♂?，，

  In a secluded corner of the Houyuan Garden, Yuanyu held Mingxuan's hand and cried nonstop. She choked back tears and said, "I heard Big Brother say that the Yan family had broken off the engagement, so I immediately went to the Hou Mansion to ask what was going on. But Grandmother said she had gone to the nunnery, and after finally seeing her, she ended up getting hurt like this."

  She raised her head with a hint of resentment and asked, "Xuan sister, what exactly happened? Is there something that even I need to be kept in the dark about?"

  Ming Xuan's eyes were gentle to the extreme, but her mouth curled up with a bitter smile. The original Xuan sister had not misjudged her friend, and Yuan sister was indeed treating her sincerely. But precisely because of this, those things were even harder to say out loud. Han Xiuzhi's power was great, and speaking out about those threats and coercion would be useless, it would only make Yuan sister angry and indignant for nothing.

  She thought for a moment, her lips curled slightly, and she said with a pretended ease, "The Yan family retreated because of Yan Xiaolang's sudden illness, fearing that it would delay me. It was actually kind intentions, I don't blame them. Coincidentally, Sixth Sister got married, and Grandmother was afraid that I would be heartbroken, so she found an excuse to send me to the nunnery for quiet contemplation. After several days of clarity in front of the Buddha, I've come to understand many things, and now I don't feel anything."

  Yu Jie's expression slightly relaxed, but her eyes still stared at Ming Xuan without letting go "This hand..."

  Ming Xuan's lips pouted slightly, and she repeated the words she had spilled earlier, "It really was my fault, but it ended up making everyone think that Yan Tang and Shi Tai were bullying me."

  "Xiang sister's lips slightly opened, and tears rolled down her eyes. She said with some heartache: 'Huan sister is also spoiled since childhood, when do you need to fetch water and chop firewood by yourself? It seems that everything was fine, but somehow she slipped and fell, it must be because of not eating well, sleeping poorly, and being out of spirits.'"

  She furrowed her brow and thought for a moment, then suddenly spoke up, "Xuan sister, my sixth brother is 16 years old this year, although he was born out of wedlock. However, his mother passed away early on, and he has been raised by my mother, and his character and behavior are not bad.

  In the past when my father was in office in Ningzhou, there was a time when my third brother fell into an ice pit. If it wasn't for Zi Rui who risked his life to save him, I'm afraid he would have been in great danger. Just for this kind of behavior, he should also be considered a top-notch man.

  Ming Xuan nodded slightly "I've heard of this cousin."

  Fu Guo Gong and his wife were deeply in love, and all six sons were born to her. The father of the young lady was the second son, who had entered officialdom through imperial examination and had served as a fourth-rank prefectural governor of Ningzhou Prefecture for some years.

  Grandma often says that this sixth younger paternal uncle is a promising child.

  If he hadn't risked his life to pull Third Brother out of the ice cave that year, Third Brother would have met with disaster, and no one would have blamed him for it - after all, he was just a child of ten or so. At the time, apart from Third Brother, who was the eldest son of Madame Yu, there was only him as the male heir. In the future, he would have inherited the entire estate of the second branch of the Zhu family, but instead, he had wholeheartedly rescued his elder brother, who stood in the way of his own career advancement, and ended up contracting a lingering illness that left him with a lifelong fear of cold.

  But also because of his temperament, Yu Furen regarded him as her own son, and was more careful about his future than her biological sons. Yansister also respected this elder brother very much.

  "Sixth brother should have met him, he's a good person with good learning and ambition. In a few days, it'll be the spring examination. Although winter days are often cold, we're not a family that can't afford charcoal fire. It's not worth mentioning. Originally because he was born out of wedlock, I didn't think he was worthy. I never brought it up, but now that Eldest Sister-in-law is gone, and I heard that Wu sister will be married within a hundred days, I'm afraid Mother will casually arrange something. Rather than that, it's better if Sixth Brother knows what's going on and can take care of things properly."

  She carefully grasped Ming Xuan's hand, "Xuan sister, consider it, as long as you're willing, I'll get my mother to ask grandmother, no matter what, marrying into our family, no one will dare to mistreat you!"

  Madam Yu was very kind and gentle, the relationship between the two wives of the Zhu family was harmonious, unlike other families where they would scheme against each other. Zhu Zirui's character and talent were both good, even though he was born out of wedlock, as long as he made a success of himself in the future, no one would dare to bully him.

  Ming Xuan let out a bitter sigh, originally this was also a good choice, but Han Xiuzhi's warning still lingered in her ears, she secretly felt that if she really went to plan for this marriage, she feared it would end up like Yan Qingyan's situation. Zhu Zirui had worked so hard to get everything he had, and if because of her interference, his life was ruined, she couldn't bear the thought.

  Moreover, Yan Xiaolang still has some affection for her from their childhood days, but Zhu Zirui does not. Others may not truly appreciate her either. Even if they were to become husband and wife, it would be a forced marriage without much meaning.

  She thought for a moment, then shook her head and said, "I know it hurts me, but don't worry about these things for my sake. After all, I still have my grandmother to care for me, she won't let me suffer. But whatever you do, don't mention this to my aunt or great-aunt, first because it's not proper, and second because marriage is a big deal that I can't decide on my own. Our two families are very close relatives, if we talk about it and it doesn't work out, it will be awkward for us to interact with each other."

  In fact, if grandma and great aunt had this intention, why would they need to let sister Huan open it?

  Yan's sister gently lifted her head and tucked the scattered hair back into place for Ming Xuan. At the same time, she gazed out at the vast garden with a sigh, and asked in a low voice, "Have you thought about what to do next?"

  "A helpless and bitter look appeared in her bright eyes. 'Let's take it one step at a time.'"

  She glanced at Yuanyang's downcast expression, adjusted her color and deliberately flashed a bright smile to comfort her. "Yuanyang said, I, Gu Mingxuan, am from a good family, not ugly in appearance, although my talents are only superficial, but I won't be a complete failure, and my needlework is still passable. I don't believe that there's no one in the world who can recognize a precious jade. Don't worry about me!"

  These words were just used to comfort people, but in such a difficult situation, Xiang's sister not only didn't complain to her, but also came over to comfort her and told her not to worry, which made her feel even more precious about Xiang's sister.

  "She said in a low voice, 'I won't tell Grandma about that, but if there's anything difficult, you must tell me immediately. Even if I can't help, we can still think of a solution together. Grandma always says, there's no hurdle that can't be overcome, Xiang Jie, it will get better!'"

  A warmth rose in Ming Xuan's heart as he grasped the hand wrapped in a thick layer of gauze with his own, and nodded at Yuanyu.

  **

  Soft sunlight pours down, spring scenery is intoxicating, the front yard wails shake the sky. But in this quiet corner of the backyard, warmth surges.

  According to the rules, Madame Jian'an should have stayed in the mansion for 21 days before being buried, but because Wu Jie was about to get married soon after, on the 27th, Gu Mingru's coffin was moved to the Liang family ancestral tomb. This grand funeral finally came to an end. The Jian'an Duke's Mansion immediately began preparing for the remarriage. The Observatory calculated the auspicious day for the wedding, and the good day for Jian'an Duke Liang Jun to remarry with Yongning Houfu was set on June 26th.

  After the funeral, Mrs. Zhu was seriously ill again, and this time it was more severe than ever before, with some signs of a slight stroke. Fortunately, the medicine was taken in time, and the usual good doctor was used, so the condition was quickly brought under control, but she needed to rest well for a while to recover.

  Ming Xuan couldn't bear to neglect her seriously ill grandmother, so she didn't mention going to the White Cloud Temple again. She thought that Wu Jie and Jian'an Bo's engagement was a matter for the main house. As for how to resolve the issue with Qiang Jie and herself, it would be a matter for her uncle and aunt to handle in order to make the marriage arrangements proper.

  Anyway, there are only two months left. Grandma is still ill, and she's a helpless person who can't find a good marriage for herself, nor can she deal with Han Xiu in a tough way. Rather than being anxious every day, it's better to take care of grandma and wait for the decision of uncle and aunt.

  Anyway, according to Han Xiu's temperament, he is probably not willing to let go easily. Even if his aunt helped her with the marriage, it would probably be ruined by him. Therefore, as time passed and seconds went by, she was actually less afraid in her heart.

  Madam Han is the cousin of the current emperor's favorite concubine. She is also a princess conferred by the imperial court, and her family is increasingly prosperous, with two elder brothers already holding high-ranking positions. Unless Han Xiu has lost his mind, he wouldn't dare to lay hands on his wife at this moment. Ming Huan suddenly genuinely wanted to pray for the well-being of this never-before-met Princess Hui'an, asking all the gods and Buddhas in heaven to bless Madam Han, née Lu, with a long life of one hundred years. As long as she is safe and sound, Han Xiu will always have scruples about his actions, and he wouldn't dare to coerce her openly.

  As long as there is still a glimmer of hope, there will always be a chance for a turnaround. Ming Xuan has never given up on hope.

  In late April, Old Madame Zhu's health improved slightly. The ladies from the neighboring families who were familiar with them often came to visit. On this day, Sheng Mu-yi came to invite Ming-hua to Ruiyu Pavilion on behalf of Old Madame Zhu. "Dongping Old Princess Consort and the wife of the Crown Prince of the State of Jing are in Antai Courtyard, along with several other ladies who often come and go. Old Madame Zhu is inviting Seventh Young Miss over to help entertain the guests."

  Ming Xuan's face slightly stunned, and she asked again, "The wife of the Crown Prince of Zhen Guo?"

  In the past, the relationship between the Town National Public House and the Yongning Marquis House was unknown to her, but since Guifei became pregnant with the emperor's son, the two houses were on high alert.

  The great uncle is so eager to establish a good relationship with Jian'an Bo, and often runs between the prominent officials in the court and the noble families, just for the sake of securing the future of the crown prince. This concerns the future prosperity of the Gu family, but it goes against the interests of the Pei family. Although the two families still maintain a superficial harmony on the surface, they are actually in a state of mutual confrontation.

  The Empress Gu is about to give birth, and the Pei family should be in an uproar, shouldn't they?

  Ming Xuan had secretly suspected that the pregnancy of Imperial Noble Consort Guo was a bit too smooth. The birth of the Crown Prince by Imperial Noble Consort Guo could pose a huge threat to the position of Empress Pei, who did not have any children. The Pei family should be extremely anxious about this, with the power and influence of Prime Minister Pei, even if Imperial Noble Consort Guo had the protection of Duke Jian'an, there were some things that they couldn't prevent from happening. If Prime Minister Pei really took action, it would be difficult for Imperial Noble Consort Guo to keep her pregnancy safe. However, the Pei family did nothing and maintained a calm and composed attitude.

  Is there still something up your sleeve?

  However, Madame Yang, the wife of the heir apparent to the title of Duke of Zhenguo, was indeed the birth mother of Empress Pei. What could be her motive for coming to the manor of the Marquess of Yongning at this time?

  Complete works txt download, full text free, e-book, remember 77 reading books