The news of the Spring Banquet naturally spread back to the private courtyard.
Jiang Yun is reading in the room, while Shi Fang and Fan Qi are chatting outside.
Sui Heng brought his personal attendants to the palace with him and ordered the two of them to stay in the private courtyard to guard the house.
Shi Fang stood with the sword in his arms, watching Fan Qi stand up awkwardly. He laughed. “His Highness is not here. Brother Fan, please sit down and rest first. I promise not to report you.”
Fan Qi gasped and glared at him. “Don’t tempt me to make mistakes. It’s His Highness’ order that I stand here for a full day and night before I can return. I know that His Highness punishing me on purpose.”
Thinking about this, Fan Qi couldn’t help but grit his teeth and glare at Jiang Yun fiercely, who was sitting quietly under the window, reading the book leisurely.
He thought to himself, if it weren’t for this little vixen, he wouldn’t have to go through all of these!
“If you don’t report, is it a guarantee that others won’t?”
He deliberately raised his voice. “Don’t worry, Laozi has followed His Highness to the north and south, I’ve even climbed the snowy mountains in the north, my skin is thick, and you think I’m still afraid of these few beating? Laozi is open and honest and has a clear conscience.”
Shi Fang shook his head helplessly.
“Brother Fan, not that I’m talking about you, but sometimes you are really—”
“Really what?”
Shi Fang originally wanted to say that sometimes he’s really stupid, but considering that the other party is older than him, he silently swallowed it back.
Fan Qi snorted and knew that his dog’s mouth couldn’t spit out ivory. He asked, “Spring Banquet, you just said what happened to the Spring Banquet?”
Shi Fang said with great maturity, “What do you think, brother? It’s almost the third day of March. Apart from inquiring about the Southern Expedition, I’m afraid that His Majesty has summoned His Highness to the palace, may also be about the Spring Banquet.”
After saying these words, both of them fell into a rare silence.
At the Spring Banquet three years ago, after all, after what happened, His Highness…sigh.
Fan Qi was a kind-hearted person and said, “What’s the point? Isn’t it just a competition? Three years ago, it was an unexpected situation, and someone intervened in it. It can’t be like that this year, as long as Young Master Yan Qi stands by His Highness’s side…”
As he was speaking, Sui Heng walked in from outside.
Fan Qi was so frightened that he quickly shut up and bowed with Shi Fang.
Sui Heng swept a cold glance at him, without mercy to let him sit down, and instructed Shi Fang, “You go to the front and tell Gao Gong that Gu’s patience is limited. If he continues to procrastinate, don’t blame Gu for being merciless.”
Gao Gong has been kneeling in the front yard to ask for forgiveness since he received a whip on the face last night, and it is rumored that his forehead is torn.
Shi Fang respectfully answered yes.
Fan Qi was greatly surprised. “Your Highness is dismissing Steward Gao?”
Sui Heng didn’t look at him.
“If you talk too much, you will roll with him.”
Fan Qi bowed his head in fear.
Inside the house, Jiang Yun was still sitting under the window, reading the book.
Sui Heng raised his eyebrows and sat across from him, feeling proud as he said, “The Imperial Astronomical Bureau has already combined the eight characters for us.”
Jiang Yun looked up at him.
Sui Heng smiled. “Aren’t you curious about the outcome?”
Jiang Yun’s heart is as calm as water.
Because what he provided was just a fake eight characters.
But still politely asked, “How’s it going?”
“Naturally, it’s a match made in heaven.”
Jiang Yun frowned, not believing that there was such a coincidence in the world.
Of course, that’s not the case.
After Han Xiao brought the eight characters of His Highness the Crown Prince and his beloved concubine to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, everyone in the Imperial Astronomical Bureau were both confused and frightened. All the officials gathered together and looked at those two eight characters for a long time.
Then… they turned pale at the same time.
Because according to the theory of numerology, the two eight characters provided by the Crown Prince, although they could not be said to be mutually exclusive, were by no means that compatible either.
“Prime Minister Han, what should we do?”
In this era, from the monarch to the common people, all of them believed in astrological fortune-telling, and an unexpected rainstorm or drought could be regarded as a warning and punishment from heaven. Therefore, whether the nobles take wives or concubines or ordinary people get married, they all attach great importance to the matching of the eight characters of their birthdays.
The Crown Prince wants to take a concubine, this matter can’t be considered a big deal but can’t be considered a small matter either. If their dereliction of duty causes harm to the Crown Prince himself, who can bear the blame?
However, as a “beloved concubine,” the result that the Crown Prince wants to see is definitely not “incompatible.”
That Highness already had objections to their entire organization. In the past few years, he even openly accused them of deceiving the emperor, constantly nagging that they’re not doing their jobs properly, and even threatening to demolish their entire Imperial Astronomical Bureau.
Right now, when there is finally a need for their service, if they continue to go against this person’s wishes, they were afraid that if they don’t get to the point of losing their jobs, they will lose their official positions first.
Han Xiao stroked his beard, clearly feeling a bit conflicted.
Before they could come up with a win-win solution, a young and bold figure walked in.
“How are you all doing?”
Sui Heng greeted them with a smile on his face.
He is in a good mood today, and his eyes are particularly bright.
Sui Heng had already mounted his horse and prepared to return to the mansion, but he suddenly turned back. After some thought, he still felt a bit uneasy, afraid that Han Xiao would be careless and neglectful, which would delay his business.
The most important thing is that he is very anxious to know the result.
The room was filled with supervisors bowing in a rustling manner.
Sui Heng saw the note placed on the central long table at a glance, walked over directly, raised his eyebrows, and asked, “How’s it going? Is it a perfect match made in heaven?”
They dared not answer, all together, they looked at Han Xiao.
Han Xiao coughed twice, “Oh, oh…”
Before he could come up with a reason, Sui Heng had picked up the note and carried it into his arms.
“Gu just knew it must be this kind of result.”
“Thank you all for your hard work. Today, all those who are employed will be rewarded. When Gu’s married, remember to come and drink Gu’s wedding wine.”
When everyone was reacting in a daze, Sui Heng had already left.
Everyone had to look at Han Xiao again. “Prime Minister Han, this…”
Han Xiao, the old god, said, “In fact, His Highness is right, since it’s not restricted, that means it won’t cause any harm to His Highness either. The theory of destiny is profound and unpredictable. Even in this old man’s lifetime, this old man couldn’t completely penetrate the mystery of how much to combine and how to combine it too. Who dares to pat your chest to ensure that what you say is definitely right? Anyway, this old man dare not.”
Even superiors dare not, so others naturally dare not as well.
All the imperial astronomy bowed in unison and said, “The subordinates are taught.”
Sui Heng spoke confidently.
Jiang Yun reached out his hand, half believing and half doubting, “Let me take a look.”
“Look at what?”
“Eight characters.”
Sui Heng, “What? Are you interested in Gu’s eight characters?”
Jiang Yun just wanted to remember it, and he would verify it with the imperial astronomy of the Jiang Empire in the future, so he nodded.
“Kiss Gu, Gu will give it to you.”
A very shameless way to face someone.
Apparently, the wild wolf has been fed an unhealthy appetite and has become quite accustomed to thinking of certain things as benefits.
Jiang Yun remained motionless, silently observing him.
“I’m just bored and want to see it, let’s not see it.”
After speaking, Jiang Yun lowered his head to read his own book.
Before he could finish reading a line, his chin was pinched, and then his right cheek was heavily kissed.
Sui Heng let go of his hand, revealing a triumphant smile. He took out the brocade pouch from his pocket, then took out the note from the pouch, placed it on the table, and said, “Gu kiss you is also the same. Here, take a look.”
Jiang Yun took it over and looked at it.
On the note, there were indeed two lines of characters written with flying dragons and phoenixes. The left line was a fake eight character he casually fabricated, and the right line was obviously from someone across from him.
Jiang Yun glanced at it and put it back on the table.
“How’s it?”
Sui Heng asked with great interest.
Jiang Yun perfunctorily said, “The handwriting is good.”
“And then?”
“Then what?”
“Gu’s eight characters ah? What do you think? Do you like it?”
“……”
Jiang Yun gave him an indescribable glance.
This kind of thing, what’s there to like or dislike?
He continued to perfunctorily say, “Your Highness’s eight characters, like Your Highness himself, are as powerful and admirable as a dragon and a tiger.”
Sui Heng smiled and put the note back into the pouch.
He said, “Gu knows, even if Gu shows it to you, you won’t understand it anyway.”
He obviously treasured that pouch, after filling it and closing its mouth, it was properly placed in his bosom.
Seeing that Jiang Yun kept staring, he said, “If you like it, Gu will give you one another day.”
Jiang Yun shook his head, saying that there was no need.
Shi Fang’s figure was wandering outside.
Sui Heng swept in and asked, “What is it?”
Shi Fang immediately replied, “Your Highness, Steward Gao… he doesn’t want to go.”
Sui Heng didn’t show much expression, he just said that he knew and asked him to step down.
Jiang Yun naturally heard it and fell silent. He temporarily put down his book and asked, “Are you driving him away because of yesterday’s incident?”
Sui Heng casually picked up a tangerine. “This is not something you need to worry about, Gu will handle it well.”
However, Jiang Yun is not willing to cause trouble to outsiders due to his own reasons.
Jiang Yun said, “If it’s because of yesterday’s incident, there really isn’t a need.”
“It was me who asked to stay in the guest room, it has nothing to do with him.”
Sui Heng obviously didn’t feel the same way.
He has been in the military for many years and holds a high position. Although he may not be able to tolerate the sand in his eyes, he has his own ideas on how to govern.
He can tolerate his subordinates being foolish and slow-witted, but he cannot tolerate them pretending to be clever.
Gao Gong clearly crossed his boundaries.
“Gu already said, it has nothing to do with you.”
Sui Heng had already peeled open the orange and handed it to Jiang Yun. “Taste it. They just came from the palace, they are fresh.”
Jiang Yun shook his head.
Sui Heng frowned and said, “What’s wrong? Do you think Gu’s hands are dirty?”
“No.”
“I don’t eat at noon, I don’t have the habit of eating snacks.”
Sui Heng suddenly remembered the situation reported to him by Ji An when he returned to his mansion in the morning: “The young gentleman said he had a stomach disease, and he usually only eats light food without the need for special recipes.”
Because he has stomach problems, no wonder he always eats so little.
Sui Heng withdrew his hand and threw the orange petal into his mouth, saying, “Tomorrow, Gu will call the imperial physician in the palace to come and look at you. The stomach disease is not a small matter, it cannot be delayed.”
Jiang Yun said there’s no need.
But it suddenly occurred to him that those were the two words he seemed to say most in front of this man.
This person is used to being overbearing and domineering and will only act according to his own wishes, so it is useless to say anything, and he may even be teased by him, so he did not say anything.
“Your Highness.”
Ji An’s voice sounded outside.
“The Empress Dowager sent someone to deliver a message, saying that she would hold a family banquet in the palace tonight and asked Your Highness to come to the palace to participate in the banquet.” After a pause, Ji An continued, “The Empress Dowager also said that she wanted you to bring Young Master Chu along.”
Sui Heng said he understood.
Ji An went to prepare the carriages for the trip.
Jiang Yun said, “I won’t go.”
“That’s not possible. Empress Mother and Imperial Grandmother must have wanted to see you. Ah Yan is beautiful, well-behaved, diligent, and eager to learn. They will definitely like you.”
Sui Heng’s words were true.
The news that His Highness the Crown Prince brought back a young gentleman from the south is not well known to outsiders, but it cannot be concealed from the ears and eyes of the Empress and the Empress Dowager.
Both of them were worried about their son and grandson’s marriage. Previously, they’ve used both hard and soft tactics, but they haven’t been able to get Sui Heng to give in. Now that Sui Heng has taken the initiative to bring someone back, even though it’s a young gentleman, it was extremely rare and they’re eager to see him.
In this era, customs were open, and it was not uncommon to marry a man as a wife. However, as the Crown Prince of a country, Sui Heng bore the responsibility of inheriting offspring. In theory, neither Emperor Sui nor the Empress Dowager should allow him to act recklessly.
Jiang Yun was somewhat helpless.
“Must I go?”
“En, you must go.”
Sui Heng took it for granted, “Gu wants everyone to know that you are Gu’s favorite person.”
Jiang Yun couldn’t help but think of the conversation he overheard from the palace attendants in the pavilion when he was idling around in the morning.
He nodded.
With this person around, no one can make things difficult for him, and he can also take the opportunity to take a look at the layout and structure of the Sui Empire’s royal palace too. These things may seem useless at the moment, but they may provide him with crucial assistance in the future.
He doesn’t have any trusted aide or spy in the Sui capital, he can only rely on himself to find out all the information and clues. It’s not a good idea to be stuck in this private courtyard all the time.
Sui Heng personally selected a newly cut robe for Jiang Yun, and in the evening, he took Jiang Yun along on the carriage to the palace.
As they drive into the long street, they suddenly pass by a small shop selling white sugar sponge cakes.
Sui Heng ordered the carriage to stop and said, “You won’t be able to eat to your fullest at the palace banquet, Gu will buy you hot sugar sponge cakes to cushion your stomach first.”
Sui Heng had grown up in the Sui capital since he was a child, and he knew the Sui capital’s cuisine like the back of his hand. After finishing speaking, he pushed open the carriage door and personally got out of the carriage to buy it.
Jiang Yun looked through the carriage’s window and saw that the street was full of pedestrians and bright lights. He watched his athletic and upright figure weave in and out between the starry lights.
The human world is like this.
Jiang Yun thinks.
Previously, in the Jiang Empire, he was the Crown Prince, so he spent almost all year in a palace called “Lanxin.” Apart from annual sacrifices and some routine activities that required his attendance, he rarely had the opportunity to step out of the palace gate, let alone stroll on the streets like an ordinary person.
Fan Qi is still being punished in the residence, it was Shi Fang who drove the carriage.
Shi Fang smiled and exclaimed outside, “His Highness is treating the Young Master so well. It’s the first time I’ve seen His Highness personally buy food for someone.”
Jiang Yun still looked out the carriage window without saying anything.
He thought to himself, In terms of style and thoughtfulness, this person can indeed be called a qualified lover.
Unfortunately, their encounter through dew was destined to be tragic.
Sui Heng returned soon after.
He was tall, had long legs and was handsome and charming. After saying a few nice words, he successfully squeezed into the front of the queue and bought the pastries into his hands.
The freshly cooked white sugar sponge cake was steaming hot, carefully wrapped in a food box with a spoon inside.
Sui Heng placed it in front of Jiang Yun and said, “Try it, this shop makes the best white sugar sponge cakes in the Sui capital. Normally, if you want to eat them, you will have to queue up in a long line. You’re the only person who’s lucky enough to have had Gu personally go out and get them.”
It has a very sweet taste. Inside the crystal-clear glutinous rice, one can clearly see the sugar juice overflowing, and there is also a layer of golden osmanthus sprinkled on the surface.
Jiang Yun picked the spoon up, dug a small spoonful, and sent it into his mouth.
“How’s it?”
Sui Heng propped his chin up and asked with bright eyes.
Jiang Yun nodded.
“Extremely good.”
He eats like a kitten, even when eating a sugar sponge cake, one small bite at a time.
Still an elegant kitten, though.
Sui Heng couldn’t help but extend his finger and wipe the soft corner of his little lover’s lips.
“What are you doing?”
“You have something at the corner of your mouth.”
Sui Heng spoke shamelessly.
Jiang Yun naturally did not believe him.
He still has some basic dining etiquette as the Crown Prince.
After finishing half of the white sugar sponge cake, they also arrived at the palace gate.
Qin momo,1嬷嬷 or momo is the maidservant of the empress.who was from Empress Yan’s side, personally took people to wait at the palace gate. When she saw the carriage from the Crown Prince’s mansion arrive, she immediately greeted them with a smile on her face.
