Chapter 128 Someone in the Court
After the Great Heat, it gradually approaches the Beginning of Autumn.

At this time, the saying goes that the Yang energy is gradually receding and the Yin energy is gradually growing. However, the summer heat that enveloped the world did not subside, but became even hotter, as if the God who controls the summer heat was still sparing no effort to wreak havoc on the world in this last summer day.

Not to mention other places, in Bianliang, the heart of the Central Plains, the heat has been oppressive these past two days. Pedestrians and vendors passing through the streets are all sweating profusely. In this sultry and dry horror, everyone curses, "Damn it, the dog days of summer, why aren't I dying of heat?"

But despite the scolding, the vendors still have to continue their work, and they can only carry their loads on their shoulders, wipe their sweat and hawk their wares along the streets.

At this time of year, they didn't envy other places, but only the "An Le Pavilion", the best in the city. At this time, the door of the An Le Pavilion was open, but inside it was cold air, and batches of ice cubes were hidden in special corners, making people feel extremely cool.

There was an endless stream of diners coming and going, going straight in, and once they were in, they would never want to leave. However, the seats in Anle Pavilion were limited after all, and only high-ranking officials and dignitaries were basically not allowed to enter, which always made people sigh.

But even so, those who were not allowed in could not curse it. Because there was a canopy at the entrance of Anle Pavilion, and there were waiters working under the canopy. Anyone who came in vain but didn't get a seat could get a free bowl of mung bean soup, and the soup was iced, which was particularly refreshing and refreshing. It was also very cheap to buy, and you could buy several bowls and take them home for less than the price of a cup of tea.

At one time, every store in Bianliang City launched the drink "Mung Bean Soup". It didn't matter if there was no way to chill it, the price was lower and there were always people who would buy it.

However, the popular drink in Bianliang nowadays is not the 'green bean soup', but the "sour plum soup" exclusively developed by Anle Pavilion.

This drink tastes great and refreshing, and it can also remove phlegm and relieve cough, prevent epidemics, and quench thirst. Most importantly, you can clearly see a few large pieces of ice in the soup, which is refreshing and cool. Although the unit price is much higher than that of mung bean soup, it did not prevent this drink from becoming popular all over the city.

In a very short period of time, this product has become a must-have for dignitaries to entertain guests and drink for themselves, and because of its high price, it can better show their status. And because of its unique formula, Anle Pavilion is almost the only one that sells it.

Seeing the booming business, other stores also conducted some private research. Although the taste was not quite right after all, they did attract some customers.

However, a group of high-ranking officials and dignitaries who have both status and money only recognize Anle Pavilion.

…………

Imperial city, Prince Ying’s Palace.

The official title of the Underworld Emperor Zhu Yougui was King of Ying. Although people in the folks and the court often called him the 'Underworld Emperor', no one dared to hang the word 'Emperor' on his palace.

Moreover, the Ying Palace was not for the Dark Emperor to live in. Everyone knew that the Dark Emperor had been in seclusion for many years, living in the dark underground palace of the Xuanming Sect for a long time, and had almost never stayed outside the underground palace. Therefore, the Ying Palace was almost a decoration, but Zhu Wen still waved his hand and gave this deep courtyard mansion with a considerable area to the Ying King.

As for the reason, all the court officials knew it well, because the real owner of this mansion was Zhang Zhenniang, the wife of Emperor Ming, the daughter-in-law of Zhu Wen, and the Princess of Ying.

The palace has a total of six entrances, including the main hall, the rear hall and the sleeping palace. The beams, brackets and eaves are all decorated with green and jade. On the double-eaved hip roof, there are tile beasts standing with their mouths raised.

In addition, there are small ponds and gardens...

There were pavilions and towers like clouds, rockery and strange rocks everywhere, and even nearly a hundred slaves to serve Zhang Zhenniang.

In the palace, others only saw that Zhu Wen treated Zhang Zhenniang particularly rudely, but his every move showed how much he loved this daughter-in-law. Not only did she serve him well, but she also had a deeper status that crushed him, which made the emperor and father extremely satisfied.

Who in the court didn't know how this troublemaker stood in Zhu Wen's eyes? Not to mention those officials who came from the local areas but were unsuccessful, even some of the important officials in the court who were wearing red robes were willing to recognize Zhang Zhenniang as their mother.

……

At this time, it was extremely hot outside, but Zhang Zhenniang was leaning lazily in the pavilion, enjoying the cool air brought by the ice on all sides, drinking sour plum soup comfortably, and just listening to the storyteller telling her stories intermittently.

She was only in her twenties, and her beauty was not particularly stunning, but her graceful body had a kind of alluring aura that often made Zhu Wen unable to stop lusting after her. Now lying in the room, her whole body was extremely cool, with only a thin layer of gauze covering her. Because of this, the storyteller did not dare to raise his head through the curtains, fearing that he would see a scene that would put his life in danger.

"Princess, Anle Pavilion has sent something again..." A maid came in respectfully and reported.

"Oh?"

Zhang Zhenniang received countless visiting cards and gifts every day, but she didn't want to pay attention to them. But now she was subconsciously curious, and then she waved her hand and said, "Please don't give me sour plum soup anymore. I really can't drink it anymore."

Following her gaze, you can see that the sour plum soup that was in short supply outside is now filled with a wooden box filled with ice cubes, like some worthless thing, placed alone in the corner.

"The waiter at Anle Pavilion said that this time it's not sour plum soup, but a new dish called 'pickled egg and lean meat porridge', which is for breakfast. I would like to invite the princess to taste it..."

Zhang Zhenniang immediately became interested and stood up, "Ask them to bring it in."

After a moment, a short figure strode in, holding a food box in his hand, but his eyes kept glancing around, as if matching his age.

"It's you, little brat again." Zhang Zhenniang put on an outer coat and went out with a sweet smile.

Outside, Luo Xiaobei's cheeks turned red, but he didn't dare to look any more, and lowered his head: "I greet the princess."

Zhang Zhenniang had a playful smile on her face, her skin faintly visible under her clothes, causing the storyteller's voice to tremble.

She lacked the dignity that a princess should have, and had a dissolute air, which often attracted people to focus their attention on her. She was not unaware of this, but she wanted to do it this way to show off her charm.

"Oh, it looks good."

As the food box was opened, Zhang Zhenniang's eyes lit up and she took the spoon. But she paused before taking the food, and then asked casually with a smile: "Since we have new dishes, you can just offer them to Your Majesty for tasting. Why send them to the palace?"

"You are joking, princess." Luo Xiaobei crossed his hands and bowed his head, saying seriously, "My husband has long told you that you have helped him, and he will never forget it. My husband is a former official of the Tang Dynasty, alone and helpless. If it weren't for the princess's words of praise to Your Majesty, how could he have a foothold in Bianliang? My husband said that he has nothing else to offer, and only this thing may be a small token of his gratitude. So when the new dish arrives in the palace, the second portion must be sent to the princess for tasting..."

"He has some conscience and remembers this favor from me."

Zhang Zhenniang couldn't help but feel pleased with herself, and then she took a few bites, and it was indeed delicious. Although the preserved egg was a little strange, it was still delicious, so she nodded with satisfaction: "This is a delicacy, and you guys at Anle Pavilion are really talented. I've always been curious about who your chef is. Can you lend him to the palace?"

Luo Xiaobei's expression was a little strange, and then he smiled apologetically: "Princess, please don't embarrass me. How can I make the decision..."

"You are a young kid, but you speak in a very eloquent way. Just tell me, who is the chef?"

"Well... To be honest, Princess, most of the ideas for the new dishes came from my husband. Before he went to war, he left behind many tips, saying that when the time comes, we can open them and research new dishes."

Zhang Zhenniang's eyes lit up again, and she couldn't help but giggle: "It is said that a gentleman should stay away from the kitchen, but your Xiao Yushi is really strange."

Speaking of this, she immediately thought of Xiao Yan.

More than half a year ago, when Xiao Yan lived in Bianliang, he often went in and out of the palace. She had seen him many times accompanying Zhu Wen. At that time, she just thought it was interesting and said a few good things about Xiao Yan. However, she didn't know that the latter had been grateful to her. He sent people from Anle Pavilion to give her gifts during the holidays, and all the new dishes were delivered to her early for her to taste.

The other generals said that Xiao Yan had a pretty face, but Zhang Zhenniang thought that his bronze but pale complexion was just right, and his melancholy, lonely temperament, and sharp eyes were very much to her taste. So she continued to take care of him, and from time to time she would say something to Zhu Wen, which was also a way of returning the thank you.

"Speaking of which, your Censor Xiao has been on the expedition to Hebei for half a year, right?"

Luo Xiaobei, who was about to leave, stopped when Zhang Zhenniang suddenly mentioned this matter. He then said seriously, "It's exactly five months, almost half a year."

"Tsk, do you know when he will be back?"

"I don't know about such military secrets..." Luo Xiaobei hesitated and said, "But the princess often goes in and out of the palace, maybe she can bring back some news for us? Everyone in Anle Pavilion is praying that my husband is safe..."

"You little brat, you are really loyal to your master." Zhang Zhenniang smiled sweetly and waved her hand: "Forget it, I will ask for you, and I will pay for the meal. Go down."

"Thank you, Princess. Thank you, Princess..." Luo Xiaobei was overjoyed and finally showed his childlike innocence.

Zhang Zhenniang didn't take it seriously. It was just something she mentioned briefly and she might even forget about it the moment she turned around.

"By the way, when your Censor Xiao comes back, don't forget about my appearance on the Rouge Review."

"I can't forget it. I'm just waiting for my husband to come back and write a review for the princess."

……

Luo Xiaobei immediately took his leave, and Zhang Zhenniang felt a little bored.

Even the storytelling that was somewhat interesting became particularly annoying at this time.

"Get out of here, what the hell are you talking about."

The storyteller didn't know where he had gone wrong, but he didn't dare to disobey, so he wiped the sweat off his face, apologized, and left.

Zhang Zhenniang was a little bored, so she called someone to ask.

"Any news from Hebei?"

"Reporting to the princess, according to the court, Cangzhou has not been captured yet, and Yang Shihou and Yang Taibao have already turned to attack Luzhou. Everyone says that the situation in Hebei is already tense, and it may take another half a year..."

How could Zhang Zhenniang understand all this? She couldn't even tell Cangzhou and Luzhou apart, so she said indifferently, "I don't want to listen to this. Go ask when Censor Xiao can return to the capital."

"Um... Censor Xiao is the vanguard cavalry commander of Hebei and the commander of Youzhou Guoyi. If Hebei fights for another half a year, he may not be able to come back for the next two years..."

"So long?" Zhang Zhenniang couldn't help but frown, feeling a little annoyed. The staff member supported by the palace was a little embarrassed. He was just an idle scholar who didn't even have an official position. He could only analyze to this extent...

"Get out of here, what's the point of keeping you?"

After being dismissed, the staff member felt relieved. Fortunately, the Princess of Ying was not as bloodthirsty as the Zhu family father and son, who might lose their heads if they disagreed with each other.

When there were only a few personal maids left in the room, Zhang Zhenniang became a little annoyed.

She was originally very idle, and when Xiao Yan was mentioned, all she could think of was his extremely heroic eyes in those few encounters.

Just sitting on the couch, she thought of Xiao Yan's young and strong figure. She couldn't help but feel a little wet. Thinking about it more, her face was flushed, she panted and fell on the couch, her fingers involuntarily reaching into her robe skirt.

The maids waiting outside the screen looked calm and just closed the door.

Since half a year ago, this unrighteous and unreal princess has often been like this.

After a long time.

"Come here, I want to go to the palace to see the emperor.

"Why would Xiao Yushi fight a war when he is just a scholar? Your Majesty should have transferred him back earlier so that he could make more novel things to play with."

------

Anle Pavilion.

Duan Chengtian held a toothpick in his mouth and scanned the information on the letter without blinking.

At the side, a bad guy dressed as a merchant stroked his beard and said, "The captain's intention is to find a way to get Zhang Zhenniang to make a suggestion and send Zhu Hanbin to lead troops into Hebei. Yang Shihou is too mature, and it may not be easy to hide the Hebei private army under his nose..."

Duan Chengtian crumpled up the letter and crushed it into powder. He frowned and asked, "Hasn't Yang Shihou already turned to attack Luzhou?"

"Luzhou is under the command of Jin's general Zhou Dewei, so the Liang army will not pose any threat to it in the short term. Yang Shihou is still nominally the commander of the Hebei camp, but the situation in Hebei is delicate right now, so the captain does not want him to intervene."

"I understand." Duan Chengtian nodded.

The merchant-dressed bad guy added, "There is no need to have Zhu Hanbin replace Yang Shihou, but as long as he leaves Hebei, Yang Shihou will stay in Luzhou. The captain's layout in Hebei will be very promising."

"Do I need to inform Zhu Hanbin in advance?"

"No need. This person has someone to convey the news to the captain. He has been suppressed by Zhu Youzhen for the past six months. He has been living in fear in Bianliang and has been eager to lead the troops to war."

"Can Zhu Wen listen to that woman?"

"Captain, here is a magic bag. If Tiansuxing cannot accomplish this task, send someone to deliver the magic bag to Zhang Zhenniang."

Duan Chengtian took the brocade bag and shook it. It felt light and fluttery, so he asked in confusion, "What is this?"

The nearly 40-year-old bad guy stroked his beard and sighed: "When it comes to calculating people's hearts, the captain has really reached perfection..."

After that, he explained, "This is the comment on Rouge written by the captain to Zhang Zhenniang, and the letter written by the captain to her. It's better for Tiansuxing not to be curious."

Duan Chengtian coughed and put it in his arms somewhat awkwardly.

The Yanzhiping beauty list has long been circulated throughout the country, and even in the Western Regions, people are discussing it. At the same time, due to its exclusive comments and detailed information, the value of Yanzhiping is constantly rising. Who among the beautiful ladies in Bianliang City does not want to spend a lot of money to bribe Anle Pavilion in the hope of being on the list?

Later, because the complete portrait of the leader, the Empress of Huanyinfang, was updated, it attracted the admiration of the world and gained countless admirers overnight. It was said that the number of foreign tourists in Fengxiang had increased by tens of thousands in the past six months.

Who in the world doesn't dream of this scene when they are beautiful? But Anle Pavilion refused to accept bribes, saying that the beauties on the list had their own criteria for judging.

Not to mention women like Zhang Zhenniang. If she saw this thing and the mysterious letter, how could she not be moved?
But who should we send to give Zhang Zhenniang advice and ask her for suggestions?
Just as he was deep in thought, the door was suddenly opened by someone in a hurry: "Master..."

Luo Xiaobei wiped the sweat off his face and took a bowl of sour plum soup. He paused for a moment before saying anything because he saw the bad guy who looked like a merchant.

His eyes rolled around and he looked at Duan Chengtian with a questioning look.

The bad guy stroked his beard and smiled, introducing himself: "I am Zhao Congyi, the eighth generation of the bad guy of the Yanzhou branch, and I am the person in charge of the Bianliang Horse Company. I am Luo Xiaobei, the last disciple of Tiansuxing?"

Luo Xiaobei immediately became serious, and saluted with his arms crossed in a serious manner: "Xiaobei greets the senior."

Although he is still young, he has already heard from Duan Chengtian that the bad guys in the Yanzhou branch are Xiao Yan's real confidants and the biggest help in his career. The best among them may become the top leaders of the bad guys in the future.

Of course, the following thoughts were just Luo Xiaobei's imagination. Until now, he still didn't fully understand how powerful the Bad People were.

In his ignorant mind, Xiao Yan was as mysterious as the rumored bad commander. As a Tang official, he was able to call the shots in the capital of Daliang and infiltrate the city. He could not help thinking that these bad people in Yanzhou would surely "become famous if one person succeeds" in the future...

Compared to Zhao Congyi's gentleness, Duan Chengtian was extremely strict and criticized him bluntly: "You are so rash. You are already eight years old. Can you be more calm?"

"Tian Suxing is too harsh. How can a young man be as old and conservative as you and me?" Zhao Congyi said with a smile.

"That's right, not everyone can be like Captain Tian Anxing..." Luo Xiaobei muttered, "Besides, you clearly said you would teach me how to kill people, but the end result is that I'm running takeout. How can I not run faster?"

Duan Chengtian’s fat face froze.

He scratched his head, smiled apologetically at Zhao Congyi, and then asked, "Have you delivered porridge to Prince Ying's mansion?"

"Well, the princess also rewarded me with ten strings of cash. Master, I don't understand why we have to go to so much trouble to curry favor with her? I always feel that she is not a good person, and she always asks me to recite some words to please her, bah."

"We are not good people." Duan Chengtian muttered, and then said with a stern face: "What do you know? Go practice martial arts and deliver ten more takeaways!"

"Eh."

Zhao Congyi smiled and stopped him, then looked at Luo Xiaobei: "According to what Xiaobei said, does the princess like you very much?"

The latter looked proud and held his head high.

Duan Chengtian's eyes also changed, and he looked at Zhao Congyi.

"Xiaobei, come here, Master will teach you a few more words."

------

------

Hebei.

The Central Plains is extremely hot, and it is not much cooler in this northern border area.

There were no large chunks of ice to cool off in the camp.

On the banks of the Lushui River, 150 miles away from Youzhou, a large camp had been set up for two days.

Shulido was wearing only a thin cross-collared, waisted gown. She stood outside her tent with her hands behind her back. With her beautiful eyes half-closed, she could see a Saker Falcon making an eagle's cry flying from the south and landing in the direction of the big tent.

She turned her head back and said calmly, "If you want to ask about Aunt Ao, go to the big tent and find out..."

Later, when Seri Qixiang was about to respond, the queen paused.

"That's all."

Shuliduo realized that with Shiliqixiang's ability, Xiao Yan might see through her at a glance, so she decided to go there in person.

But she had only taken a few steps when she suddenly stopped, turned back to her tent, and put on a left-fronted round-collar military uniform.

Wearing only a gown would seem a bit too frivolous.

Although she is weak, she also needs to maintain the dignity of a queen.

"Ready your horse."

(End of this chapter)