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  Chapter 21

  Xue Su thought for a moment before responding, "I remember when Lord Han returned to the capital in triumph, the streets were packed with people wanting to catch a glimpse of him. I dont know how many masters and mistresses wanted to make him their son-in-law! But not long after that, I heard that Lord Han had settled on you, Miss. The maidservants in the manor couldnt be more thrilled, and when they went out, they seemed to carry themselves with even greater pride."

  Ming Xuans eyebrows were tightly furrowed, "Returning to the capital in triumph?"

  Xue Su exclaimed in surprise, "Dont these ladies remember?"

  Her eyes suddenly showed a hint of pity, and she pointed to Dan Hong, saying, "Those things outside, I dont know very clearly, but Dan Hong, she often chats with the women from the outer courtyard, so she knows more, Miss, you can ask her to tell you."

  Dan Hongs face showed a hint of fear, "Han Daren is the adopted son of General Han Bingcheng, who guarded the country in the past. It is said that he grew up in the northwest military camp since childhood, went to battle at the age of 7 or 8, beheaded the Western Xia enemy general at the age of 12, and captured the Western Xia prince who led the army to invade at the age of 15. In the northwest military camp, he has a reputation as Jade-faced Killer God."

  She continued, "Five years ago, the new ruler of Western Xia ascended to the throne and again led his troops to invade Zhou. Unfortunately, General Wei was ambushed and sacrificed himself for the country. It was Lord Han who led his men to break through the encirclement and counterattacked the Western Xia army, catching them off guard. Not only did they repel the Western Xia army at the border, but also forced the ruler of Western Xia to present a letter of surrender, promising not to invade for a hundred years and to pay annual tribute."

  Ming Xuan nodded slightly, and had long felt that the cold air emanating from Han Xiuxin was somewhat frightening. It turned out that he was actually a military background. But as a soldier, why did he enter the cabinet and become a politician skilled in manipulating power?

  Whats most important is that she had previously made a point to remember the families with whom Yongning Marquis Manor had dealings, and hadnt heard of any connections with Weiguo General Manor. How did this mismatched marriage come about?

  She looked dazed and asked, "Did our family and the Han family have dealings with each other in the past?"

  Dan Hong couldnt help but feel distressed upon hearing such a tone of desperation.

  She had seen the wound on Ming Xuans forehead with her own eyes three years ago. At that time, the imperial physician said it was a fatal injury and she was lucky to have survived. Seventh Miss fainted for many days before waking up, initially unable to speak clearly, thinking that her brain was really damaged. Now it seems that she just lost some memories, which is already considered fortunate. Still, she cant help but feel a little heartbroken.

  It must have been very difficult for you to feel completely unaware of the past.

  Dan Hong thought to himself and answered more conscientiously, as if he couldnt wait to tell Ming Xuan everything he knew. "Originally, our mansion had no dealings with the Han family, but after Lord Hans great victory over Western Xia, the previous emperor had the intention of strengthening our national prestige. Not only did he order the Western Xia envoys to present tribute and surrender, but also summoned the generals of the Northwestern Army to return to Shengjing for rewards and commendations."

  She paused, "When the imperial edict was read out, Lord Han refused the promotion to Ningguo General by the previous emperor, and instead asked for a decree to return home and live in seclusion. He stayed in Shengjing to await orders, and the previous emperor agreed. Immediately, he was granted an official position and a mansion, which is the one opposite ours. As they became close neighbors, their interactions naturally increased."

  Ming Xuan thought about it and realized that five years ago, Han Xi was only eighteen, at the height of his youthful vigor. According to reason, after achieving such military merit and being the adopted son of a national hero, he should have smoothly taken over the northwest armys power. As a general on the outside, one can refuse certain imperial orders, and with control over a regions military affairs, one would have gained the greatest actual power. But he actually refused...

  The former emperor was willing to exchange the title of Ningguo General, a first-class official, for that of Left Vice-Director of the Imperial Secretariat, a second-class official, thus retrieving military power and gaining a reputation for treating his subjects well.

  She hummed softly, "Such a young and powerful nobleman, in the capital city, many famous families daughters are matched with him. Although our Hou Mansion has been prominent for generations, the current Yongning Duke is my great uncle. My father may have passed the imperial examination, but hes just a low-ranking idle official. Even though my sister is the empress of the 9th prince, at that time, the 9th prince had not yet risen to prominence..."

  Its actually pointless to investigate how the marriage was arranged in the first place, and shes just being paranoid, always feeling that Han Xius eyes are dim and unclear, filled with complex emotions. Today, Madame Hans jade pendant went missing again, which suddenly stirred up her thoughts, making her think that she still needs to find a way to clarify those past events.

  Even if youve decided to look only at the future, its always good to know a bit about the past.

  The night watchmans rattle sounded, and Xue Su advised, "Its already late at night, lets take a rest."

  Seeing Ming Xuan nod, she propped herself up and tucked the quilt for Ming Xuan, blew out the lamp, and in the dark night, they were speechless for a moment. The three of them soon fell asleep.

  On the second day, Ming Xuan got up early and went to An Tai Temple to pay respects.

  Hong Tao welcomed her in, "Yesterday, the old lady received a letter from Longxi, thinking that Young Master Biao had returned to Pingchangbos mansion safely. The old lady chatted with Miss Biao for a while, laughing and talking. This morning, both of them were not feeling well, but the old lady was slightly better, while Miss Biao seemed to have caught a cold."

  Ming Xuan couldnt help but feel a little stunned, "Ill go take a look at her."

  She lifted the curtain and walked straight into the inner room, where she saw Old Lady Zhu reclining on the kang with her eyes closed, while Linxue was curled up at the foot of the kang. She paid her respects and asked after their well-being, then sat down beside Linxue, putting a hand to her forehead. "Oh, you really do have some fever."

  Madam Zhu said with a sigh, "Its all my fault. I made her run that errand late at night, and perhaps the cold wind chilled her. Ive already sent for Doctor Zheng, who will be here soon. He is very skilled, and with two or three doses of his medicine, shell recover. Your grandmother guarantees it, and shell definitely be able to attend your birthday celebration."

  She gently patted Linxiaos body, "In the next few days, dont dare to freeze again, just stay here with me at ease, and when youre better, Ill let you move in with Xiang sister."

  Lin Xue was ill and had no temper, her words were also not as loud as usual, she just nodded vaguely.

  At this time, Yan Laolao walked into the inner house with a smile all over her face. She first paid respects to Ming Huan and then said to Old Lady Zhu, "Just now, a young monk from Qingliang Temple came and said that last time, the 99 volumes of the Diamond Sutra copied by Seventh Miss were all given away to the faithful. Those kind men and women knew it was due to the kindness of our old lady, so they collected money and made a statue of Guanyin, saying they want to give it to you!"

  Although she was a lowly maid, her value lay in the good reputation of the Old Lady of Yongning Hou Mansions charitable name.

  Madam Zhu was overjoyed and couldnt stop smiling, repeatedly saying it was good. Lin Yue and Ming Xuan also heard it and were very happy.

  Yan laughed and said, "Because Master Fangzhang got this Guanyin statue, he personally gilded the mud body and opened the light in front of the Buddha, just waiting for us to have time to go over."

  The Buddha statue is not an ordinary gift and must be sincerely invited back, so the little monk only brought a verbal message.

  Madam Zhu was in a dilemma. Logically speaking, it was Ming Xuans sincerity that earned her the Guanyin statue, so she should be the one to invite him again as a sign of good faith. However, considering the freezing weather outside and the distant location of Qingliang Mountain on the outskirts of the city, making another trip would be somewhat troublesome. Moreover, with Xuaner being weak and frail, it wouldnt be proper for her to go alone.

  But before the festival was over, Madame Hou was busy and couldnt stop, the second daughter-in-law was away from home every day for Xiaojies marriage, and the fourth daughter-in-law was always aloof, she didnt want to be ordered around easily.

  But she was also eager to see the Guanyin statue...

  Ming Xuan smiled and said, "Why dont we let Suns daughter take this trip instead?"

  She understood her grandmothers concerns, so she affectionately hugged Yan Laolaos arm and said, "If Grandmother is not at ease, then let Yan Laolao accompany her granddaughter together. Yan Laolao is an old person in the mansion, you treat her like a sister, and she is also a senior of the granddaughter. With her accompanying us, we dont have to worry about others gossiping."

  Madam Zhu calculated the date and found that there was no Buddhist ceremony today. She thought of the usual practice at Qingliang Temple, where the front hall was open to the public for worship, but the Chan room in the backyard was specially set up for nobles, guarded by warrior monks, and ordinary people were not allowed to enter. Since there was no Buddhist ceremony, it should be very quiet on Mount Qingliang today.

  She thought that Xianger had Ya Tous wife to accompany her, and when the time came, she invited Guan Yin back, which didnt count as violating the rules. She nodded slightly, instructed Yanzhi carefully again, and stroked Ming Xiangs hand, saying warmly, "Then we have to trouble our sister Xianger, go back and change into something thicker, bring a hand warmer, dont catch a chill."

  Ming Xuan smiled and nodded in agreement, bowed and then turned around to return to the Jade Washing Pavilion.

  It was cold outside, and this errand was originally not an easy one, but she was very excited and her footsteps were much lighter.

  Its been three years since I came to this world, and the first time I saw a scene outside Yongning Houfu was that day when sending Li Shaoyi back to Longxi. However, that hasty glance only saw a corner of the sky, and it was ruined by Han Xius cold eyes. The first time she sat in a sedan chair out of the door was to go to Jianan Bo Fu, her heart was nervous and uneasy, thinking about how to escape, and had no mood to appreciate the street scenery outside.

  This time going to Qingliang Mountain, without those annoying things bothering her, she can take a good look at the world where she is now, breathe in the fresh air outside Yongning Houfu, and miss the freedom she once had.

  Ming Xuan changed into a slightly thicker coat, still wearing the gray fox fur-lined cloak, without applying powder or makeup, and simply got on the carriage. Xue Su and Dan Hong held hand warmers and sat on one side, while Sheng Hui led several robust women in another carriage, with a small team of guards following behind, heading towards the western suburbs.

  The winter days in Shengjing are indeed cold, but the streets are not deserted. The shops are open one after another and have not closed for the New Years holiday. Instead, many vendors have set up their stalls early and started hawking their wares. There are also tea houses and wine shops, which were already bustling with people by around 9 am, with customers pouring in.

  Ming Xuan only dared to lift a small corner of the carriage curtain, and through the gap, she greedily looked out at the street scene outside. In her heart, she secretly sighed that Shengjing City was indeed the capital of Zhou Dynasty, and all the places they passed by were bustling with excitement. If she could marry into the Yan family in the future, the rules would not be as strict as those in the Hou Mansion, so she could often come out to take a walk.

  Thinking so, her mood improved a bit, and she looked forward to the banquet at the Auxiliary National Palace in a few days even more.

  The carriage went westward, out of the inner city, into the suburbs, and along the winding and steep back wall of Qingliang Mountain, it wound its way up. At first, the mountain road was not so rugged, and the carriage moved smoothly, but as it climbed higher, the carriage shook more violently, and Ming Xuan had never experienced this before, feeling uncomfortable and dizzy.

  She asked in a low voice to the driver outside the curtain, "How much longer until we arrive at Qingliang Temple?"

  The coachman had no time to respond, and all he heard was a loud noise from the wheel hub of the carriage, which lost its balance and fell over...

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