HLnovel Chapter 992 New Year's Eve, 2-in-1
Chapter 992 New Year's Eve, 2-in-1
"Here you go. This piece of fabric costs three hundred coins. I don't know why you like this one so much. I think the one with big red flowers is prettier and cheaper."
Cheng Xiaohu was honest and simple.
All the men in the courtyard stared at him with strange looks.
Fang Tong's eyes were practically overflowing with disdain.
"Tiezhu, if I need you, what do you say?"
Tie Zhu thought for a moment, then scratched his head: "Wife, don't worry about saving money for me, just buy it if you like it."
"Dog?"
"Hmm, I need to find an opportunity to deliver it, like when my wife is angry, or when she's in a good mood."
"Second brother?"
“Lanlan likes it, so I’ll buy the shop.”
Fang Yin chuckled.
This answer shows immense wealth and power; we can't compare.
Fang Nanzhi shook her head: "Second Uncle, stop bragging. You might be able to buy it in a store in the county town, but not in the capital."
The high price of the shops is one factor, but the fact that many shops have powerful connections and influence behind them is another reason.
Fang Tong also looked down on his second brother: "You've only had a few days of good life and you're already dreaming? Even your father-in-law's family, with all their years of accumulation, haven't been this wasteful."
Fang Yin fiddled with his fingers, feeling wronged; he hadn't intended to squander the money.
He's been in a good mood lately, and the thought of becoming a father soon makes him want to shower his wife with all the good things in the world.
Fang Tong is ignoring him now.
"If it were me, I would say, 'Wife, you always deserve the best, but I don't have the means right now, so I can only give you this handkerchief for now. I'm sorry to have to make do with this.'"
These words... Tie Zhu and Gou Dan shuddered. They were too disgusted to say.
Erwa desperately wanted to cling to Fang Tong's coattails.
"Brother Tong, can I borrow your mouth for a bit?"
Under the guidance of his brothers, Cheng Xiaohu finally realized that he seemed to have made a mistake.
"Did I say the wrong thing?"
"Not only that." Fang Tong thought that since this kid was inexperienced, he should teach him a thing or two.
"That handkerchief is expensive, but if you have money in your pocket and are willing to spend money on a girl, it would be best to buy it right now."
"You can buy it later, but you can't give something as a gift and then look aggrieved, reluctant, or unwilling. How are you going to tell the girl to accept it or not?"
Cheng Xiaohu's eyes widened.
"Brother Tong, I didn't! I just bought it because she was unhappy. What do you mean she was unwilling..."
His comment about the price being expensive reflects a subconscious perception stemming from someone who grew up in hardship.
It's not that I'm really reluctant to part with it.
"But that's what you meant. The girl accepted it, so it seems like she took advantage of you."
Fang Tong knew his brother well; he was straightforward, perhaps because he wasn't good with words.
"No wonder Lianxin wanted to return the money for the handkerchief to me the next day."
Cheng Xiaohu looked as if he had just realized something.
Now, even Fang Nanzhi was disgusted.
"Uncle Tiger, did you take money from them?"
“No, then how could I possibly accept that?” Cheng Xiaohu said decisively.
"At the time, I thought that Miss Lianxin was indeed very nice, polite and generous, but she was a bit too polite. I insisted on giving her the gifts, so how could I accept her money?"
Fang Tong finally breathed a sigh of relief. Although he wasn't very bright, he was very sincere.
Fang Nanzhi, acting like a little adult, patted him on the shoulder.
"Uncle Tiger, you still have a lot to learn, otherwise your wedding might not be so soon."
In particular, Sister Mu is "learning" from a group of aunties, and she will only become more and more "skilled at taming her husband" in the future. What will happen if Brother Hu can't keep up?
She sighed sadly, put her hands in her sleeves, and left, refusing to help her father with the chores.
We should go and find my brother so he can listen to it too.
She now feels that it's not easy to get married, and it's not easy to maintain a marital relationship either.
This is probably what the adult world is like.
She left with a heavy expression, which made Cheng Xiaohu uneasy, so he tugged at Fang Tong's sleeve.
"Brother, what's wrong? Do you think I still have a chance?"
Have!
Of course!
Fang Tong didn't pay attention to his daughter's thoughts; she'd been like this for the past few days.
Ever since she learned that Zheng Wanru was bullied after her wedding, she has sighed from time to time, but she is not too worried because her daughter can adjust on her own.
The Qin family courtyard was bustling with activity.
Tonight's New Year's Eve dinner includes not only roasted venison, but also a hot pot with dumplings filled with beef, pork, and eggs.
Before it even got dark, everyone in Mushan Village was already eating their New Year's Eve dinner, all so they could go see a play afterward.
The aroma of food spread throughout the small mountain village, enveloping it in a lively and peaceful atmosphere.
Even in the capital, where everyone celebrates the New Year, the nobles of the imperial palace rarely get to enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner.
It was all just empty talk that overshadowed the true spirit of the New Year.
The crown prince had drunk a few cups of wine and now sat in his seat, looking somewhat dazed.
The Prince of Ning's heir and the other princes and grandsons surrounded the Empress Dowager, saying flattering things, and each of them seemed extremely filial.
But this only made the Crown Prince seem more out of place.
The crown prince seemed oblivious, still immersed in his own world.
Despite being seriously injured and prioritizing filial piety, Prince Ning insisted on entering the palace, his eyes gleaming with cold light.
He already knew that during this period, not only was he feeling stifled in the Prince's Mansion, but the Empress Dowager was also enduring everything in the palace.
Furthermore, he discovered that there was someone from the Emperor's faction in the Prince's mansion's backyard—a concubine—who dared to drug him and entice him to have sex before his wounds had healed, causing his wounds to tear open again.
He had already dealt with the concubine, but he couldn't swallow this insult.
The Crown Prince was certainly aware of his predicament, and in fact, he was the one who created it.
Therefore, he ignored the Prince of Ning's veiled gaze.
A palace attendant cautiously stepped forward and poured wine for the crown prince.
The Eighth Prince saw this and raised his cup: "Your Highness, Heaven blesses our dynasty. This year, we not only conquered the Southern Barbarians, but Your Highness's health has also greatly improved. I toast you."
"Thank you, Uncle Wang."
The prince picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.
The Eighth Prince nodded in satisfaction. In the past, the Crown Prince couldn't touch a drop of alcohol in order to maintain his health, but what man doesn't drink alcohol?
He looked up at his elder brother, the emperor, and said, “Your Majesty, I think His Highness has become much more composed. Shouldn’t we bestow a marriage upon him? You’d like to have a grandson soon.”
The emperor lowered his eyes; did he not want to?
Isn't it because he can't make decisions for the crown prince?
"Does this mean that Your Highness has already chosen a woman?"
King Ping curled his lips and suddenly spoke.
The Eighth Prince choked. He really didn't mean it. He just thought that the emperor shouldn't spoil the crown prince, and that men should marry when they come of age.
Furthermore, with the presence of a grandson, the crown prince's position is more secure.
"His Highness is exceptionally brave and valiant. A woman who is worthy of him should be gentle, virtuous, polite, generous, and stunningly beautiful."
The Eighth Prince thought for a moment and said.
The emperor glared at him: "What nonsense are you talking about? A beauty that could topple a kingdom? The Crown Princess must be able to manage the Eastern Palace."
The common understanding is that when choosing a wife, one should choose someone virtuous, as long as she is not bad-looking; only when choosing a concubine should one choose someone beautiful.
The Eighth Prince disagreed and smiled. He didn't think so. The Crown Prince was of noble status, so if he really wanted someone good-looking, the imperial grandsons born in the future would be more attractive.
"Your Majesty, I have heard that Lady Cui is very well-mannered and has a young daughter who is not yet married and is only two years younger than Your Highness."
The Eighth Prince may have said it unintentionally, but the Prince of Ping really took it to heart.
"There is also the eldest daughter of the Li family, who is lively and quick-witted, and is not yet engaged."
"The second daughter of the Xiang family's second branch is renowned for her talent and is also proficient in chess..."
The emperor frowned.
Lao Ba is a habitually reckless person; his words are as good as farts.
But Prince Ping is different; he speaks publicly here, representing the intentions of the royal family behind him.
The imperial family also wanted the crown prince to get married as soon as possible, because only by continuing the lineage could the stability of the court be guaranteed.
"Has Prince Ping recently taken to matchmaking?" the emperor asked, seemingly jokingly.
"Your Majesty misunderstands. It's just that with the New Year approaching, people often invite me to banquets. I have no other hobbies but enjoy this. I only heard about it at the banquets."
King Ping looked honest and somewhat embarrassed.
But in reality, he's more cunning than anyone else.
This was to tell the emperor that some people couldn't wait any longer and were taking the initiative to contact them.
Moreover, the people who came were all from prominent families. They had just suffered a great loss and had a very unpleasant falling out with the royal family. They wanted to use the selection of the crown prince to ease tensions.
The emperor should also give a way out to powerful families, instead of constantly suppressing them.
A good scolding followed by a sweet treat is the only way to appease people's hearts.
Of course, this does not mean that the Crown Princess must come from a noble family, but the Eastern Palace is not limited to having only a principal wife.
They can always manage to squeeze some women from prominent families into the ranks.
The reason Prince Ping spoke today was twofold: firstly, he was invited by the powerful families to test the waters, and secondly, the imperial clan also believed that the crown prince should get married.
The emperor understood and glanced at his son.
The Crown Prince put down his wine cup and said in a calm tone, "Uncle Wang has been in the capital for several months now. It's time for him to return to his fiefdom and enjoy family life."
That's really awful. It's practically telling you to get lost and mind your own business.
The emperor was angry that the boy was so obtuse, and he had to smooth things over for him.
"The Crown Prince is unable to hold his liquor, and he's already starting to talk nonsense?"
Prince Ping didn't care. Did he not know the Crown Prince's temper? He didn't have anyone help him pack his bags and leave the capital immediately, which meant the Crown Prince was in a good mood.
The Crown Prince stood up and bowed, saying, "Yes, Your Majesty, I am drunk. I must not be impolite. I will return to the Eastern Palace to rest."
emperor:……
Is this kid just taking any opportunity to back down?
Even though it was the Lunar New Year, he still wanted to wait until the family banquet was over so he could have a private chat with the Crown Prince about their father-son bond.
The crown prince ignored them, feeling that he had already asked for permission, and strode away, wearing a black fox fur coat.
At the palace banquet, the royal family members glanced at the Crown Prince's retreating figure and then at the Emperor's expression.
Nothing was said.
It was impolite for the crown prince to leave early, but the emperor indulged him.
The Empress Dowager sat on the high platform, her face showing kindness and gentleness, but her heart was cold.
Because of the Crown Prince and the Emperor's past actions, she, as the Empress Dowager, could not and dared not openly interfere in the affairs of the Crown Princess.
But that doesn't mean the matter is over.
The Crown Prince had barely stepped into his bedchamber when he sensed something was amiss.
There was an extra scent.
He glanced coldly at the eunuch guarding the door, who knelt down tremblingly, his eyes filled with confusion and fear.
Qingyan withdrew his gaze and slowly walked behind the screen.
The smell was even stronger now.
A murmur came from the wooden bed. It seemed that the person had heard footsteps and suddenly sat up and hugged the person who came.
"It's hot... Waaah... Help me."
A woman's groan rang out.
The person being held stiffened and turned to look at His Highness, whose face was ashen.
Qingmin was stunned. When he came in, he thought that an assassin had infiltrated the area.
It turned out to be a woman...
No one has ever used this trick before.
"What, is the sword in your hand just for decoration?"
The Crown Prince's cold voice rang out, tinged with displeasure.
Qingmin hadn't expected His Highness to be so heartless, stabbing her like that? He should at least have interrogated her first.
However, despite the complaints, Qingmin's longsword was already at the woman's neck.
The woman was completely unaware; she twisted her body, as if she had killed herself without him even lifting a finger.
"Yes, I feel unwell, Aunt..."
Upon hearing the word "aunt," Qingmin couldn't help but push the woman away slightly to get a clear look at her face.
"Your Highness, this seems to be the daughter of Prime Minister Yue, Miss Yue the Third."
But how did she end up in the palace?
It seems that Prime Minister Yue has a distant half-sister who is a concubine in the palace.
Qingmin hesitated before sheathing his longsword: "Your Highness, what should we do?"
With such a noble status, if His Highness were to be killed, he would become mortal enemies with Prime Minister Yue.
It's not worth it.
Qingyan rubbed his temples, feeling the sweet, cloying taste intensify, which disgusted him.
"Take him away and deal with him."
After leaving those words, he left the palace. He would wait for the servants to change all the items inside before he went in. Tonight, he would make do in the study.
Qingmin hesitated for a moment; this action probably didn't mean murder.
He carried the woman out, then, after thinking for a moment, realized something was amiss and summoned two more palace maids.
In the study, Qingyan had already summoned the imperial physician.
The imperial physician found nothing wrong with His Highness, but they found incense in his bedchamber containing an aphrodisiac, which gave it that sweet smell.
After thinking for a moment, Qingyan had the imperial physician examine the wine he had drunk that evening.
The alcohol itself is fine, but the wine glass also contains aphrodisiacs.
In other words, the crown prince had been given an aphrodisiac, and the imperial physicians were frantically trying to prepare an antidote.
Qingyan gave him a disdainful look: "Didn't I check my pulse just now and find that there was nothing wrong with my body?"
The imperial physician then realized what was happening and breathed a sigh of relief: "Your Highness didn't drink tonight?"
"I drank four or five cups," Qingyan said indifferently.
The imperial physician was bewildered. He examined the wine cups again and confirmed that the aphrodisiacs here were extremely potent. Even just one cup, let alone four or five, would make one feel unbearably hot all over.
Looking at the Crown Prince again, his gaze was cold but clear, not like someone who was not thinking clearly.
He hesitated for a moment, then mustered his courage and decided to take the prince's pulse again.
But Qingyan had already driven them away.
He knew the reason; it was Zhizhi who told him that the pill he took could neutralize most poisons, even aphrodisiacs.
Therefore, his health was unaffected.
After the imperial physician was asked to leave, Qingyan felt a bit tired. He forced himself to stay awake and summoned his bodyguards.
"Go and see where the Princess Consort of Ning is. We should at least return the courtesy."
"Your Highness, was the aphrodisiac used by the Prince of Ning's heir?"
The guards were puzzled.
Before they even began to investigate, His Highness already knew who the culprit was.
Qingyan lifted his eyelids to glance at him, but remained silent.
The guard knew he had overstepped his bounds; he had no right to question His Highness and could only obey.
He carefully withdrew and copied it exactly.
A palace attendant brought hot water, and Qingyan took a bath to wash away the smell of alcohol before going to rest.
He didn't know who did it, but since someone had made him unhappy, he wanted to cause trouble for them in return.
As for targeting the wrong person for revenge? It doesn't matter. We'll find out the truth and then return the favor.
As for the one being targeted now, he can only be considered unlucky.
The wooden couch was rather narrow, and the prince, with his slender frame, found it not very comfortable to lie on. He closed his eyes, but his sleepiness vanished.
It's New Year's Eve. I wonder what Fang Nanzhi is doing?
Today marks another year that she has grown older.