Lin'an Never Night

Chapter 896 The Two Palaces' Anxiety
From the beginning, the three women living in the east courtyard of the Yang residence were Ji Xiang, Hua Yin, and Xiao Nai.

When the Empress, who had many children, traveled east, she also moved into this courtyard.

At that time, she was a maidservant to Himeko.

Now she has surpassed Himeka in importance within the inner secretariat.

Since this east courtyard was the residence of four Japanese women, the entire courtyard gradually took on a Japanese style.

It's said to have the style of Japan, but it's actually just an imitation of the Tang Dynasty.

As a member of the royal family, Princess Zhao Ning'er of Jia Kingdom had also browsed the books on Tang Dynasty architectural styles in the royal collection.

She immediately recognized the Tang Dynasty style throughout the courtyard.

It's quite refreshing to find such a Tang-style courtyard in Lin'an.

Li Fengniang and Xiao Qingtang temporarily borrowed Ji Xiang's place to settle her in. The three of them had been playing together since childhood and had a very good relationship.

The two women naturally kept him company, and tea and snacks were served to him.

Princess Jia gracefully held a delicate porcelain teacup, its aroma wafting through the air with the rising steam...

However, despite being treated like an honored guest, she felt somewhat disheartened.

She was a princess of the Song Dynasty. Even when she came to Yang Yuan's residence as a child, she was always greeted by the master and mistress of the house as she entered and exited through the main gate.

Now, however, they have to hide it and avoid being seen.

Even though the Yang family still treated her with great courtesy, it made her realize that the Zhao family's situation was no longer what it used to be.

In the main hall, Yang Yuan, Xin Qiji, and Yu Yunwen discussed some details of the expedition to Huaidong. The two generals then hurriedly left to go back and prepare.

The internal records office brought over another pile of files. Even though most of them had already been initially processed and decision-making methods had been provided, he still needed to review and approve them. Ultimately, he would have to look at the contents first before he could decide whether to accept or reject the proposed solutions.

Therefore, it takes quite a bit of time to look through them one by one.

However, Yang Yuan can delegate authority, but not now, so he has to do it all himself, which is a bit tiring.

Just as he was about to finish processing these documents as quickly as possible, Ata seized the opportunity and approached him.

Ata was originally a beauty, and after living in the Yang family for so long with no worries about food or clothing, she grew even more beautiful.

Now she's a beautiful young woman.

Although Yang Yuan never made a move on her, she served Ali Hu and accompanied him in serving Wu Gu Lun Ying Ge.
He's done all sorts of things, from serving fragrant soup and handing out towels to gently patting the mistress's bottom when she's too weak to move.

Therefore, in Yang Yuan's presence, her status was somewhat somewhere between a concubine and a maid, which allowed her to approach him without permission even when he was reviewing official documents.

"Prime Minister, Princess Jia has arrived and is waiting in the East Courtyard."

Ata whispered something in Yang Yuan's ear.

"Princess of Jia Kingdom?"

Yang Yuan was somewhat puzzled. With the expedition imminent, everything in the imperial court was the first thing that was arranged.

He didn't hide these things from the young emperor Zhao Dun and the second king Zhao Kai.

What is the little princess doing here suddenly leaving the palace?
Yang Yuan put down the official document and said, "Please come to the small study to see the princess."

Ata agreed and, like a happy dog, walked out with light steps.

As she walked, her long legs swayed gracefully, and her slender waist already hinted at the charm of spring willows.

Yang Yuan naturally had his own set of rules for receiving guests, especially after he seized absolute power.

Meeting in the main hall, the second hall, the study, the small study, or the flower hall all represent different meanings.

At the same time, it also reflects the closeness or distance of their relationship.

Although Yang Yuan himself didn't care much about these tedious details, the problem is that people in ancient times did care.

His lack of attention to detail can give people the wrong impression.

For example, if a trusted confidant were to casually meet someone in the lobby, the other person would inevitably feel that they have lost his trust.

Similarly, if a minister with whom the prime minister has an ordinary relationship insists on receiving him in the prime minister's study, the minister will think that he has been taken as a confidant by the prime minister.

Ata ran to the east courtyard and told Zhao Ning'er that the two generals had left and the prime minister wanted to see her now, so he led her to the back courtyard.

Upon arriving at the destination, Zhao Ning'er looked up and saw that it was Yang Yuan's small study, and a sense of loss immediately welled up in her heart.

In the past, when she came to the Yang family, she could go directly to the flower hall in the back courtyard.

just now……

In fact, Yang Yuan had really thought about where to meet her.

She's a grown woman; it's not quite appropriate to take her directly to the main hall, where her family usually spends their time.

She is an unmarried princess, and we must consider her reputation.

Yang Yuan was kind enough to choose the inner study, which had the second highest intimacy level after the flower hall.

Unexpectedly, this made Zhao Ning'er feel anxious and uncertain.

The sound of boots approached from afar.

Zhao Ning'er stood up upon hearing footsteps.

As the light dimmed, Yang Yuan appeared at the doorway.

Wearing a headscarf and a soft robe of dark blue brocade, with a leather belt around his waist, he was elegant and dashing.

His face was exactly the same as when Zhao Ning'er first met him; time seemed to have left no trace on his face.

However, the little girl has now blossomed into a beautiful young woman with lips as red as cinnabar and a face as lovely as a peach blossom.

"Jiaguo greets the Prime Minister!"

Zhao Ning'er gracefully curtsied, her almond-shaped eyes slightly lowered, her elegance like a shy lily.

"Ning'er, since we are meeting in private, there is no need to be bound by court etiquette."

Yang Yuan laughed heartily, adopting the kind demeanor of a brother-in-law: "Sit down, sit down, we're family, don't be shy."

Zhao Ning'er's fair and delicate face flushed slightly, and a dimple appeared on her cheek as she pursed her lips: "Uncle."

At this moment, Ata led two maids in, laid out the snacks, candied fruits, and tea, smiled at Zhao Ning'er, gave her a friendly nod, and then slowly withdrew, closing the door behind her.

"Have something to eat!" Yang Yuan crossed his legs and smiled as he picked up the teacup.

A set of "pavilions" was placed in front of Zhao Ning'er.

These "pavilions" are small pastries made from flour, milk crumbs, maltose, and other ingredients, served on a red lacquered wooden plate. The entire set of desserts is shaped like a landscape or architectural scene.

There are houses, pavilions, mountains, water, and vegetation, each with its own unique flavor.

This set of desserts costs at least five hundred coins.

If you start eating from the "little pavilion on the mountaintop," you might only need to eat some of the scenic spots on the mountaintop before you feel full.

Seeing this pavilion, Zhao Ning'er felt a sudden warmth in her heart.

Although Yang Yuan led her to the study and distanced himself from her somewhat, he still remembered that when she visited the Yang family as a child, she loved to eat "ting'er" (a type of noodle).

Zhao Ning'er used a bamboo skewer to pick up a piece of "pavilion roof tile", slightly raised her sleeve to cover her mouth, parted her red lips slightly, opened her silver teeth, and gently took a small bite.

That elegant and serene demeanor was no longer that of the mischievous girl she once was.

As soon as the dessert entered her mouth, Zhao Ning'er's almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly with contentment, like a satisfied Persian cat.

Yang Yuan took a sip of tea before asking, "Ning'er, did you come here to visit Qing Tang and Feng Niang?"

Zhao Ning'er gave her another resentful glance, as if she were still an innocent young girl. If I were to go sightseeing with them, what would it mean for me to sit here with you?

The Zhao Song imperial family is currently in a very delicate situation, so it's no wonder that Zhao Ning'er is so sensitive.

In reality, how many people in the Zhao family aren't sensitive and perceptive?
Zhao Ning'er said softly, "The weather is getting colder, especially in the north."

My uncle led troops into battle for the country and made great contributions.

Grandmother and Mother sent Ning'er to visit her uncle and brought a gift.

Zhao Ning'er got up and picked up a neatly folded piece of clothing from the tray on the table to her left.

Yang Yuan stood up and went forward to look, only to find it was a fox-fur collar and raccoon sleeves.

This is a garment made of fox fur and raccoon fur, suitable for winter wear.

Its front and back panels and sleeves are relatively short, making it convenient for riding horses and using weapons.

In addition, there is a "belly bandage", which is mainly used to wrap around the waist and abdomen to prevent the abdomen from getting cold.

In the Song Dynasty, yellow was considered the most valuable color for the waistband, and it was known as "yellow waistband".

"When you left, you wore a brown robe with red, but I wore a yellow robe around my waist." The "yellow robe around my waist" in this lyric refers to this.

Both men and women can wear waist belts, but the styles are not exactly the same.

"I don't know if it will fit your size, Uncle. Please try it on."

It was just an outer garment, so Yang Yuan didn't care and picked up the raccoon sleeve.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Ning'er had already picked it up and was about to help him put it on.

This made Yang Yuan a little reserved.

He had no choice but to open his arms, even holding his breath for a moment, and saw a flawless, beautiful face right in front of him.

Zhao Ning'er seemed to be focused on helping him try on clothes. After the raccoon sleeves were on, she took the "yellow belt".

It would be a bit inappropriate to have a young girl wrap her arms around his waist and tie his belly band.

Yang Yuan hurriedly took over, but as soon as their fingers touched, Zhao Ning'er's face turned slightly red. She quickly took a step back and looked up at Yang Yuan with her almond-shaped eyes full of water.

Yang Yuan fastened the waistband, and Zhao Ning'er examined it for a moment, then circled around Yang Yuan once, saying happily, "It looks like it fits perfectly."

As Yang Yuan removed his bellyband and raccoon sleeves, he smiled and said, "Ning'er, please thank the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager on my behalf."

Zhao Ning'er pursed her lips, her delicate white teeth lightly nibbling at her thin red lips, making her look exceptionally radiant.

"It's their first time making clothes. If anything is uncomfortable, just tell them, and they can go back and have it altered."

Yang Yuan thought it was just a set of clothes that the two palaces had casually bestowed to win people's hearts, never expecting that it was actually made by the Princess of Jia herself.

That would have a very different meaning.

Yang Yuan asked in surprise, "These raccoon sleeves and belly band, Ning'er made them herself?"

Zhao Ning'er nodded shyly: "Is Uncle satisfied?"

Uh……

Since they've already asked, it wouldn't be appropriate to refuse again.

Yang Yuan nodded reluctantly and said, "Satisfied, satisfied, very good, very good."

When Yang Yuan sat down again, she was no longer as composed as before. Instead, she seemed somewhat uncomfortable, much like Zhao Ning'er had been when she first sat down.

After helping him try on the clothes, Zhao Ning'er relaxed a bit and, after sitting down again, said softly:

"The country is in great trouble now, and we rely entirely on my uncle for support. My uncle is going to lead troops on a northern expedition. In fact, not only my grandmother and mother, but also Ning'er is feeling somewhat hesitant and uneasy, as if we have lost our support."

There's a certain skill involved in saying that.

Is it because Yang Yuan is leaving Lin'an that they are uneasy, or is it because Yang Yuan is not in Lin'an that they are uneasy?
Princess Jia's visit was at the behest of her mother, Empress Dowager Xie, who in turn was encouraged by her son, Emperor Zhao Dun.

When Empress Dowager Wu found out, she tacitly approved it.

Ultimately, they didn't think it necessary for Yang Yuan to personally lead troops to the front lines in his current capacity.

Therefore, they were somewhat worried about Yang Yuan's departure.

They were worried that Yang Yuan was trying to create an alibi!

To be honest, if Zhao Ning'er hadn't come, the somewhat mad Ji Xiang Goddess might have actually created an alibi for Yang Yuan.

That is, if Lu Xi doesn't stop her.

Ji Xiang, that little girl, is actually incredibly shrewd. In front of people she absolutely cannot offend, even if she has mania, depression, or is mentally unstable, she can instantly regain her senses.

Her illness is characterized by treating people differently based on their status.

What a pity!

Yang Yuan didn't think that much about it at all.
As a transmigrator, he rarely had such a rare opportunity to beat up King Hailing, and he didn't want Yu Yunwen to steal the spotlight.

Zhao Dun is now a puppet, and the one who caused this situation is Yang Yuan.

Regardless of who is right or wrong, from their respective perspectives, neither the Empress Dowager nor the Empress Dowager could possibly rely on him, nor would they feel anxious or uneasy because of his departure.

With this in mind, Yang Yuan understood Zhao Ning'er's purpose in coming.

(End of this chapter)