.

Jiang Mian was dressed a little more grandly today than when he was married, wearing a luxurious and heavy four-screen crown and gold earrings, and the black-based crown dress was embroidered with patterns of auspicious clouds and hundreds of birds facing the phoenix.The layers of robes and accessories made it almost impossible for him to move freely, so he could only sit with his back straight, and even the last sedan chair had to be supported by someone.

The winter solstice is one of the most important festivals in the Xia Kingdom other than the New Year. There must be all the necessary activities such as exorcising evil spirits, offering sacrifices, playing banquets, and as the crown princess, Jiang Mian must also attend the ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven with Yan Qingyun.

When he came to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, all the officials below the high ranks had already stood up solemnly, looking at a vast expanse of darkness.

Yan Qingyun wore a nine-pronged crown, a black crown with four golden dragons on his shoulders, flames and Zongyi Chinese insects embroidered on the cuffs, and a pair of suet and white jade pendants lightly swinging with him.His face was solemn, and he looked down at the people below the steps, looking more and more precious.

This made Jiang Mian feel itchy.

He walked forward slowly, and stood quietly beside Yan Qingyun, feeling the suddenly softened gaze, and slightly bent his lips.

When the ceremony of welcoming the gods started, the emperor came to the tablet of Haotian God alone to offer incense and salute, and the rest of the people knelt and kowtowed after three times... Jiang Mian stuffed the sweet-scented osmanthus cake hidden in the handkerchief into his mouth .

Yan Qingyun froze, calmly pretending nothing happened.

When the priest finished reciting the blessings loudly, the smoke from the incense platform curled up, the ritual and music played slowly, and the officials also began to raise their glasses to drink the blessed wine, and the atmosphere became a little more relaxed.

And Yan Qingyun's drinking movements were particularly quick.

Jiang Mian raised the corners of her lips and said softly, "Eat well in the future."

"... I know." Yan Qingyun took a breath slowly.

Although he didn't believe in ghosts and gods in the past, Jiang Mian was the only one who dared to act recklessly in front of the tablet of God.

After the ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven, there will be entertainment activities throughout the day.

Listening to the pianist playing music, sitting on the high platform and watching the palace people perform ice play, Jiang Mian was quite eager to try.

The prosperity of Xia Kingdom can be glimpsed in this ice rink.There are not only beautiful dances and roaring battle rehearsals, but also a single-riding snow shooting competition. Those who win the first place will be rewarded by His Majesty himself.

Yan Zhijin, who was wrapped up like a small ball, also took the concubine's hand and shook it, his face flushed with excitement.

"Shall we go to the ice rink if we have time?" Jiang Mian whispered.

And Yan Qingyun's focus was all on Jiang Mian's slightly cold fingertips.

"Forget it, you catch cold too easily."

As soon as the words fell, Jiang Mian was wrapped in Yan Qingyun's warm and strong palm.Hidden under the sleeves and table cases, no one can see that they are holding hands.

"I want to go." Jiang Mian puffed up.

Yan Qingyun pinched his fingertips: "No."

"You, you are deliberately revenge on me just now..."

"Exactly." Yan Qingyun smiled lightly.

He still hasn't forgotten the feeling of being choked for a moment.

"Yan Qingyun, you bullied me." Jiang Mian obediently held her hand and complained softly.

"Ah."

If Jiang Mian really wanted to go, no one could stop him.

But he just loves to play it that way.

The two were chattering stickily until the sky got darker before returning to the palace to change into another equally heavy dress.

I will also attend the palace banquet tonight.

Jiang Mian was blocked by the little maid to recomb her hair, put on some powder, and lightly licked the rouge paper again.Because he couldn't bear to hug Yan Qingyun for a while, he had to touch up his makeup again... Life in ancient times was quite difficult.

After dressing up, I came to Linde Hall.

Jiang Mian obediently greeted the emperor and empress, and sat down with Yan Qingyun at the emperor's lower head.

Yan Zhijin was behind them, followed by a series of children being hugged by wet nurses or palace maids.After they saw Yan Qingyun, they instantly became quiet and well-behaved.

But the ignorant Concubine Yu was relieved and smiled at him not far away.

Jiang Mian's spirit perked up.

I heard from Concubine Yu that there are many high-quality mutton brought by King Yan in the palace banquet today.

When the emperor started to move his chopsticks and the music played, the people below relaxed one after another.

During the winter solstice, there is a double-yang atmosphere, and they also have roasted lamb with a strong aroma on their tables, and you can choose the white and fat lamb dumplings and wontons.

In addition, the winter solstice specialties unique to all parts of the Xia Kingdom have been selected and offered to the capital for the royal taste, such as sweet red bean rice, glutinous rice-based meals, cakes and mochi, wine glutinous rice balls...

Jiang Mian drank a glass of clear wine contentedly, and suddenly felt that his life had undergone a sublimation.

The delicious food on the table continued, and the audience sang and danced, and in a blink of an eye, it was the Taoist priest's turn to perform the ritual of offering sacrifices and exorcising evil spirits.

And at this moment, Jiang Mian put down the chopsticks that had just picked up a piece of grilled mutton.

He suddenly felt an inexplicably familiar aura full of malice.

Just like the familiar feeling that talisman once brought him.

He raised his eyes calmly and quickly locked on to the target.

It was the Taoist priest at the head. He was wearing a black Taoist robe, holding an unsharpened mahogany sword, and a goatee hanging from his chin. He looked quite elegant.

And daring.

Jiang Mian quietly moved closer to Yan Qingyun's side, and said in a low voice, "Do you know the person at the front?"

"Where is the Taoist?" Yan Qingyun obviously met him before, and said thoughtfully, "After the Qianluan Palace was repaired last year, there were rumors of ghosts. Father invited him into the palace to exorcise evil spirits. It is said that the effect was very good. Father He also rewarded him with a lot of gold and silver. But Gu has always been distrustful of Taoist priests, and the theory of Fu Shui curing all diseases has harmed countless people, and it is vivid in my memory."

"So that's how it is." Jiang Mian looked at his simple but not crude Taoist robe, "It doesn't feel like he's here to cheat money, but he's not a good person either... I think that talisman is his work."

"Guhui will pay more attention." Yan Qingyun's face became more serious.

"Hey, don't mess around, this is not something that ordinary dark guards can resist," Jiang Mian tugged at his sleeve, "I'll go meet him later."

Yan Qingyun was reluctant: "But Mianmian, you are..."

He is a vixen.

"Why, Taoist priests are only allowed to catch demons, and demons are not allowed to catch Taoist priests?" Jiang Mian bent her lips, "With your talent in martial arts, it's not an exaggeration to say that you are a peerless genius, but I...understand? Husband, I am very powerful."

Unknowingly, they started flirting again, but at the same time, Taoist He Fang seemed calm, but he was actually suspicious.

He clearly made a master-servant contract on that little fox, why is it like... he can't feel the slightest traction at all?

Could it be that something went wrong?

But Jiang Mian did follow his instructions all the time, and got close to Prince Xia to win his favor... Now he hasn't come forward to reveal his identity, and still pretends that he doesn't know each other.

Taoist He Fang thought, if the prince really realized that there was something wrong with him, or if the fox had betrayed him, then he would never have the opportunity to enter the palace to exorcise evil spirits.

Then it might just be that Jiang Mian absorbed the crown prince's dragon energy and improved his cultivation, so he accidentally broke the previous contract.

Taoist He Fang became confident again.This trivial matter is irrelevant, just give Jiang Mian another spell in the future, and it will be resolved smoothly.

And Jiang Mian just happened to give him this opportunity.

At the end of the sacrifice, when the dancer in a light gauze stood in front of the stage again, Jiang Mian left the Linde Hall alone, saying that she was a little too drunk and wanted to go out for a while.

Taoist He Fang followed closely behind him until Jiang Mian reached the corner of the towering rockery in the Imperial Garden, and he quickly threw the golden talisman in his hand at Jiang Mian.

The talisman was struck out extremely fast, breaking through the air, and there was a soft rustling sound.

But at this moment, Jiang Mian, who seemed to be unaware of it before, suddenly turned around, and effortlessly raised his hand to pinch it under his fingertips.

He looked at the dancing talisman with a smile for a moment, then tore it into pieces slowly, and threw it into the deep pool beside him.

"You...you really broke the spell by yourself!" Taoist He Fang was startled for a moment, then he straightened his face and said righteously, "Little demon, the poor Taoist rescued you from the tiger's mouth. You tapped your spiritual wisdom, and then gave you riches and honor...you must know good from bad."

"Old man, don't you just want to rebel, why don't you make people resist by forcing them to do evil?" Jiang Mian couldn't help but chuckle as she spoke, "I don't know what's the use of rebelling with your stupid nose."

Taoist He Fang's complexion darkened, and he was about to speak out angrily, but Jiang Mian was too lazy to continue to argue with him here, so he stepped forward and punched him unconscious.

"So weak... um, Sleeping Curse? Not bad." Jiang Mian complained, and found a large stack of inexplicable talismans from his cuff.

By the way, he put the sleeping spell on Taoist He Fang's forehead, clapped his hands in satisfaction, then turned his head to look at a corner not far away, and said softly, "Nineteen, come out."

The dark shadow-like guard jumped out in response.

Nineteen has been by Jiang Mian's side for a long time. Although he has undergone professional training and is well-informed...but he was stunned by this scene for a moment, and then he knelt nervously and said, "I've seen the princess."

"Help me put him in a sack and stuff it directly into the carriage when we came. Be quiet." Jiang Mian bent her lips.

"Yes!"

Nineteen didn't dare to say a word, and silently followed Jiang Mian's orders.

He didn't know anything, he would only be loyal to his appointed master, not the royal family of Xia Kingdom.

Even if this master is obviously difficult to look at with common sense...

The incident was successfully resolved, and Jiang Mian wandered outside for a while before returning to Linde Hall.

He took a sip of sake, and whispered in Yan Qingyun's ear: "I caught it, and I will interrogate it when I go back."

"Have you encountered any danger?" Yan Qingyun's eyes showed some worry.

Jiang Mian blinked, and suddenly became weeping: "Husband, you underestimated me again..."

Yan Qingyun paused, and quickly coaxed: "Gu said the wrong thing, how dare Gu underestimate Mianmian."

"Then when I wasn't around, did you secretly look at those pretty boys?" Jiang Mian was still aggrieved.

"In the capital, no one is more beautiful than the princess, I don't bother to look at it."

Yan Qingyun answered very quickly, and quite sincerely.

"It's almost there."

Back in the East Palace, Jiang Mian was not in a hurry to interrogate, but first took Yan Qingyun to take a refreshing bath.

Dressed up all day, it's like being stuffed in an iron box, beautiful is beautiful, but it's not breathable.

Afterwards, he changed into light clothes, and then he personally pasted the confinement talisman on Taoist He Fang, and asked Nineteen to shake the Taoist priest awake.

Jiang Mian felt that he could get many inside stories and answers from this person.

For example, the so-called voodoo techniques in the Jiang Mansion, what kind of mission the original owner had, and the incomprehensible plague...all of these can be dug out slowly.

And Taoist He Fang was suddenly woken up by a basin of cold water and found that he couldn't move, so he didn't panic too much for the time being.

He raised his eyes and glanced at Yan Qingyun, who was sitting next to him with an expressionless face, and then turned his gaze back to stare at Jiang Mian, trying to be as righteous as possible: "You are not that little fox, what kind of monster are you?"

"This palace is the crown princess that His Majesty kissed, where did you get the rumor about monsters? Taoist He Fang, you are trying to confuse people with monsters, it seems that you have already harbored evil intentions," Jiang Mian acted for a while, then suddenly seduced The corners of his lips curled up, "Or, you haven't had enough of your fists yet? Does your face hurt?"

Taoist He Fang was stunned for a moment, he wanted to turn his head to see Yan Qingyun's reaction, but found that the prince still looked calm, as if he had expected Jiang Mian's words and deeds.

"It's such a time, and you're still thinking of making a divorce? It's so boring." Jiang Mian raised her chin, and yawned like she was bored.

Yan Qingyun looked down at the Taoist from above, and then said calmly: "It's okay, Gu has already sent someone to find out that he has three residences in the capital. It's just late at night, so I can search carefully."

Hearing this, Taoist He Fang frowned, but seemed to have thought of something, and continued to keep silent.

But Jiang Mian was also carefully observing his expression, seeing his reaction, his thoughts became clearer.

Taoist He Fang is obviously hiding something, he seems to prefer Yan Qingyun to search his house... This is not right!

So Jiang Mian grabbed Yan Qingyun's sleeves, and earnestly instructed: "Make sure they cover their mouths and noses when searching, and when they come back, put the things they found in a yard and lock them tightly. Remember to change clothes and wash your hands immediately, and wash them a few times more." Second. If there are dead rats or other livestock carcasses, they must be burned to the ground!"

"Okay." Although Yan Qingyun didn't know what he said, he still agreed.

And Taoist He Fang's pupils shrank instantly: "You, you... how is it possible! You are indeed a monster!"

This is the bait, the weird plague is inseparable from Taoist He Fang.

"Are you guilty? What else do you want to say?" Jiang Mian smiled, and then asked aggressively, "Hey, why did you appear in the capital at this time? It doesn't seem right... Could it be that you are You made a special trip to come back from northern Xinjiang? Why? To persuade me to continue to do evil?"

Before Taoist He Fang could react, Jiang Mian took a well-made dagger from Shijiu.He fiddled with the gleaming blade for a while, then raised his hand and shot it between Taoist He Fang's legs like playing a dart.

The Taoist robe was torn, and the tip of the knife was deeply inserted between the floorboards.

Taoist He Fang turned pale with fright.He specializes in talismans, but is not that good at actual combat.

Not only that, but Jiang Mian took over his extremely beloved Ruyi magic weapon, and with those seemingly slender and weak fingers, she bit by bit opened Ruyi from the middle until there was a "pop".

"No! No... How is that possible! You must have been taken away!" Taoist He Fang broke down and yelled indiscriminately, "Where is the senior, why didn't you leave a way for future generations to survive!"

Jiang Mian bent her eyes: "How about this? If you refuse to tell the truth for an hour, I will destroy one of your magical artifacts. And the scriptures in the golden nanmu box are also very good for warming up...don't You want to play with the universe in your sleeves, huh?"

After finishing speaking, Jiang Mian ignored Taoist He Fang's collapse, stood up and stretched.

When he looked at Yan Qingyun, his expression became soft again.

"Husband, leave the interrogation to your secret guards, right? It's too late now, I'm so sleepy."

"……it is good."

But Yan Qingyun paused, and took Jiang Mian's hand as usual, but the emotion in his deep eyes gradually became obscure.

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