This was the first time He Yan saw Emperor Wenxuan in his previous life.
Emperor Wenxuan had reached the age of knowing his destiny, but he looked younger than he actually was. His face was ruddy, and he was neat and tidy. Although he wore a bright yellow dragon robe, he did not look as majestic and domineering as He Yan had imagined. He even looked kind and benevolent, like a kind elder in an ordinary family. He did not put on airs. After arriving, he sat down in the high seat, indicating that the officials did not need to be reserved.
Sitting next to Emperor Wenxuan was Empress Zhang. Empress Zhang and Emperor Wenxuan were husband and wife when they were young. Their family was prominent, and the late Emperor made her the Crown Princess. Empress Zhang had a son and a daughter, the current Crown Prince Guang Yan and Princess Yu Chan. Princess Yu Chan was already married, but she was not feeling well recently, so she did not come to the palace banquet today. Sitting next to Empress Zhang was Imperial Concubine Lan.
Imperial Concubine Lan was about the same age as Empress Zhang, but she was not as beautiful and round as Empress Zhang. She looked thin and delicate. She was gentle and did not fight for anything, so she gave birth to the Fourth Prince Guang shuo.
Fifth Prince Guang Ji was held by a nanny and stood next to his two brothers. His biological mother was Imperial Concubine Ni. Imperial Concubine Ni was very young and was at the age where she was as beautiful as a flower. She was arrogant and domineering. She was originally selected as the legitimate daughter of a local official, but because she was pregnant with the Emperor's child, she rose up the ranks. However, Emperor Wenxuan disliked her arrogance and refused to promote her to the position of Imperial Concubine. In the past two years, Imperial Concubine Ni had become more well-behaved.
The Second Prince and the Third Prince were originally a pair of twins. Emperor Wen Xuan was lucky enough to meet a palace maid who washed clothes in the palace. Unfortunately, it was difficult to give birth to twins. When the mother and the children were born, all three of them died together.
Emperor Wenxuan did not have many children. In an imperial family, having many children was not necessarily a good thing. There was only one position, and when there were many people, it was inevitable that some people would be dissatisfied and disloyal. Now that Fifth Prince Guang Ji was still young, only Crown Prince Guang Ji and Fourth Prince Guang Guang shuo had the ability to sit in that position. Empress Zhang's family was powerful, and the Crown Prince was the legitimate heir. Coincidentally, the Concubine Lan did not fight for the throne. Originally, it was understandable that the Crown Prince would inherit the throne.
However, the Crown Prince was a Guang Yan with neither talent nor virtue. He had no achievements in political affairs, and his own household was a mess. Usually, he only knew how to play around. In contrast, the Fourth Prince was a Guang Yan with both talent and virtue. He had outstanding talent, a gentle temperament, and kept himself clean.
The Crown Prince was so weak, and the Fourth Prince was so outstanding. Naturally, there were people who were tempted. Moreover, among the three thousand beauties in the imperial harem, Emperor Wen Xuan loved Concubine Lan the most. Although Concubine Lan did not fight or snatch, no one in the imperial harem dared to look down on her. Gradually, the power in the imperial court was divided into two factions. One faction supported the Guang Yan, while the other faction wanted to ask Emperor Wen Xuan to make Guang shuo the Crown Prince.
He Yan still remembered that when he was in Liangzhou, he vaguely heard people say that the Crown Prince did not like Xiao Jue. Xiao Jue led the troops to the Liangzhou Guard. In addition to avoiding Xu Jingfu's sharp edge, the Crown Prince also played a part in it.
In other words, Xu Jingfu and the Crown Prince Guang Yan were most likely in cahoots.
She thought in her heart, but her expression did not change.
Fifth Prince Guang Ji was only five years old this year. Emperor Wen Xuan disliked Noble Lady Ni for being arrogant and leading a good child astray. Thus, he gave him to Concubine Lan and let Concubine Lan raise him together. Noble Lady Ni was flustered and exasperated, but there was nothing she could do. Guang Ji had been raised by Noble Lady Lan for a long time, so he was very close to Guang shuo. At this moment, he was sitting at the table, tugging on Guang shuo's sleeve and whispering, "Fourth Brother, Imperial Father said today that he has a happy occasion to announce. What is it?"
Guang shuo smiled and looked at him. "I don't know either. You'll find out later."
Guang Yan, who overheard their conversation, sneered, "Fourth Brother, Imperial Father likes you so much. I thought you knew all of his secrets. Why, didn't he tell you in advance this time? "
Guang shuo did not take the Crown Prince's provocation to heart. His attitude was still gentle. "Your Highness must be joking."
Naturally, the undercurrent on their side was noticed by those who were observant. Emperor Wen Xuan was getting older and older … Some things were bound to happen sooner or later.
He Yan sat at the men's table. She sat closer to Lin Shuanghe and Xiao Jing, but slightly further away from Yan He. He Rufei sat even further away. She could even feel Xu Zhiheng secretly sizing her up. He Yan also saw Chu Zhao. Chu Zhao did not greet her today. He still spoke gently to others, but he treated He Yan like a stranger. He Yan did not care about this, but Chu Zhao seemed a little strange today.
Not long after the banquet started, Empress Zhang spoke. She smiled and said, "Today is a good day. It's almost mid-autumn. I want to take advantage of today to do something good."
Everyone looked at each other. They thought about the battle between the Rundu and Jiyang. Da Wei defeated Uto. Today was supposed to be a celebratory banquet, but the main character, Xiao Huaijin, was not present. If they were to reward He Rufei, then He Rufei's contribution in the battle of Hua Yuan was not outstanding. If they were to reward him now, not only would it not make people feel honored, it would also be insulting.
"Shi Jinbo," Empress Zhang smiled and said, "It's time for the fourth young master of your residence to get married."
Chu Linfeng was stunned. He stood up and quickly said, "Yes."
Chu Zhao also stood up.
"Chu Zilan, I know that you and Lord Xu's daughter, Pingting, have been Qing Mei's childhood sweetheart. I watched Pingting grow up. I also like you very much. The two of you are a match made in heaven. Today, I will do this good deed and betroth Pingting to you. What do you think? "
Xu Pingting was not at the banquet today. Only Chu Zhao heard this and knelt down. "Thank you for your favor, Your Majesty. I am very grateful."
Xu Jingfu also smiled and accepted the decree. He bowed and expressed his thanks.
The banquet instantly became lively. The surrounding people also took the opportunity to express their thanks to Chu Linfeng and Xu Jingfu. Chu Linfeng was very proud. He had four sons. The other three were average in appearance and talent. There was nothing special about them. Only this son, whose birth mother came from a small city, was stunning and outstanding. He was even able to become in-laws with the Prime Minister. If this news were to spread, he would be very proud.
Chu Zhao also smiled and expressed his thanks. However, He Yan saw the smile on his face. He was not happy. Although she had not spent much time with Chu Zhao, this person often had a smile on his face. But now, even the fake smile was not as real as before.
"Pitiful," Lin Shuanghe murmured in a low voice. "At this time, one sentence is determined for life. He is no different from a puppet."
He Yan turned to look at him. Lin Shuanghe knew that he had misspoken and hurriedly said with a smile, "Ke, Brother He, the Empress has said that the two of them are Qing Mei's childhood sweethearts. Naturally, they should be together."
He Yan did not say anything. Chu Zhao and Xu Jingfu's relationship. Although they were teacher and student, Chu Zhao often had to rely on Xu Jingfu to do things. Since he had chosen this path, he had to give up something. For example … freedom. Everyone had their own choices. She felt sympathy for Chu Zhao's situation, but wasn't this also Chu Zhao's own decision?
Because of this happy event, the banquet was no longer as formal and lively as before. Seeing this, Emperor Wenxuan smiled and said, "Since this is the case, Zhen will also do a good deed today."
Everyone at the banquet was shocked. What did this mean? Could it be that there was another happy event? Could it be that they were going to witness two happy events today? Since His Majesty and the Empress had personally bestowed a marriage, it could not be a small figure?
Guang Ji's eyes lit up as he looked at Guang shuo. "Fourth brother, who are you bestowing a marriage to this time?"
The Crown Prince also felt that it was strange. He knew about the matter between Xu Pingting and Chu Zilan. The Crown Prince felt that it was a pity that Xu Pingting, that girl, was born beautiful. However, he also knew that he already had a Crown Princess, and Xu Jingfu definitely would not let his daughter be a secondary consort. As for Chu Zilan, he also needed to win over him. Therefore, he could only let Xu Pingting benefit that brat Chu Zilan.
Now, he had not received any news about the person Emperor Wenxuan was bestowing a marriage.
"Where is He Yan of the Liangzhou Guards?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone at the banquet was shocked. Lin Shuanghe looked at He Yan in surprise. "How …"
He Yan was not worried at all. He stood up and walked forward confidently. He knelt down and kowtowed to Emperor Wenxuan. "This commoner He Yan greets His Majesty."
Emperor Wenxuan smiled and said, "You are Mu An Lang that Zhen has personally bestowed upon you. How can you call yourself a commoner?"
He Yan said, "This humble subject knows his mistake."
Xu Zhiheng and He Rufei, who were at the banquet, heard this name and looked at the youth in the hall at the same time. Yan He frowned and muttered to himself, "What is going on now?"
Chu Zhao secretly clenched the teacup in his hand. On the other side, Shen Muxue, who was at the female side of the banquet, lowered her head. Her expression was dark and gloomy.
Guang Ji asked, "Who is this older brother?"
Guang Shui shook his head. The name He Yan was too unfamiliar. They had never seen this youth before. Only "Mu An Lang" had some impression. He seemed to be Xiao Jue's subordinate when they were at the Liangzhou Guards. He was someone who had performed meritorious deeds together with Xiao Jue.
"Zhen knows that you went to Jiyang and the Rundu with General Fengyun. You were also there when Rida Mu Zi attacked the Liangzhou Guards. The Jiyang water battle and the Rundu defense were all your ideas. It is not easy for you to be brave and resourceful at such a young age. Zhen thinks that Mu An Lang is not enough for you. Why don't I give you the title of Marquis? In the future, you will be Marquis Wu An. "
"This …" The courtiers looked at each other in dismay.
From a nameless kid to a Marquis, he did not have any important people behind him to recommend him. What kind of spectacle was this? Even General Feihong back then had someone in his family who was an official. What was this kid's background? How could he be so powerful?
They did not see the memorials. Naturally, they did not know how the memorials from Jiyang and the Rundu detailed He Yan's crucial role in the battle. Emperor Wen Xuan was a person who liked talents, especially young talents. This made him think of those geniuses in poetry and literature. To geniuses, the world and rules were restraints.
"This humble subject thanks Your Majesty for your grace." He Yan knelt down. His heart was extremely calm.
"What kind of luck did this kid have?" Yan He gulped down the tea in his teacup and said gloomily, "He rose faster than me."
Lin Shuanghe was truly happy for He Yan. His face was about to burst into laughter.
"You can't!"
At this time, an abrupt voice interrupted. He Yan turned his head. An unfamiliar face appeared at the male side of the banquet. He Yan had never seen this person before. He did not look old and was wearing an official's robe. This man's face showed impatience. He lifted the corner of his robe and walked forward. He also knelt down in front of Emperor Wen Xuan. "Your Majesty, you cannot confer him the Marquis position. This kid is a liar. She is not a man, she is a woman!"
As if these words were not shocking enough, this person raised his hand and pulled out the wooden hairpin that bound He Yan's hair. Immediately, a head of long hair flowed down. They clearly had the same eyebrows and eyes, but at this moment, they were as elegant and beautiful as a woman.
The youth knelt in the hall. His expression was extremely calm, without a hint of panic. On the other hand, the surrounding crowd was like boiling water. They instantly became rowdy.
"What's going on? Is she really a woman? "
"Didn't they say she was a Liang Province Guard? There are women in the Liang Province Guard? "
"Is she really a woman? This is the crime of deceiving the monarch!"
At the banquet, Chu Zhao's gaze focused on the young girl's back. The hands hidden in his sleeves secretly clenched into fists. Yan He could not hold back. He stood up with a whoosh and shouted, "How is this possible?"
When Lin Shuanghe heard that person say "no," he already had a bad feeling. When he said "woman," he almost blacked out. However, he still persisted. At this moment, if he was not careful, he would be labeled as an accomplice in the crime of deceiving the monarch. Lin Shuanghe pressed down on his arm, indicating that he should not move. Lin Shuanghe's lips moved. His mind was quickly calculating how to get away with this.
Insist that it was only a boy with a feminine appearance? Impossible. At this point, the nannies from the palace only needed to come over for a brief examination to reveal the truth. Should he just say that He Yan's brain was not working well and that he mistook him for a woman and was spouting nonsense? That was not right either. If his brain was not working well, how could he deceive so many people?
He had always had a lot of crooked ideas. At this moment, he could not think of a single one. He anxiously scratched his head, not knowing what to do.
Xu Zhiheng and He Rufei at the banquet, although they were sitting in different positions, when they saw this scene, their hearts could not help but tremble. They almost screamed out loud.
Being called "He Yan" was a coincidence. A woman dressed as a man, entered the army, received meritorious service, and was even conferred the title of Marquis. How could it still be called a "coincidence"? If there was a next life, it would be like this.
Xu Zhiheng was very guilty. His body trembled. If Emperor Wen Xuan and his entourage were not here, he was afraid that he would immediately run away.
This He Yan, who exactly was he?
No one expected that a good reward would suddenly appear like this. Emperor Wen Xuan looked at He Yan, "Mu An Lang, what do you say?"
"This humble subject is indeed a woman," He Yan said, "Your Majesty is very perceptive. This humble subject does not dare to hide anything."
How could he admit it so openly and openly?
The courtiers were in an uproar.
Shen Muxue sat among the women and stared fixedly at the cup in front of her, as if she did not see this farce. However, if one looked carefully, her fingertips were slightly trembling. Xia Chengxiu sat next to her. Seeing Shen Muxue like this, he was a bit surprised, but he did not say anything.
Empress Zhang also did not expect this to happen. A trace of surprise flashed across her face. However, Emperor Wen Xuan did not look shocked or angry. He only lowered his head and looked at He Yan. After a while, the Emperor's voice sounded in the hall.
"Actually, I already knew that Mu An Lang was a woman."
Shen Muxue suddenly raised her head. How could this be?
Lin Shuanghe was also stunned. The courtiers were even more at a loss. After so many twists and turns, even watching a show was not as exciting as this. First, he revealed Mu An Lang's identity as a woman. Now, the Emperor said that he already knew that Mu An Lang was a woman? What in the world was going on?
Chu Zhao frowned slightly. Suddenly, he looked at Xu Jingfu beside him. Xu Jingfu had a kind smile on his face. He did not look surprised. Chu Zhao's thoughts flashed. He seemed to have caught a glimpse of something.
It was Empress Zhang who opened her mouth and broke the silence. "Your Majesty, you mean …"
The eunuch outside said loudly, "General Fengyun has arrived — —"
He Yan's heart skipped a beat. Why would Xiao Jue come? Didn't he leave the city? Wouldn't he come today?
Emperor Wen Xuan laughed. "What's going on? Let Beloved Official Xiao say it herself."
He Yan's heart trembled. This seemed … to be different from what she had expected. Why would Xiao Jue be involved in this? She clearly did not mention Xiao Jue at all … Why did Emperor Wen Xuan's words mean that it was related to Xiao Jue?
Someone walked into the hall.
The young Governor had changed into a black court robe embroidered with gold. He was beautiful and elegant, like a new willow in spring. He was clearly a martial artist who had fought on the battlefield, but he did not look vulgar at all. He looked like a noble young master from the Shuo capital. The officials here paled in comparison.
Shen Muxue stared at Xiao Jue.
Xiao Jue walked to He Yan's side and knelt down. From the officials' point of view, she and He Yan looked like a young couple who were kneeling down to greet their new wedding.
"Beloved Official, you may rise." Emperor Wen Xuan glanced at He Yan. "Mu An Lang, you may rise too."
He Yan and Xiao Jue stood up.
Lin Shuanghe gripped the fan in his hand so tightly that it almost broke. He knew that since Xiao Jue had appeared, she would definitely protect him. However, how could he let He Yan escape unscathed?
"Miss He is this official's fiancée," he said. "I was afraid that war would be unpredictable in Liangzhou. I could not bear to part with her, so I brought her with me. However, I did not expect Miss He to be so smart and brave. As a woman, she was able to achieve as much as a man. Huaijin did not dare to deceive Your Majesty. He had already secretly reported the truth to Your Majesty a long time ago. "
Emperor Wen Xuan laughed loudly, as if he was amused by Xiao Jue's behavior. He shook his head and sighed. "I always thought that Beloved Official Xiao would never marry in this lifetime. I did not expect to see the day when the iron tree blossoms. In my opinion, there are not many men in this world who are as deeply in love as Beloved Official Xiao."
He had already secretly reported to Emperor Wen Xuan. He Yan was stunned. When did this happen? How could she not know? Even though she was in the palace, she could not help but look at Xiao Jue. However, the latter's expression was calm and did not reveal any clues.
At this moment, a woman's sharp voice cut in. "Liar."
Shen Muxue sat on the female side of the banquet. She looked at He Yan with a gaze that was like a thorn, almost piercing through He Yan's entire body. Her voice was not as gentle and sweet as before. It was like a pot of boiling water, sharp and hoarse.
"When did Military Governor Xiao have such a fiancée? Why did we not know? "
Everyone in the Shuo capital knew about Shen Muxue. However, when they thought about it, it made sense. When did Xiao Jue have such a fiancée? Why was there no news at all?
Xiao Jue coldly stared at her.
Shen Muxue could not help but shiver.
"She is indeed not my fiancée."
He Yan was stunned. In the next moment, the young man's cold and slightly deep voice sounded. It carried an unquestionable certainty.
"She is the scene in my eyes, the things in my heart, and the person in my heart."