After Haotian Tianyi and Luo Xiang and others discussed for a long time, Haotian himself wrote a memorial and handed it to Chu Xiangcheng to take to the capital. Of course, it was accompanied by a betrothal gift specially prepared by Haotian. He was already a treacherous person ten years ago, so he naturally understood the intentions of Haotian and others. So as soon as the large group of troops crossed the Yinfeng Mountains and entered the Li family's territory on Qinchuan Road, he began to publicize the claim of the Duke of Qing Dynasty, Zhang Yuewan. Haotian originally promised to marry Haotian as soon as he returned to Hetao. And his group went to the Holy Capital of Tiandu to beg Emperor Yinglie for marriage.
Putting aside whether this oath is true or false, the two protagonists of the rumor are both two young heroes with outstanding reputations in the empire. Princess Zhang Yuewan is not only the only daughter of Weiyuan King Zhang Cangxiong, but she also learned from Yan Yuning. Huagong is one of the top ten heroes in China, and it goes without saying that he is famous. Although Haotian's rise was short-lived, he is a national hero who rose up when the country was in danger. Now he is sitting on the Hetao Six Prefecture, with 300,000 troops under his command, and the title of Marquis of Jingbei. Compared with the direct princess of the Qing Dynasty, his status is not inferior in any way. But what puzzles the world is that Haotian does not want to marry Zhang Yuewan as his official wife. She just wanted to accept her as an equal wife. Thinking of Weiyuan King Zhang Cangxiong's power and love for protecting his calf, everyone had a little more expectation for this matter.
Above the court, looking at Chu Xiangcheng standing below, Zhang Cangxiong with a depressed look on his face, and Zhang Yuewan with a normal expression on the side, Emperor Yinglie felt indescribably happy. He didn't expect Haotian to be so sensible. At first, he was still thinking about how to facilitate this matter. But before he even brought it up, Haotian had already petitioned for a marriage, and made this matter known to the whole world.
"Uncle Wang Weiyuan, I am here to congratulate you first. Marquis Jingbei is not only outstanding in meritorious service, but also young and promising. He is a perfect match for Princess Yuewan. It is truly a blessing to Huai River that Uncle Wang can find such a good son-in-law." Ah." Sitting on the dragon chair, the heroic emperor laughed and said. Except for Pang Ye and others, whom he relied on most, the rest of the ministers looked as usual. Those who can stand in the court, They were all treacherous and treacherous people, and their shock when receiving the news had already been digested by their years of intrigue. Therefore, although they had some calculations in their hearts, they quickly adjusted their expressions to the most appropriate one.
Weiyuan King Zhang Cangxiong hurriedly came out and said: "Your Majesty, although Marquis Jingbei is young and promising, in the end this marriage is just a casual joke of the little girl and cannot be taken seriously." As early as Chu Xiangcheng had just entered. He had already known about this matter when they were on Qinchuan Road. He only had such a precious daughter under his knees, so he naturally did not want her to marry someone else as an equal wife. Although he had already made up his mind, this was what Zhang Yuewan said personally. He couldn't deny it, so he had to bite the bullet and say it.
"The prince and princess turned out to be deliberately teasing my lord and the seven million people in the six states of Hetao?" Chu Xiangcheng said coldly: "Although my lord is young, he is also the eunuch appointed by the emperor, and he also manages his subordinates. There are six million people in the six prefectures of Hetao and millions of women, young and old who have come to seek refuge. I never expected that the prince and princess would come to tease me, the people of Hetao, about such a big event."
"Lord Chu, this is just a joke between two young people, Marquis Jingbei and Princess Diqing. Why does Lord Chu need to rise to this level? They are both young and promising, so they can also joke with each other.
It's normal. King Weiyuan has always respected loyal and martyrs, and young heroes like Jingbei Hou are what he admires, so how can he deliberately tease him?" Zhang Cangwu, the Minister of Rites, said. He is from the Zhang family.
As a direct descendant and the Minister of Rites, he naturally has to stand up for the Zhang family.
Chu Xiangcheng smiled disdainfully: "What Zhang Shangshu said is right, but the world knows that King Weiyuan has always been honest and loyal, and his tutoring is even more strict. And the princess of the Qing Dynasty is the legitimate daughter of the prince and the adopted daughter of the current Queen Mother, so she actually
Joking about such a major marriage matter. If this matter spreads out, I'm afraid it will really make people laugh, right? Besides, when my lord left Beijing that day, Princess Diqing personally led a group of friends to the river crossing to get married.
I sent him off and made an oath in public. My lords, just imagine, if Princess Qing really said it casually, is it necessary for her to go to see my lord off in person? Both King Jingxi and Prince Dingxi can do this.
Bear witness."
As soon as these words came out, everyone was at a loss for words. Everyone knew the inside story about Zhang Yuewan and others' ambush of Haotian at Dahe Ferry. But no one dared to reveal the truth. After all, it was
There are so many things involved in it. And Chu Xiangcheng's words obviously sealed everyone's mouths. If anyone dares to express an opinion on this, it will undoubtedly be a public disclosure of the original truth.
"Lord Chu, please be at ease." Jingxi King Li Tieming suddenly said. Although the three aristocratic families are separated by barriers, they have always been on the same page externally. If Zhang Yuewan is allowed to marry into the Haotian Mansion, which is close to the royal family, Zhang Cangxiong will face
Her doting will inevitably favor Haotian in the future, so he will never tolerate such a thing happening: "What Mr. Chu said is absolutely true. Princess Qing is the legitimate daughter of King Weiyuan and the adopted daughter of the Queen Mother. Such...
Naturally, the matter cannot be reduced to a child's play. It's just that Princess Qing is still young after all and is not very sensible. It is inevitable that there will be some teasing remarks among young people. The Marquis of Jingbei already has a wife, so why should he take this matter seriously."
Song Zhengfeng, the king of Dingxi, also said quickly: "The king of Jingxi is right. Princess Qing is both the legitimate daughter of King Weiyuan and the adopted daughter of the Queen Mother. With such a noble status, if she marries into the Hetao as an equal wife, if this matter spreads out,
, then where is the dignity of the royal family and the face of the princes of the court? People who don’t know about it will also think that Marquis Jingbei is deliberately humiliating the royal family, so I ask Lord Chu to think about it."
"What King Dingxi said is biased." An Yongchang, the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, suddenly came out and said: "Old ministers believe that it is a natural thing for a man to marry a woman. Given the age of the legitimate princess, the marriage should have been long ago. But Her Royal Highness the Princess
She has a very high vision, so she has never been able to find a suitable candidate. Nowadays, it is rare for the princess to be tempted, so why should the prince bother to stop it? Besides, if the princess of the Qing Dynasty had not admired Jingbei Hou's character and martial arts, she would not have said this. Since
Both parties have intentions, so why should you interrupt this beautiful marriage? The dignity of the royal family and the face of the court are of course important, but if the prince goes back on his word and gets rich, I am afraid it will make the world laugh even more."
No one expected that the old fox An Yongchang would actually favor Haotian's side. They were caught off guard and everyone was shocked. Chu Xiangcheng's reaction was the quickest. Although he didn't know why An Yongchang suddenly
I support myself, but having him speak is naturally not a bad thing. So he quickly opened his mouth and said: "Master An is right. Since the news spread to Hetao, it is not just my lord and mistress who are actively preparing for the death of Princess Qing.
The seven million people in Hetao are also very happy. After the disaster, the people in Hetao are eager to have such a happy event to dilute their sorrow. If you tell them now, this is just Weiyuan.
The king and Princess Qing played a joke on them, and I'm afraid nine out of ten people will be disappointed."
"When a princess gets married, according to the practice of our dynasty, the marrying party must have the corresponding title. Moreover, the princess of the Qing Dynasty is the adopted daughter of the mother and queen, and the princess named by the former emperor. With the title of Marquis of Jingbei, if you marry the princess, you will be the first wife.
, that’s okay. But if we accept her as an equal wife, wouldn’t it mean that we don’t take the majesty of my royal family seriously? Otherwise, if the Marquis of Jingbei can marry the princess as his wife, then the princess will marry in Hetao,
There is nothing wrong with it." Liu Xian, the auxiliary king, suddenly said. He has always had a good relationship with the Zhang family of Huaishui. Although he cannot marry Zhang Yuewan, it would be good if Zhang Yuewan can help him get a strong helper. Hao
If Tian was not too loyal to the current emperor, then this would also be a good choice. But because Haotian's position had become firm, he had nothing to say.
When the auxiliary king first spoke, everyone thought he was supporting Haotian. But after hearing it, all the insiders were immediately enlightened. Especially after experiencing the scene where Emperor Yinglie came to Haotian.
The ministers at the banquet knew Haotian's love for Qin Tianyi. It was undoubtedly a daydream to ask Haotian to let Tianyi give up the position of his wife and Zhang Yuewan. But Zhang Cangxiong's face suddenly showed a hint of joy.
"Your Majesty, Princess Diqing already knew that Marquis Jingbei had a wife. Since she was able to say such words at that time, it means that Princess Diqing did not take this matter to her heart at all. And Princess Diqing did not
She is a person who is greedy for power, and she will not be too attached to the position of the head wife." Grand Master Sima Angelica came out and said.
"Grand Master, this is not a matter of care, but a matter of ancestral family law." Zhang Cangwu interjected: "The reason why our Qingfeng can last for hundreds of years is because of the existence of ancestral family law. Etiquette and law must not be abolished.
, otherwise the foundation of our Qingfeng will be shaken. Your Majesty, I also agree with the proposal of the auxiliary king. If the Marquis of Jingbei can marry the princess of the Qing Dynasty as his head wife, then we have nothing to say. But if the Marquis of Jingbei insists on accepting it,
If I take the legitimate princess as my concubine, I will definitely fight to the death!" As soon as these words came out, a large number of direct descendants from the three major aristocratic families came out to agree.
Emperor Yinglie was in a dilemma. He had long known that this matter would not be smooth sailing, but he did not expect that the opposition was so fierce. It seemed that there were still many people in the court who did not want the royal family to restore its former glory, including
The same is true for his own younger brother. Although An Yongchang supported this matter, God knows what his intentions were. After hesitating for a while, Emperor Yinglie said: "Everyone you said is polite, Chu Aiqing, I don't know what you have.
objection?"
Chapter 76 To Marry or Not to Marry
Like Emperor Yinglie, Chu Xiangcheng had long understood that this matter would never go so smoothly. But he was not in a hurry. He still had a trump card that he had not yet used. After hearing Emperor Yinglie's question, he just
He said calmly: "Wei Chen is a soft-spoken person, so naturally he dare not have too many opinions. But what Wei Chen didn't expect was that all his colleagues only knew the family traditions of their ancestors, but they did not understand the six million people in Hetao and the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun at all.
The hearts and minds of millions of people are at heart."
Everyone was startled when they heard this. If this hat was taken off, no one would be able to bear it, not even the heroic emperor. They all understood that what came next must be Chu Xiangcheng's trump card.
After looking at each other with Pang Ye and others, Emperor Yinglie asked: "What do you mean, Ai Qing?"
"Your Majesty, your lords." Chu Xiangcheng said in a deep voice: "Since the six tribes outside the Great Wall invaded the Sixteenth Prefecture of Youyun, our imperial army has suffered repeated defeats and retreats. Since the defeat of the Imperial Northern Expeditionary Army,
After that, there was no imperial army in the north of the empire. Almost all the imperial officials in the Sixteenth Prefecture of Youyun, including the Six Prefectures of Hetao, evacuated south to Tiandu Shengjing. However, the army could evacuate south, and the officials could evacuate south.
, but the tens of millions of people in the Sixteenth State of Youyun? Can they also evacuate south as quickly as the officials of the empire? No! So the only thing they can do is to stay where they are, and then use their own flesh and blood to welcome them
The cold blade of the alien race. In less than a year, out of the 40 million people in Hebei Province, there are now only less than 10 million women, old and children left. The situation in the six prefectures of Hetao is slightly better, but there are still 2 million people.
The surname was buried in this war. It was not until my lord raised an army in Dingzhou and recovered the six prefectures in the Hetao that the suffering of the people in the Hetao ended. And the people in the Fifth Road of Hebei also fled to the Hetao through various channels.
. However, they no longer have love for the empire in their hearts. They believe that they are just a group of people abandoned by the empire, the royal family, the noble families and the ministers of the court. When they struggled under the blades of the aliens,
The empire didn't think of them. When they were hungry and cold and had no way to make a living, the empire didn't think of them. They were the victims of the empire's attempt to slow down the aliens' march south, and they didn't feel the empire's concern for them at all. But under the oath of Princess Liqing
After the news of marrying into the Hetao spread, they were all very happy. Because in their eyes, this is the empire, this is the royal family, and it is a symbol that the aristocratic families and the ministers of the court have not forgotten them. The empire can respect the status of its heirs.
Princess Qing married to Hetao because the court still cared about them. But what I didn't expect was that you adults only thought about the family law of your ancestors, regardless of the feelings of the people, and actually tried to disappoint the people again. Such behavior should be regarded as
What a sigh!”
"You have never forgotten these people since you came to the empire." When Zhang Cangwu said this, he even blushed a little. But he still said: "It is precisely because the empire attaches great importance to the people that it specially
Emphasize the status of the legitimate princess as the head wife. If the princess is simply allowed to marry to Hetao as a concubine, then the people will think that the princess has no status at all in the court, and the empire is just perfunctory to them."
Chu Xiangcheng chuckled: "Master Shangshu is worthy of being the Minister of Rites. Such eloquence is not as good as Mr. Chu. It's just that justice is in the hearts of the people. People are not like Master Shangshu who is well-read in poetry and books and knows etiquette. They are just real people.
They will only use their simplest thinking to judge things. Frankly speaking, my lord is completely loyal to the court, but the people under his rule don't think so."
"Bold! Master Chu, why did you say such heart-breaking words!" Zhao Fanjian, the Minister of Rites, shouted loudly. Liu Chaoting, the director of the Hanlin Academy, also glared at Chu Xiangcheng.
Chu Xiangcheng smiled indifferently: "This is the voice of the people, someone is just conveying it. If someone remembers correctly, Mr. Zhao was the prefect of Taihang Road before this, and the leader of the Sixteen Provinces of Youyun fell.
At that time, Mr. Zhao seemed to be the first one to escape back to the Holy Capital of Heaven, right? With such officials, what else can the common people dare to hope for?"
Zhao Fanjian's face suddenly darkened, and the court fell silent. When Hebei Fifth Road and Hetao fell, all local officials at the Luzhou level, except Xia Houming, the prefect of Anxi Road and Muzhou, disappeared during the war.
He fled back to Tiandu Shengjing. Chu Xiangcheng's words undoubtedly meant that he directly pulled them out naked without giving face to the court and the three major aristocratic families.
Emperor Yinglie frowned. He could naturally understand the meaning of Chu Xiangcheng's words. But if the argument continued like this, it would only make the court's face even more ugly. He took a deep breath, and then he said nothing to one side.
Zhang Yuewan said: "I wonder what Sister Wang wants?"
Zhang Yuewan took a step forward and said: "Your Majesty, since Wang Mei is the adopted daughter of her mother, she naturally has the responsibility to appease the people on behalf of the royal family. Moreover, Yue Wan proposed this matter herself, so Yue Wan will naturally have no objection. As for the official wife's
Yue Wan did not dare to worry about her position. Compared with what Mrs. Jingbei Hou did in Hetao, Yue Wan was far behind. She had never done anything practical for the people of Hetao, so how could she dare to expect the respect of the people? Besides, if it was too much
If you care about it, it will only destroy the reputation of my royal family in the Celestial Dynasty."
Emperor Yinglie was surprised at first, but then he was delighted: "What does Wang Mei mean, is she agrees to marry into the river?"
"Exactly! It's just that my father has only one daughter, Yue Wan, and his parents are very old. Yue Wan cannot go to Hetao for the time being. Please forgive me, Your Majesty and Mr. Chu." Zhang Yuewan said loudly, and the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, including the Prime Minister of Chu,
Cheng and others were stunned. No one thought that Zhang Yuewan would marry into the Loop so straightforwardly, especially the face of Weiyuan King Zhang Cangxiong. If Zhang Yuewan hadn't kept winking at him,
I'm afraid he just wants to save the matter with his old face.
"In that case, the matter has been settled. As for the wedding date, it will be decided by Uncle Wang and Marquis Jingbei." Emperor Yinglie said quickly. What he was worried about now was that Song Zhengfeng and others would interfere with their words, so he might as well just start
They were sealed in one sentence: "On that day, Jingbei Hou's 80,000-strong army penetrated deep beyond the Great Wall, which greatly relieved the pressure on our Dahe defense line. I was ready to reward him that day, and now the two things are combined into one. Where is He Huairen?"
"I'm here!" He Huairen, the commander of the Dragon Legion, quickly stepped out of the queue and replied.
"Now I order you to go to Hetao with my rewards and gifts as a wedding ceremony. I wonder if you are willing?"
"I obey the decree!" He Huairen said with a heavy kowtow. He has been in charge of the navy for more than 20 years, so he is naturally not a fool. He obviously understands the meaning of Emperor Yinglie. Regarding Haotian's army,
Emperor Yinglie naturally wanted to win over him easily. As Tie Zhen's confidant, he was naturally also Emperor Yinglie's confidant. Moreover, his navy was on the river. Now that the cold winter has passed, the river has become unimpeded. He
It is of course the right time to go to the Hetao.
Angrily, he returned to Prince Weiyuan's Mansion and dismissed all the servants, leaving only Zhang Yuewan. Zhang Cangxiong then opened his mouth and asked: "Yuewan, why did you insist on marrying the Hetao in the court today?"
"Father, it is already certain that our daughter will marry into the Loop. Although Haotian is young and vigorous, his counselors are extraordinary. Since they have proposed marriage now, they must have a perfect plan, but
Chu Xiangcheng's remarks today leave us with no way out. Besides, they are now spreading the news widely. I am afraid that everyone in Qingfeng already knows about this matter. Instead of being forced to marry into the Loop, it is better to take the initiative now.
I want to gain some good reputation." Zhang Yuewan explained.
Zhang Cangxiong's face was uncertain, and he said after a long time: "Yue Wan, with your intelligence, my father really can't figure out why you made such a promise on the river crossing that day, and finally let people catch you."
"Father, do you think Yuewan can inherit your throne?" Zhang Yuewan suddenly asked strangely.
"No!" Zhang Cangxiong shook his head. The folk customs in China are not considered open. Although there have been some changes in recent years, there is still no precedent for women to inherit titles in China's history. This is not a sect like the Bloody Plateau or Tianwu Galaxy.
Even though Zhang Yuewan was the apple of his eye, the succession to the throne still did not fall on her. That's why he chose his nephew Zhang Jishi as the crown prince of Weiyuan.
"Since it can't be done, what Yue Wan can do is to get the greatest help for the family." Zhang Yuewan said with some helplessness: "Father, among the three major aristocratic families, our Zhang family has always been the weakest. And among the younger generations, Yue Wan
I have no brothers, and there are no outstanding talents among my cousins. Although my father can keep my Zhang family safe as long as he is alive for one day. But after a hundred years, my father will surely decline. Therefore, Yue Wan can only protect me.
In exchange for a strong support, let him help my Zhang family when I am in trouble."
Zhang Cangxiong's face was slightly embarrassed: "Yue Wan, are you looking down on your cousins? Let's just say that Jishi's child, although he is still a little immature, is also quite extraordinary. As long as given time, he will be able to support me.
The Zhang family’s century-old foundation.”
Zhang Yuewan smiled bitterly: "Father, although my cousin is smart, he is short-sighted and greedy. Not to mention Li Xiaomo on Qinchuan Road, Song Junlin on Yizhou Road is much better than him.
Moreover, Qingfeng is now in a precarious situation, and no one can tell where it will go. Besides, my daughter always has a feeling that a bigger storm is coming. So we must concentrate all our efforts to tide over the difficulties."
"Then why did you choose Haotian? Hetao was originally remote and backward, and after passing through the six ethnic groups outside the Great Wall, it was even more impoverished. Although Haotian now has 300,000 troops, it does not have the corresponding economic foundation.
Why does he support this 300,000-strong army?" Zhang Cangxiong said still somewhat unconcernedly.