On a cold, snowy night, even though he was wrapped in a cloak, Sui Heng was worried about Jiang Yun freezing. After staying outside for a while, he turned back.
When they arrived at the corridor, they saw Ji An and Gao Gong leading the palace attendants in and out, setting up wine tables and various types of food in the hall. Sui Heng asked, “What is this for?”
“I asked them to prepare it.”
Jiang Yun spoke at the back.
Sui Heng quickly put the person down. Jiang Yun untied his cloak and handed it to Ji An, while also helping Sui Heng brush off the snowflakes on his shoulders. He fixed his gaze on the person in front of him and spoke softly, “Tonight, let’s stay up late all night on New Year’s Eve.”
Whether in the south or north of the Yangtze River, there is a custom of staying up all night on New Year’s Eve, and the Sui Empire is no exception. Sui Heng spent most of his time in the military in the past years, and occasionally, when he was in the capital, he was also alone and symbolically guarding. This was the first time he had officially celebrated New Year’s Eve at the Crown Prince’s mansion.
Staying up late all night on New Year’s Eve is to drive away the epidemic disease and pray for peace.
Although Sui Heng did not know how Jiang Yun used to celebrate the New Year in the Jiang Empire, but he was most likely on his own, not much better than him.
He smiled and nodded, saying good.
The fiery dragon was burning fiercely in the room, and even if the door was open, sitting in the hall did not feel cold. After Ji An arranged the things with the palace attendants, he voluntarily retreated.
Snowflakes fell silently and fluttered outside.
The indoor air is as warm as spring, and the aroma of wine permeates the red stove.
The two sat side by side behind the table, one side enjoying the wine and the other enjoying the snow.
The wine is not an ordinary wine but a plum wine specially developed by Meng Hui. It has a light alcohol content and has the effect of nourishing the spleen and stomach. Although Jiang Yun is pregnant, he can occasionally drink to satisfy his cravings due to the auspicious egg protecting the fetal aura. Sui Heng asked Ji An and learned that Jiang Yun only ate a small bowl of congee at night and just kept on writing at his table. He immediately got up and went to the kitchen to make a bowl of steaming noodle soup. But this time it was not saozi noodles, but another kind of sour noodle soup. The noodles were all squeezed into a small fish shape, and there was a poached egg lying on the noodles.
Jiang Yun looked at the noodles curiously and asked, “Where did you learn this from?”
Sui Heng naturally wouldn’t say that he specifically went to the imperial kitchen to learn how to cook these past few days, causing a lot of trouble. He only said, “Try it, how does it taste?”
Jiang Yun picked up a spoon, scooped up a spoonful of noodles, and put it into the mouth along with the soup. The unique, refreshing taste of sour soup immediately spreads between his teeth.
“It’s alright.”
Jiang Yun’s eyes curved and his gaze lit up brightly.
“Gu has brought out all his skills for you. And you just gave this stingy evaluation? You have to say that this is something that should only be found in heaven.”
Sui Heng quickly became speechless as a gentle, cold sensation flashed across his cheek.
Jiang Yun gave a quick kiss and left, continuing to eat his sour noodle soup gracefully. The whole process was like a bird splashing water, cunning and swift. Sui Heng’s heart was itching uncontrollably, and he couldn’t help but reach out to touch his face. He couldn’t understand, even though the person was his now, his heart would still tremble with this small flirtatious gesture.
It must be because he was afraid of hurting him these days and has been abstinent for too long.
He leaned aside and said, “Next time, why don’t you wait to give a notice in advance?”
Jiang Yun felt that he was squeezing and asked him to move back.
“You close your eyes.”
After taking a few bites, Jiang Yun suddenly said.
In this regard, Sui Heng had extensive experience and immediately “obediently” closed his eyes. In fact, only one of his eyes was tightly closed, while the other quietly touched but left a small gap.
He was secretly watching to see what perks he would enjoy next when a slender hand came up and directly blocked the slit he was squinting at.
Sui Heng: “……”
Jiang Yun covered his eyes with one hand, his eyelashes slightly raised, and leaned over.
Sui Heng wanted to express his dissatisfaction, but his lips were tightly sealed. The unique coldness immediately permeated between his lips and teeth, and his brain went blank for a moment. Before he could savor it carefully, a sour and slippery substance had slipped into his mouth.
“Is it good?”
A slightly mischievous voice asked in his ear.
Sui Heng chewed on that piece of noodle that he had kneaded into a pot with his own hands for a while, then slowly swallowed it and said, “Hasn’t eaten enough.”
He casually said it, but he didn’t expect the second one to be delivered soon.
“How about this time?”
That voice continued to ask and even breathed a little in his ear.
Sui Heng thought that according to this feeding method, even if he was given a mouthful of pig feed, he would still obediently swallow it.
“Almost.”
He folded his arms, taking an ell when giving an inch.
This time, he didn’t get the expected coolness and softness, it’s only a spoonful of sour soup.
“Is this enough for the taste this time?”
Sui Heng let out a hiss, his teeth becoming so sore from the sourness that he refused to think of martial arts value anymore. He took the opportunity to grab the spoon, grabbed the person, taking advantage of the situation, leaned over, and kissed him.
The cloak wrapped around the two of them slipped silently, and the boiling wine on the stove added strands of warm and ambiguous atmosphere to the air.
Jiang Yun’s hand was also removed from Sui Heng’s eyes.
He immediately hugged Sui Heng’s waist, and when the lingering breath reached its peak, the two of them suddenly froze at the same time.
“Do you… feel it?”
Jiang Yun speaks first.
Sui Heng incredulously said, “Did he kick you?”
“Not kicking me, kicking you. You’re squeezing him.”
“……”
Sui Heng was so scared that he quickly let go of the person, carefully looked around, and reached out to touch it, but was blocked by Jiang Yun.
“Alright.”
“That’s all for today.”
Thinking that the door was still wide open and there were guards and palace attendants outside, Jiang Yun pushed him aside, tidied up his scattered clothes and headbands, and wished he could bite someone immediately.
Sui Heng touched his nose.
“Just now, did Gu use that much strength?”
“And you still have the nerve to say it.”
Jiang Yun comforted the timid little one in his stomach through the jade belt. Thinking of the other little one still in the palace, he said, “Tomorrow, prepare more hair compresses and things.”
Although Sui Heng was already prepared, but he still asked why.
Jiang Yun said, “The little one has always been with me on New Year’s Eve. If you leave him in the palace, he will definitely be unhappy.”
This year is Xiao Jiang Nuo’s first birthday celebration in Sui capital, and it is natural for Emperor Sui and Empress Yan to want to hold a grand birthday banquet for their obedient grandson. Before the birthday banquet, Jiang Yun had actually joined Sui Heng in organizing a simple birthday party for the little one at the mansion and called Xiao Junwang, Sui Zhang, and other aristocratic young masters of the same age to play with the little one. After having fun and eating, the little one followed Sui Heng into the palace to attend the banquet.
Jiang Yun did not attend the banquet because only the officials and high-ranking officials of the Sui Empire attended.
Sui Heng hasn’t thought of this and said, “It’s all because Gu didn’t think carefully. Don’t worry, tomorrow Gu will definitely make that little thing happy.”
The snow was still falling and showed no signs of stopping. From time to time, the sound of firecrackers could be heard outside. Sui Heng picked up his cloak and wrapped it around Jiang Yun.
Jiang Yun reached out and took two small pots of warm wine, handed one pot to Sui Heng, and held the other one himself.
The two exquisitely small green colored pots were almost identical in appearance, except that one contained strong liquor and the other contained plum wine. The scalded wine pot can be served as a pot to warm the hands, and they can take a few sips occasionally as well. Sui Heng has been drinking medicinal wine with Jiang Yun for a while, so as not to let his little lover suffer during pregnancy alone. When he saw that the pot was filled with strong liquor today, he said, “Why did you exchange it for me?”
Jiang Yun said, “Today’s New Year’s Eve, you’re allowed to make an exception.”
“How can that be?”
Sui Heng insisted on pouring out the strong liquor and divided half a pot of medicinal wine from Jiang Yun.
A Crown Prince from Jiangbei, like Sui Heng, who grew up drinking strong liquor from a young age and didn’t even touch fruit wine, was the commander of the army and had to have the wind and rain in his favor. It was not easy to achieve this.
And it’s also thanks to the perseverance honed in the military.
Jiang Yun couldn’t help but rest his cheeks and curiously survey this guy.
Sui Heng extended the wine pot and said, “Let’s toast once.”
Jiang Yun deliberately avoided it, not letting him have his way.
Sui Heng sighed faintly and said, “Really is stingy ah, so stingy.”
Sui Heng supported his long legs and looked out at the snowy sky. He raised his eyebrows and smiled. He picked up the wine pot and prepared to pour it into his mouth. Jiang Yun suddenly reached out again and lightly took the jade wine pot in his hand, saying, “May every year be like tonight.”
Sui Heng turned his head, and Jiang Yun had already lifted the wine pot with a smile, taking a small sip of the wine himself.
Under the interweaving reflection of snow and candlelight, his eyes were clear and elegant, and his feathered eyelashes were as long as butterfly wings, and they were trembling. With a leisurely smile on his face, he stretched out his sleeves and drank. Words are not enough to describe his demeanor and style.
Sui Heng was quite touched, reaching out his hand domineeringly and lightly taking the wine pot from Jiang Yun’s hand. He also solemnly said, “May every year be like tonight.”
In the Emperor’s palace of the Jiang Empire, there are also lanterns and colorful decorations, adorned with peach charms, exuding a New Year atmosphere everywhere.
Inside the Ziwei Palace, Emperor Jiang was still wearing a white robe with his black hair spread out, sitting behind a chessboard, playing chess by himself.
Liu Gong bowed and came in, put down the newly cooked medicine, and whispered, “Your Majesty, King Chu is waiting outside the palace to serve the medicine.”
Emperor Jiang said expressionlessly, “Ask him to go back.”
Liu Gong didn’t move. He said, “Based on King Chu’s meaning, he wants to stay up and watching the night with Your Majesty.”
Except for last year, when His Majesty suffered from a heart attack, usually on New Year’s Eve, it was King Chu who came to Ziwei Palace to accompany His Majesty on the night watch.
Emperor Jiang paused while holding the white piece in his hand, as if thinking of something. He fell silent, dropped his chess piece, and stood up and went to the window.
Jiangnan is also snowing on New Year’s Eve, and this year’s snow is particularly heavy.
Liu Gong followed closely behind and saw Emperor Jiang standing by the window with his hands down, staring out at the heavy snow without moving. He smiled and said, “The auspicious snow signifies a bountiful year. It seems that next year will be a good year.”
Emperor Jiang remained silent and did not speak.
After a while, he suddenly asked, “Hasn’t the courier from the north come yet?”
Liu Gong was taken aback for a moment and quickly said, “The road has been blocked by heavy snow. The old servant heard that many courier stations have been stranded halfway… His Highness is far away in the north of the Yangtze River, so it may take even longer.”
Emperor Jiang’s expression did not change much.
He knew that even if the courier really arrived on time, what was on his table at the moment would likely be a perfectly worded, compliant, and impeccable New Year’s greeting.
Emperor Jiang turned around and went straight to the book pavilion inside.
That is the imperial private book pavilion, which houses the books that Emperor Jiang usually browses and some sealed memorials and anecdotes. Liu Gong saw Emperor Jiang holding a candle in one hand and quickly rummaging through the bookshelves, asking, “What is Your Majesty looking for?”
Emperor Jiang’s hand didn’t stop, and he said, “Zhen remember, when the Crown Prince was young, he wrote Zhen many birthday and holiday greetings, each of which was very long. Zhen wants to find them.”
He remembered that there were many sincere and meaningful words written on those congratulatory tables, such as wishing for Emperor Father’s health. For example, it was said that Emperor Father is suffering from a heart disease. Erchen had recently read ancient books and occasionally obtained folk remedies. Erchen has consulted with the Imperial Medical, and they could be used. Although the handwriting tempts immaturity, every word and sentence comes from the heart, and the feelings of admiration are vividly written on paper.
Unfortunately, at that time, his mentality was paranoid and twisted, he turned a blind eye to those words.
Emperor Jiang acted too hastily, and many books fell to the ground. Without realizing it, Emperor Jiang continued to search for them. Liu Gong’s nose was inexplicably sour, and he said, “If Your Majesty really misses His Highness, you can personally go and take a look when the new capital is completely built next year.”
“It was said that the new capital is very spectacular.”
Emperor Jiang paused for a moment before saying, “You’re right, Zhen should go and take a look.”
“But before that, Zhen needs to find those congratulatory tables.”
Emperor Jiang’s movements slowed down, and his expression returned to calmness.
Wax oil dripped onto his palm, but he was completely unaware.
Liu Gong quickly took the candle and said, “The old servant will accompany Your Majesty to find them.”
At this moment, the dusk clouds are brightly lit, and the frozen surface of the Yellow River is adorned with bright lights, as bright as day. On this day of family reunion, countless craftsmen are carrying tools and flexibly shuttling back and forth on the ice.
Fan Zhou, Yun Huai, and Luo Changqing, the Guozhu of the Luo Kingdom, stood on the south bank, looking up from afar. Since he went to the Sui capital to visit Jiang Yun and received the task of building the Yellow River Bridge, Luo Changqing rushed to Muyun Pass without stopping. With the assistance of the advisors and generals of Muyun Pass, such as Fan Zhou, he measured various data required for bridge construction.
In this era, it is not easy to build such a bridge, and the manpower and material resources required are immeasurable. But the benefits are also measurable to the naked eye.
The Yellow River flows rapidly and has been known as a natural moat since ancient times. The south and north of the Yangtze River have been facing each other for many years, with constant bloodshed and disputes. They have always been in a state of two tigers fighting each other, and no one can defeat another. It is difficult to form a unified situation because of the existence of this natural moat. During the flood season, incidents of capsizing, loss of goods, and people being swept into the river are common.
Once this north-south passage is completed, merchants and goods from both the south and north of the Yangtze River can travel smoothly and at a faster speed, even without water transportation. Ordinary people and traveling scholars only need to rely on their identity documents and road guides to travel smoothly. They can take a carriage to the other side that truly connects the north and south.
In order to obtain the most accurate data, Luo Changqing specially brought a group of craftsmen and talents from the Luo Kingdom to conduct on-site measurements day and night and was not willing to rest on New Year’s Eve. This Guozhu seems to have found new joy in life and self-worth in this matter.
Fan Zhou smiled and said, “His Highness is well aware of Guozhu’s determination. He specifically instructed me to prepare the most abundant banquet, wine, and dishes to entertain Guozhu and all the craftsmen. It happens to be New Year’s Eve. Guozhu, let everyone rest and celebrate the new year. How about celebrating a good year together?”
Luo Changqing nodded in agreement, wiped his sweat, and quickly ordered everyone to call the craftsmen and follow Fan Zhou and others into the city.
It snowed heavily all night, and the next day, the sky cleared up.
The next morning, after finishing breakfast, Sui Heng and Jiang Yun changed into casual clothes and went out together.
According to Jiang Yun’s guidance, the carriage went all the way out of the West City Gate, rumbling along, and arrived at the outskirts. On a rural, muddy road, on both sides of the road were large fields of crops.
Last night, there was a sudden heavy snowfall, which frosted many crops. Although it was still early, there were already many farmers rescuing the crops that were crushed by the snow between the fields.
Sui Heng looked through the window and was somewhat surprised: “The great scholar you mentioned is here?”
Sui Heng always thought that he was a great Confucian scholar, at least someone who studied in an academy, but he didn’t expect to be a reclusive expert in the countryside.
This is quite interesting.
Just for the past two years, he has been recruiting talents everywhere, and he is almost familiar with the famous scholars and scholars who have some reputation in the Sui capital city. How could he not know what kind of great scholars are hidden in this suburban wilderness?
How did Jiang Yun learn about things he didn’t even know?
Jiang Yun sat behind the table, reading a book, with a plate of plums beside him. Upon hearing this, he put down the book and said, “Let’s get off here.”
Sui Heng was even more surprised.
Thinking to himself, Can it be that he’s even a farmer who personally cultivates crops?
It was a legend that only existed in the books, but he had come across it once.
Sui Heng took a cloak and gave it to Jiang Yun. The two of them got off the carriage and walked inside along the path. The farmers were all distressed by the crushed and frozen crops, and for a moment they all noticed the two of them.
This season, the farmland is mostly planted with cold-resistant crops, such as winter wheat, cabbage, radish, and so on. The farmland they are on is planted with wheat.
Due to the continuous severe cold and heavy snowfall, many thriving wheat seedlings have been crushed by the snow. If not remedied in time, the hard work this winter may be in vain.
“Don’t worry, fellow villagers. Just listen to me carefully. As long as you follow my instructions, I guarantee that at least eighty percent of this wheat will be saved.”
A young man’s voice came in.
Sui Heng followed the sound and saw a group of farmers gathered in a field, surrounded by a figure wearing a square scarf on his and a green robe. He eagerly said something.
The young scholar in the middle loudly comforted the farmers and gestured to everyone to calm down and not worry.
“This winter wheat itself has extremely strong cold resistance, and now it has only been partially crushed, not completely frozen to death. All fellow villagers, listen to me, the most important things at present are two things…”
As the person spoke out the solution in an orderly manner, the surrounding farmers gradually calmed down, but soon people raised doubts. After all, most people who read books give the impression of being a paperboy.
The scholar was not in a hurry either. He rolled up his sleeves, lifted the hem of his clothes, tied them to his waist, and walked to the fields to personally demonstrate the operation process to everyone. As he moved, a wheat seedling was indeed lifted up and did not fall down again.
The farmers exclaimed in surprise.
After a while, the farmers not only calmed down, but many of them also squatted on the ground, forming a circle and obediently listening. Some even take notes on the ground with stones.
Sui Heng vaguely felt that the voice was somewhat familiar. As he approached, he saw the young scholar’s appearance clearly and couldn’t believe it, saying, “Is that the great scholar you’re talking about?” Jiang Yun nodded.
“What do you think of what he said?”
Sui Heng said, “Clear organized, reasonable evidence. The most crucial thing is to come prepared, step by step, and with just a few operations, he can persuade those farmers and make them believe. He really has some skills.”
“How come Gu has never realize that your cheap Senior Brother still has such abilities?”
The scholar who appeared in the fields on the first day of the New Year, imparting his experience in treating winter wheat to farmers, was none other than Zhao Yan.
Jiang Yun smiled and said, “This Senior Brother of mine usually doesn’t seem to be in tune and doesn’t have a particularly outstanding level of writing, but is very proficient in engineering and agriculture. I have had the privilege to read some of his strategies, they are very insightful.”
“The most valuable thing is that he has a broad mind, cares about people, and is good at socializing. He is good at communication and won’t lose his original intention when dealing with people. He engages in interpersonal relationships and is also a good candidate for becoming an official, with a balanced approach to both sides.”
“Nuo Nuo is still young. Instead of being confined to a room and a window and studying things from books, it would be better for him to see more of the world outside the Crown Prince’s mansion.”
Sui Heng naturally agreed with these words.
And he also knows fully well that Jiang Yun’s insights are not the same as those of ordinary aristocratic children.
But Sui Heng quickly understood why Jiang Yun said, “This matter is not that simple” last night.
Sui Heng said, “I have no problem with the person, but as far as I know, the disciples of the Left Prime Minister’s are prohibited from entering officialdom. Becoming Xiao Huangsun’s Grand Tutor was also considered an official position. Will that Left Prime Minister of ours agree?”
Jiang Yun said, “I am also concerned about this matter, that’s why I came to you for discussion.”
“This is the best compromise I can think of.”
“You are the Crown Prince of Sui, do you have a better way?”
Sui Heng thought of that face of the Left Prime Minister and then looked at his little wife’s expectant gaze, feeling a wave of pressure that had been missing for a long time.
T/N: I feel kinda bad for Emperor Jiang… but you reap what you sow.
