Chapter 218: Daughter's Household

On the second day of the eighth month of the first year of Kaiping in Daliang, people were crowded inside and outside the Nanxun Gate in Bianjing, huddled together under the scorching sun, all vying to stand on tiptoe to look out.

At this moment, there were nearly 200,000 soldiers and civilians in the entire city of Bianliang, which was already the largest city in the world. Inside and outside the Forbidden City, there were already tens of thousands of houses and people lived in the outer city. Especially in the southern outer city, along the banks of the Bian River, the most buildings were built relying on this major artery that supplies the capital.

From the middle Tang Dynasty onwards, the strict market system was no longer respected, especially in one of the largest cities in the world, such as Bianjing. Even in this chaotic world, commercial trade was still very prosperous, so residential houses, markets, palaces, pavilions, taverns, warehouses, etc. were intertwined, making it extremely lively.

Since Zhu Wen settled in Xuanwu, he began to expand with Bianzhou as his seat of government. After nearly 30 years, this city had developed into Kaifeng Prefecture and Daliang Capital. Moreover, because the Bian River ran through the city, almost all the power of the Central Plains was used to support this city that was out of tune with the times. Fleets transporting materials and food traveled back and forth from the south to the north every month, and caravans entering the capital from land were also on the way. The annual commercial tax in the capital alone had reached a level that made other princes jealous.

Bianjing controls Heshuo and connects the Yangtze River and Huai River. It is basically the only way for people traveling from the south to the north through the Central Plains. Therefore, its prosperity and wealth over the years naturally far exceeds that of other places in the world.

This place has the most abundant wealth, the most affluent population, and the most elite imperial guards. Perhaps without the help of other towns in the Central Plains, Zhu Wen seems to have the confidence to conquer the world just by relying on this place.

However, the area around Bianliang was too flat. There were powerful enemies in the north, but there was no strategic location to defend after crossing the Yellow River. There were no mountains and rivers as rugged as those in Luoyang, so a large number of troops were inevitably needed to defend the capital, not only to defend against other princes, but also to guard against some military governors in Daliang.

Therefore, in the heart of the Central Plains, the size of the imperial guards has indeed been expanding in recent years. Although it has not reached the point of being redundant, it has become the biggest burden on the finances.

However, it was also for this reason that, as the size of the imperial guards expanded, more and more families of the guards entered Bianliang. As the population expanded, there was a rare scene of stability. As everyone knows, in this world, soldiers were the richest group of people. They had stable military pay, as well as rewards during festivals and before and after expeditions, so their families were also wealthy.

The families born from the imperial guards also gave rise to various industries, including blacksmith shops, breweries, carpentry shops, tailor shops, weaving workshops... The population movement gave birth to the most prosperous place in the world, and Bianliang became more magnificent and gorgeous than ever before in decades.

At this moment, the most magnificent city of Bianjing in the world stood in front of the Guide Army, which had returned south from the north after more than a year of fighting.

Of course, it also lay in front of the two words "Xiao Yan", waiting for him to step in.

No one knows what will happen in the capital city of Bianjing. Not even Xiao Yan himself knows, let alone predicts. But what does it matter?

The important thing is that he is back.

After a year and a half, he will return to this city in a stunning manner.

From then on, the word "Bian Jing" would become closer and closer to him.

------

More than 20,000 warriors returned from the expedition, with the Longhu Army and the Shenwu Army rushing to support Hebei in the front, and the Guide Army in the rear, with flags flying, standing quietly outside the Nanxun Gate.

Facing the south-north wide road from Nanxun Gate, go straight in, pass the inner city Zhuque Gate, cross Longjin Bridge, and enter the Imperial Street. On the right side of the Imperial Street is the Daxiangguo Temple, and Anle Pavilion is also in that area, standing beside the Bianhe River.

Going inward from the Imperial Street is the Gujiao Gate, the south gate of the imperial city. Zhu Wen, along with all the civil and military officials, princes and nobles, were waiting at the Gujiao Gate for the victory ceremony. To put it bluntly, they were waiting there for the military review.

Such a grand event naturally caused a sensation in the whole city. Officials who were qualified to go to Gujiaomen had of course already gone up to the building early to prepare. Officials in green and blue robes who were not qualified called their friends to occupy the high ground along the avenue from Nanxunmen to Gujiaomen.

Naturally, the best places for viewing are the pavilions on the second and third floors of Anle Pavilion, which are almost perfect for viewing the entire street scene. But of course, these places had already been booked at high prices of dozens or hundreds of strings of cash half a month ago. After all, which nobleman doesn't want to watch the magnificent scenery from the street, set up a small table, drink a little wine, or at least drink iced sour plum soup, which is a rare enjoyment in this summer.

Although throughout history, the ceremony of offering tributes to a nation has always been like that, just a formality to show off the military prowess, but this was the first grand event since the founding of Daliang, and a rare scene in this chaotic world, so it naturally attracted a large number of people.

As for ordinary people, they could only squeeze together on the street. However, on this day, Anle Pavilion had another big sale, with a buy-one-get-one-free offer for the cheaper green bean soup, but you had to bring your own cups and bowls. While waiting, the soup had basically been snapped up.

Apart from these things, other streets and alleys in Bianjing that were not near the place where the army passed to pay tribute to the victory were basically closed for the shops. The shopkeepers and their employees came in groups. Those who had a little business sense carried shoulder poles and hawked their wares along the streets. Most of them sold heat-reducing soups and medicines, and they made a lot of business.

As for some scoundrels and idlers who peeked at the beautiful young ladies, and some who took the opportunity to steal things, there were of course some, but most of them were captured as quickly as possible by the Kaifeng government officials and the imperial guards.

After all, on this day, all the soldiers who could be mobilized in the city of Bianjing were pulled out to serve on duty. The imperial guards stood facing the street, blocking the crowd of people behind them. They were all in high spirits, trying their best to show their best military appearance. However, there were too many people in the city, and they were busy maintaining order, sweating profusely in this summer.

As for the cavalry in the street, they tried their best to ride horses of the same color, and they were wearing helmets and armor, patrolling back and forth in a domineering manner. If they saw any commotion, they would just shout at the people rudely, and whip those who were restless.

This is because the so-called imperial guards and cavalry are under the jurisdiction of the current Marquis of Champion, Xiao Yan, whose greatest military power is the title of Marquis of Imperial Guards and Cavalry. Although these cavalrymen have never met their immediate superior, and privately they have many complaints about the young Marquis of Champion, but in today's scene, they all feel honored, and they all look very proud, wishing they could not be admired by the people like the Marquis of Champion.

After all, these low-level soldiers were unaware of the various opinions of the court about Xiao Yan. In the end, they only recognized military force. Whoever had a greater reputation and stronger military force would naturally be convinced by them.

As for the surface of the Bian River, there were countless large and small boats, all of which were hired by the wives and daughters of the families of all sizes. All the restaurants along the street had been booked out, and it was not appropriate for them to squeeze together on both sides of the street. Therefore, women of a little status had already hired boats, moored them on the river, and set up curtains with colorful silks. They either had snacks, drank sour plum soup, or drank wine, with laughter and chattering one after another.

But there were also many unmarried young ladies who were dressed in fancy clothes, revealing their delicate collarbones and even the large white patches on their chests, which were dazzling. They had flower ornaments on their brows, graceful figures, and fragrant smells, and the riverside was filled with spring colors.

You must know that everyone knows that the champion marquis has not yet married.

According to word of mouth among the people, Xiao Yan was two meters tall, with a broad back and strong arms, and was a fierce general that was rare in the world.

But these young ladies just don't believe it. How could Xiao Lang, who could write "May we live long and share the beauty of the moon together even though we are thousands miles apart", look like this?

"The drums at Nanxun Gate have sounded, and the Champion Marquis has entered the city!"

On the various small boats, the young ladies who were playing stopped what they were doing and stood on tiptoe to look towards the outer city. However, the distance was so far that the army had not even passed the Suzaku Gate, so how could they really see the troops offering victory.

But even so, they subconsciously brushed the hair around their ears and excitedly talked about various news with each other's good sisters.

"I heard that the comments on each woman in Rouge Review were made by Guanjun Hou himself."

"Don't you read poetry?" A young woman on another boat couldn't help but sneer when she heard this: "Most of Xiao Lang's comments are obviously excerpts from the poems of his predecessors. Only Yu Youshu from Anle Pavilion got a poem "Shui Tiao Ge Tou" written by Xiao Lang himself. Even the so-called champion, the empress of Qi, only got a line from "Quiet Feelings" by Cai Yong of the Han Dynasty. Do you understand? Xiao Lang clearly only writes poems for the women he loves."

The young lady who had spoken earlier couldn't help but blush, but she suddenly reacted the next moment and said dissatisfiedly: "What Xiao Lang, you think you can call me these two words? Who are you? Do you have any shame?"

"Tsk, he's more shameless than you, a little girl who pretends to know everything." The young woman who spoke later was just proud: "My father is Zhang Zhu, and my father-in-law is the current Minister of Revenue Zhang Wenwei. Like my son Xiao Lang, they are all surrendered people from the former Tang Dynasty. Why, you don't accept it?"

"Bah, shameless! Return to your Xiao Lang! Don't you have any sense of shame?" Several young women on the boat nearby were furious.

The young lady surnamed Zhang was not afraid at all. She raised her chin and said, "A bunch of village women dare to covet Xiao Lang."

"You dare to scold me? Hey, she scolded us!"

"Tsk, why am I scolding you? You bumped into me."

"You bitch, you're making me so mad! Boatman, move the boat over!"

……

"Have you, Xiao Lang, asked for my opinion?"

"Let go of my little lady..."

"Stop fighting, stop fighting!"

……

Anle Pavilion is the best viewing point among pavilions and attics. It overlooks the Bian River, has a close view of the Daxiangguo Temple, and has a distant view of the Imperial Palace. It is a wonderful place.

The small table has been set up, with wine and food prepared on it. Several glasses of wine are served in glass cups, which shine brightly in the sunlight and look very beautiful.

A beautiful woman in a blue skirt was stroking the strings of a zither, plucking out very beautiful music, which attracted a cold young girl to turn her head to look from time to time. There was also a zither on the small table in front of the latter, but she barely covered the sound of the music played by the woman in the blue skirt while plucking it.

On the side, Miao Chengtian, who was pouring wine for a nobleman in white, couldn't help but cover his mouth and laugh: "Xue'er is indeed gifted. After only practicing with Guangmutian for a few days, her piano skills are already quite good."

But her voice suddenly changed in the next moment, and she said with a smile: "It's just that the sound of your piano today seems a little flustered, not showing Xue'er's level."

"You must want to see Xiao Lang as soon as possible, and become the Marquis of Guan Nei." Xuan Jingtian teased, "Xiao Lang is so young, but he has already made such achievements. If he were in the prosperous Tang Dynasty, he might have been able to become the Marquis of Guan Nei. No wonder Xue'er has set her heart on him."

Suddenly, the sound of the piano became chaotic.

Ji Ruxue's ears turned red, and she glared at the two girls, but did not refute. She just said: "Young Master is here, don't just think about these things..."

Among the girls, the so-called noble gentleman, that is, the handsome gentleman with a pair of phoenix eyes who calmly accepted the girls playing the piano or pouring wine, just smiled at this moment, holding a glass of wine and shaking it gently: "Just pretend I'm not here, play with you, don't be polite. In Bianliang, I am just a guest."

The girls laughed in response. The people in the attic were all stunningly beautiful, and their radiant looks were even more beautiful than the magnificent scene on the long street.

But the nobleman in the middle was the first to see the scene on the Bian River. She didn't need to look at it for long as she guessed what happened there at a glance. Her eyes were filled with excitement and she didn't look like a nobleman at all. Instead, she looked more like a young lady watching something interesting.

Following her gaze, Miao Chengtian walked to the fence and looked for a while, then he was surprised: "Why did they start a fight?"

Xuan Jingtian also moved closer, and even Guangmutian, who had been playing the piano quietly, looked up curiously.

But the few of them were all quite skilled, so after listening for a while, Miao Chengtian laughed out loud: "I was wondering what was going on, they were actually competing for the title of Champion Marquis as their husband..."

"Tsk." Xuan Jingtian loosened the cuffs around his wrists and blurted out, "A bunch of little girls want to compete for my Qi country's son-in-law?"

The next moment, Ji Ruxue, who had been indifferent, suddenly blushed and could no longer hold back. She forced herself to put on a cold face and went inside to get the ice cubes that had already been divided. Her usual cold and unapproachable temperament was gone.

Xuan Jingtian wanted to tease her, but now that she avoided him, he found it funny, so he spread his hands and sighed, "Since Xue'er is unwilling, my sister and I will volunteer ourselves."

"What nonsense." Miao Chengtian couldn't help but slap his outspoken younger sister.

That noble lady, that is, the young lady surnamed Zhang on the Bian River, was talking about. However, the only thing she remembered was the line "There is no match for her in the whole world, she was born after thousands of years" from Cai Yong's "Fu on Tranquility" in the Han Dynasty. The leading empress, on the contrary, became silent.

She had a lot on her mind, including the idea that the marriage might not be successful, Xiao Yan's contempt for Qi Guo, and how to show her sincerity when she personally discussed with the latter after today.

Another thing is, why does the title of Champion Marquis, who is being fought over by so many young ladies in Bianliang, insist on becoming the son-in-law of Qiguo?
Qiguo, what dowry can you offer...

More than half a year had passed, and Xiao Yan had just conquered Hebei. He was completely different from the current Xiao Yan. Facing such a person, what could Qiguo have in mind to make friends? After all, even if she accepted Ji Ruxue as her adopted sister, even if Xiao Yan married Ji Ruxue for this, they couldn't make a big deal about it.

Would a man like Xiao Yan really change his own interests because of a woman?
The empress looked outside and could already see the flags waving outside the Nanxun Gate, so she couldn't help but think of Xuan Jingtian's joke just now.

Then, she thought of the seemingly plausible "Rouge Review". Xiao Yan had never seen her daughter in costume, so why did he have to rate her as the top one?
An inexplicable and strange emotion made the empress frown secretly.

It seems that the only dowry that Qiguo can offer is Huanyinfang...

(End of this chapter)