After several years of Jingnan rebellion, Zhu Di, King of Yan, finally broke through Nanjing and obtained the throne of the emperor. He changed the year title to Yongle.
Ever since he came to power, he had brought peace and prosperity to China, and even promoted economic and cultural exchanges with the outside world.
At this time, Luoyang City! It was one of the most prosperous cities in the Central Plains. There were merchants everywhere, and it was bustling with people. It was a prosperous scene. Tea produced in Jiangnan, rare medicinal herbs from high mountains and snowfields, livestock and coal from the north, as well as ironware, porcelain, jade, silk, cotton, embroidery, etc., were all produced here. There were even goods imported from all over the world, such as Nanyang pearls, North Korean ink, Japanese fans, and Arabian spices. Everything was available here, and the business development was unprecedented.
There were many wealthy merchants and scholars in Luoyang. However, if there was really one person who could make people give him a thumbs up and leave him in the dust, there was probably only one person. Who was it? In Luoyang, any passerby would answer firmly,""It's Minister Changsun from the city!"
The Zhangsun Clan had been doing business for generations. They had become rich from silver and silk. Their businesses had expanded to water transportation, embroidery workshops, medicine stores, jewelry…They had almost any business that could make money. The number of people in Luoyang who depended on the Zhangsun Clan for a living could be said to be countless.
Minister Zhangsun had been in business for more than ten years and had always maintained an honest attitude. Although the Zhangsun family had many profitable industries, they had never taken advantage of the situation to raise the price.
It was not without reason that Minister Zhangsun could become the richest man in Luoyang. The most rare thing was that, in the midst of a luxurious life, he did not forget to spread kindness. He was always generous and compassionate to people, helping the poor and the needy. If a natural disaster came, he would also generously donate to the victims. Because of this, everyone in the city respected and respected the councilor Changsun. The rich and famous were proud to be able to enter and leave the Zhangsun family. Even those high-ranking officials and nobles were willing to call him a friend.
Perhaps it was because the eldest grandson of the councilor had made many good friends and received many blessings, so that he could get the love of God. Not only was his wife virtuous and his son filial, but he also had many descendants when he was over fifty years old.
His descendants were all handsome and talented, and they all had shrewd business acumen. Together, they managed the Zhangsun family's businesses in an orderly and prosperous manner.
If Minister Zhangsun had any regrets, it would be that none of his twelve precious grandsons had married or had children, so he had a great-grandson to hug.
However, his wish was about to come true on his 60th birthday because he had already found a partner for his 12 grandsons. He was waiting for them to bring their respective partners back to be his granddaughters-in-law. His grandsons were all filial and respectful to him, so they could not bear to go against him. Moreover, he had requested for this as a gift for his 60th birthday. No matter how unwilling his grandchildren were, they could only accept it.
At this moment, in the Hanyu Pavilion in the east courtyard of Zhangsun Mansion, a tall and handsome figure was sitting on the green dragon chair in the reception hall, frowning and deep in thought. There was a slightly opened painting on the table, and a beautiful and charming woman could be vaguely seen on it.
"Aiya! I say, Brother Zhangsun, what's bothering you? Why is your already serious face so dark and tense? Why don't you tell me?”A deep and loud voice came from the door. At the same time, a handsome man in a white shirt appeared.
The man in white sat down beside a table with a smile on his face. His clear black eyes flashed with a few teasing stars. He raised his thick eyebrows and waited for the other party's answer calmly, as if he already knew what had happened.
The man, who was frowning and deep in thought, frowned even more when he heard his voice.
He raised his head and glanced at the white-robed man. His sword-like eyebrows were as thick as ink, and his eyes were as dark as the night. His eyes were deep and unfathomable, and his angular face was well-defined. His body was strong and upright, and his entire body emitted a cold and stern aura.
He was Minister Zhangsun's third grandson!! Zhangsun Jie was in charge of the management and operation of the Zhangsun family's cloth shop and embroidery workshop.
He was twenty-four years old this year. Although he was young, he was a calm, serious, and taciturn person. Because he had learned business from Minister Zhangsun in his early years, he had rich qualifications. His shrewdness and decisiveness were simply beyond Minister Zhangsun's business skills.
"You're asking the obvious! If there's even the slightest movement in the Zhangsun Clan, you'll be the first to know.”Zhangsun Jie raised his eyebrows and glanced at the man in white." Why do I feel like you're smiling as if you're watching a good show and not really concerned about me?”His tone was languid and carried a hint of helplessness.
In the end, he still couldn't escape the fate of being forced to marry by his grandfather.
That white-robed man! Liu Zhiqian laughed heartily and pretended to cup his hands."How dare you! The Zhangsun Clan is the main source of income for our Liu Clan. Other than fawning over us, we don't dare to say anything offensive.”
The old master of the Liu family was the manager of the Zhangsun family's cloth shop, in charge of all the trivial matters in the shop. His son, Liu Zhiqian, was a scholar, fond of poetry and books, and liked etiquette and music. He helped his father manage the cloth shop and got to know Zhangsun Jie. The two of them became close friends.
"Stop teasing me at this time!”Glancing at Liu Zhiqian indifferently, Zhangsun Jie sighed slowly. He didn't expect his marriage to be decided just like that.
In fact, he was not opposed to marriage and was very willing to follow his grandfather's wishes and settle down as soon as possible. However, he did not want to find a random woman and hastily decide his marriage. His ideal wife should be gentle, demure, delicate, and understanding. She would treat her husband as her God and devote herself to him wholeheartedly.
Until now, he had not found a woman that he liked, but he did not expect that his grandfather could not wait any longer and actually handed him a portrait, claiming that the woman in the painting was his best match in this life. He told him that he must bring her back before his 60th birthday and make her his granddaughter-in-law. Wasn't this…forcing him?
"Don't be so unhappy. I think that with Old Master Zhangsun's extraordinary taste, the wife he chose for you must be a gentle and lovely beauty.”Liu Zhiqian said seriously. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the painting on the table and immediately picked it up to open it!!
"Is this woman in the painting the wife that Old Master Zhangsun chose for you?”
Zhangsun Jie curled his lips and nodded.
Liu Zhiqian suddenly raised his thick eyebrows and looked at him strangely. He said disapprovingly,"I really don't know what you're unhappy about. The woman in this painting had beautiful eyes and a charming smile. She was a beautiful woman who would not be found even if you looked for her! You're actually still not satisfied!"
"That's not true." Zhangsun Jie frowned." There's an ancient saying that a wife should not be beautiful, but rather virtuous and virtuous. Although the woman in the painting is beautiful, I can almost feel that she's not the type of wife I want from her crafty eyes.”
Hearing his words, Liu Zhiqian couldn't stand it anymore and slapped his forehead. He rolled his eyes and said,""I really can't stand you! You're a good person, but you're too serious and reserved. Even if she's really as you say, it doesn't mean that she can't be a good wife! Besides, you haven't even seen her before. How can you determine her personality based on a portrait?”
Zhangsun Jie didn't say a word, only silently pondering.
"Do you know who this woman in the painting is?" Liu Zhiqian asked.
"She is known as the number one embroidery workshop in Hunan!! Chu Mengsheng, the daughter of the Chu Family, was seventeen years old and was the only daughter of Chu Yuancheng and his wife.”
"Wow!" Liu Zhiqian's eyes widened and he shouted,""You simply don't know how lucky you are! I heard that this Miss Chu is a famous beauty in Yuezhou. She is talented, beautiful, virtuous, and intelligent. Her embroidery skills are unmatched, and she is known as the best embroidery expert in Hunan. Even the clothes of the current Emperor and the Imperial Concubines must be personally embroidered by her. I wonder how many men are jealous of your good luck…"
"These are just rumors. How do you know her personality?”Zhangsun Jie interrupted Liu Zhiqian's endless words and replied him casually, successfully blocking his mouth.
" This..." Liu Zhiqian stuttered for a long time, and then retorted righteously,""That's not true. Rumors are always somewhat credible. Moreover, as a daughter of a noble family, how bad could her temper be? Look, her name is Chu Mengsheng. Such a beautiful and elegant name, you can imagine that she must be like her name.”
Zhangsun Jie raised his eyebrows slightly and asked suspiciously,""Is that true?"
If this Chu Mengsheng was really as gentle and graceful as Liu Zhiqian said, then he would naturally marry her. But if she wasn't like that, what should he do? He didn't want to marry a wife who would give him a headache, but he couldn't disobey his grandfather's orders. This was really nerve-racking, even more annoying than dealing with business matters.
Liu Zhiqian couldn't help but roll his eyes again when he saw his serious look." I said, don't think about it anymore." You'll only know what her personality is like after you see it with your own eyes. Besides, Old Master will never take back his words. You'd better go to Hunan as soon as possible and think of a way to marry Miss Chu!”
Zhangsun Jie lowered his head slightly and pondered for a while. Zhiqian was right. He couldn't go against his grandfather's wishes. Moreover, this was the gift his grandfather had requested for his 60th birthday. How could he bear to disappoint his grandfather?
Besides, he was already twenty-four years old, and it was time for him to get married and have children. Chu Mengsheng was personally selected by his grandfather, and his grandfather's judgment had always been precise and unique. No matter how bad it was, there was a limit to it. He really didn't need to worry about himself. Since that was the case, he would just follow his grandfather's wishes!
"Zhiqian, are you free? I hope that you can accompany me to the Chu Family in Hunan Province. I want to pay a visit to Villa Master Chu and Madam Chu first, and then see when the time is right to propose marriage to the Chu Family.”
When Liu Zhiqian heard this, he looked at him with wide eyes and grinned." You've finally thought it through." With my sixth sense, I can guarantee you that not only is Miss Chu Mengsheng beautiful, but her personality is also gentle and gentle. She is definitely your ideal wife!”
Zhangsun Jie saw that he was happier than himself, as if he was the one getting married. He could not help but shake his head and smile." You haven't answered my question."”He reminded her with a smile.
"Of course, accompanying you to Hunan is no problem.”Liu Zhiqian replied excitedly. "The Chu Family is in Yuezhou. We can take this opportunity to visit Dongting Lake. It is said that the mountains and water there are beautiful and it is one of the best in the world. It would be a pity if we don't go there. Moreover, this trip to the south is related to your marriage.”
Seeing that he agreed so quickly, Zhangsun Jie couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and smile." Why do I keep feeling that my grandfather sent you to be a lobbyist? You're much more enthusiastic about this marriage than I am."”
Liu Zhiqian was slightly stunned, then he laughed dryly a few times and quickly waved his hand." No…no such thing, you're overthinking!"”What a joke. If he didn't help Old Master Zhangsun achieve his wish, he would be the next unlucky person. Old Master Zhangsun was really cunning. He always liked to whisper in his ear that if Zhangsun Jie still did not plan to get married, he could only find an in-law for him first. After all, Old Master Liu was also eager to carry his grandson. He could not delay his marriage because of Zhangsun Jie.
Thinking of this, Liu Zhiqian couldn't help but shiver. He was naturally idle and didn't like to be restrained. It was already a pity that he couldn't travel the world. How could he let the shackles of marriage hold him back from reincarnating?
Therefore, he had no choice but to betray his friend. He would let his good friend bear the burden of this heroic act of " if I don't go to hell, who will?"
Zhangsun Jie looked at his uneasy expression and the suspicion in his heart deepened." I still feel like you're hiding something from me.”
"Aiya, you're just too paranoid.”Liu Zhiqian quickly practiced Taiji Fist and changed the topic." When are you preparing to leave? Let me know first so that I can go back and prepare.”
" Mm…" Zhangsun Jie slowly stood up." Let's leave in three days!" I need to take care of the things at hand in these three days. I need to take this opportunity to visit the Chu family and discuss the cooperation between the two families in the cloth and embroidery workshops.”
"Alright then." Liu Zhiqian agreed without hesitation." Let's leave in three days!"”To be honest, he couldn't wait any longer. This trip to Hunan not only had good shows to watch, beautiful women to admire, but also scenic spots to visit. Most importantly, he wanted to see how the usually serious and serious Third Young Master of the Zhangsun Clan would win the heart of a beautiful woman and successfully marry her.
Yuezhou Chujia Village
The early autumn afternoon was a little lazy and idle. The entire manor was silent, as if it was sleeping in the comfortable autumn climate.
All of a sudden, a delicate shout came from the embroidery pavilion in the East Chamber Courtyard!!
"Wow! I can't take it anymore. I want to go out!”In front of the embroidery rack, a beautiful woman in a red dress pouted her tender red lips and complained angrily, throwing down the embroidery needle.
"Miss, what's wrong?" The servant girl Xiao Que quickly went forward to comfort him.
Chu Mengsheng blinked her sparkling eyes and looked at her resentfully. "Little Sparrow, I'm about to die of boredom. Can you let me out?”She begged pitifully.
Little Sparrow frowned awkwardly and replied in a low voice,""No…no way! Miss, Madam specifically instructed me to watch you finish embroidering this 'Chang'e Flies to the Moon'. Otherwise, you're not allowed to take a single step out of the room.”
Chu Mengsheng's face instantly fell as she wailed bitterly,""How can mother treat me like this? I've been cooped up in the room for many days. If I stay any longer, I'll be suffocated to death! Little Sparrow, you're so cruel! You actually ganged up with Mother to bully me!”
Looking at her tear-filled eyelashes and pitiful pleading appearance, Little Sparrow really couldn't bear it, but very quickly, she told herself not to be fooled. This was the Miss's best strategy. She had been by the Miss 'side for many years, and the Miss's mind was full of strange ideas. She had experienced it many times, and because of this, she was implicated very miserably. Every time Miss got into trouble, not only did she have to help clean up the mess and cover up the crime, but if her actions were exposed, she also had to accompany her to be punished. She lived a life of fear all day long. It was really miserable.
Now, she had learned her lesson. She could only harden her heart and ignore Miss's soft pleas. Otherwise, she would definitely suffer!
"Miss, I advise you to behave yourself and stay in the room. Who taught you to cause Nanny Cui to break a leg? That's why Madam punished you to reflect on your mistakes in seclusion until you finish this embroidery.”Little Sparrow pouted and took the opportunity to scold.
"Actually, Madam didn't let you go out for your own good. Every time Miss goes out, she will definitely cause trouble. Old Master is almost angered to death by you. If Madam doesn't take care of you properly, you will become a troublemaker. I think no matter how much dowry the manor master offers, no one will dare to marry you!”
When Chu Mengsheng heard this, she immediately raised her eyebrows and glared at him. Her cheeks puffed up in anger, and her pitiful look disappeared without a trace." Alright, you detestable girl. To think that I've treated you so well. I've always given you a share of good food and fun, but now you're talking about me like this!”
As she spoke, her expression suddenly changed and she started sobbing sadly." I've always treated you as my biological sister, but now you treat me like this. It's really sad!”She sang beautifully as she cried and wiped her tears, while stealing glances at Little Sparrow's reaction.
Little Sparrow was speechless. Although the young miss loved to play and always caused trouble, she was extremely kind and kind. She treated servants like them very well and never treated her as a lowly servant. Her crying made her feel sad.
"Miss, don't be sad. It was Little Sparrow who said something wrong. Little Sparrow apologizes to you.”Little Sparrow walked to her side and patted Chu Mengsheng's trembling back. Who knew that she would cry even louder?
"Miss, don't be like this. You're making Xiao Que panic!”Little Sparrow comforted her helplessly." What do you want me to do for you to forgive me?”
Chu Mengsheng stopped crying and looked up at her. She choked and said,""Are you really willing to do anything for me to make me happy?”Her watery eyes were filled with sorrow and resentment as she looked at Xiao Que. There were still a few drops of tears on her beautiful face. She looked delicate and weak. No matter who looked at her, no matter what she asked, they would probably obediently do it for her without saying a word.
Little Sparrow was no exception. She was two years older than Chu Mengsheng, so she doted on her like a little sister. Moreover, Chu Mengsheng was her master. "As long as you don't cry anymore, I'll do whatever you want.”
"Really?" A hint of craftiness could be seen in his big eyes." You're not lying to me?”Her beautiful diamond-shaped lips contained an imperceptible snicker.
Looking at her beautiful face, Xiao Que felt uneasy, but how could she take back what she had said? She could only nod her head in resignation.
"That's great! I knew Little Sparrow was the best to me." Chu Mengsheng's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled. She stood up and grabbed Xiao Que's hand with her small hand, wanting to walk out of the room. "Let's go! I want to see Brother Shen practice martial arts. I haven't seen Brother Shen for many days.”
Little Sparrow was stunned." Little…Miss, we…we can't sneak out. If Master and Madam find out, we'll be in trouble. Don't forget that you have to shut yourself in to reflect on your mistakes."”She was so shocked that she started to stutter.
"Aiya, don't be afraid! It's time for my father and mother to take a nap. Why don't we sneak out from the back door and come back early? They won't notice." Chu Mengsheng said casually, as if she was not afraid of anything.
Little Sparrow still looked at her hesitantly and said timidly,""I…I don't think it's appropriate. If Master and Madam find out, the punishment will be heavier. Miss, let's not go out!”
"Don't worry! If the sky falls, I will hold it up. If anything happens, I will protect you.”Chu Mengsheng patted her chest and promised, looking very heroic.
Little Sparrow glanced at her disapprovingly. She would not be so stupid as to believe her mistress 'words. Every time something really happened, Miss would always be the one who escaped the fastest. Seeing that she couldn't avoid it, she would act shamelessly and act coquettishly. Master and Furen had long stopped buying her tricks. In the end, she still had to be punished with Miss.
"No…no, miss, I still don't have the courage to go out with you.”Little Sparrow shook her head fearfully.
"You're such a coward."
Chu Mengsheng spat in anger and sat on the embroidered couch in frustration. She had been grounded for three days and could only stay in her room to embroider. She was really suffocating. If she did not go out to get some fresh air, she would definitely go crazy!
Moreover, she had not seen Brother Shen Shaoyu, whom she had a crush on for a long time, for many days. She really missed him. Thinking of this, she suddenly stood up and gritted her teeth, ready to go all out. She had to go out today. No matter what, she had to go to Yangwei Martial Arts School to see Brother Shen to relieve her pain of longing.
"Since you're not going, I'll go out myself.”Chu Mengsheng left this sentence and walked out without looking back.
Seeing this, Xiao Que rushed forward to stop her." Miss, you can't go out alone!”
Just as Chu Mengsheng was about to open the door, a delicate figure pushed the door open and walked in.
"Mengsheng, where are you going?" A gentle voice rang out. The person who came in was precisely the young cousin Li Xiangjun who had been staying in the Chu manor for many years.
Li Xiangjun's mother and Madam Chu were siblings. Many years ago, the husband and wife were robbed by bandits when they went out to do business, leaving only their only daughter, Li Xiangjun. Madam Chu pitied her niece for losing her parents, so she took her in and took care of her like her own daughter. Lee Xiangjun had always been quiet and well-behaved, and was doted on by Master Chu and Madam Chu.
Li Xiangjun had a delicate and pretty face, similar to Chu Mengsheng. However, Chu Mengsheng's beauty was as dazzling as the morning sun, while her beauty was as faint as the stars. Although they were slightly inferior in color, they each had their own characteristics.
When Chu Mengsheng saw that it was her cousin, an idea suddenly flashed in her mind. Her cousin had grown up with her since young, and the relationship between the two of them had long been like that of biological sisters. They talked about almost everything. One of them was quiet and the other was active, complementing each other.
Chu Mengsheng revealed a bright smile. With her cousin as a shield, she believed that her parents would not be too harsh on her.
"My good cousin, you came at the right time. I want to ask you for a favor.”Chu Mengsheng smiled and pulled Lee Xiangjun's hand to sit down on the embroidered couch.
Lee Xiangjun smiled gently." If there's anything I can help you with, just tell me."”
Although her personality was completely different from her cousin, Chu Mengsheng was straightforward and sincere. She was active and lively. She always brought warmth and vitality to people. No one in the Chu family did not like her, and as her cousin, she was no exception. She was quiet and introverted by nature. If it weren't for her pretty cousin who often chatted and joked with her, her life would definitely be dull.
"I knew you were the best to me.”Chu Mengsheng hugged her coquettishly, not forgetting to throw a threatening look at the sparrow.
At this moment, Little Sparrow couldn't help but sigh for Biao Young Lady in her heart. If she guessed correctly, Young Lady definitely wanted to drag Biao Young Lady into the water and use her as a backing so that she could escape Old Master and Furen's punishment.
Sigh! This mischievous and scheming young lady was actually the number one divine embroiderer in Hunan. Moreover, she had the beauty of a fairy. It seemed that no one in the world could control her. Thinking of this, the little sparrow couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile that was both happy and worried. Then, she sighed deeply in her heart...
Lee Xiangjun felt a little uneasy after being dragged into Chu Mengsheng's scheme. However, when she came to the main street, her uneasiness was immediately diluted by the lively scene on the street.
She had never left the Chu family manor. In her mind, she always thought of women!! Especially unmarried women, they should not step out of the house and show their faces. Therefore, she had never seen the bustling crowds and the dazzling variety of goods on the streets.
Chu Mengsheng looked at her face, which was slightly red from excitement and curiosity. She couldn't help but raise her chin proudly and say happily,""Cousin, isn't the outside world much more lively and interesting? Father and mother really shouldn't always ask us to stay at home. Isn't it good to come out and broaden our horizons?”
Lee Xiangjun looked around and didn't pay attention to what Chu Mengsheng said. She just nodded in agreement.
Chu Mengsheng's beautiful appearance and Lee Xiangjun's elegant and graceful appearance attracted the attention of many people on the street. Little Sparrow's duty was to walk behind the two of them and put on a fierce face to scare off those overly enthusiastic gazes.
Soon, the master and servant arrived at a magnificent mansion at the end of the street. There were two stone lions squatting on the left and right sides of the vermilion gate. The plaque on the top of the gate had the words "Yang Wei Martial Arts School" written in gold. At the entrance of the courtyard, there were a few men in tight clothes practicing their moves. All of them were strong and strong, showing a heroic aura.
Lee Xiangjun had never seen such a scene before, especially when all the people in front of her were men. She couldn't help but shrink back timidly and ask Chu Mengsheng softly,""Mengsheng, what are we doing here?”
Chu Mengsheng was not afraid of strangers at all. Instead, she seemed to be very familiar with this place. She shouted at a man in the square,""Little Lengzi, please help me inform Big Brother Shen that Mengsheng has come to see him.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the man called Little Lengzi replied. Just as he was about to turn around and enter the hall to report, a delicate woman in a pink dress walked out of the hall with her hands behind her back. She first glared at Little Lengzi, then shot a hostile gaze at Chu Mengsheng, who was standing at the entrance.
"Aiya! How could I be so unlucky to meet her!" Chu Mengsheng rolled her eyes and grumbled unhappily.
The seemingly arrogant and fierce woman was Brother Shen's junior sister, Lu Fengyi. She was also the only daughter of the master of Yang Wei Martial Arts School and her number one love rival.
"Who is she?" Lee Xiangjun couldn't help but ask when she saw the other party approaching them menacingly.
Before Chu Mengsheng could answer her, Lu Fengyi had already walked up to them. With her hands on her hips, she said arrogantly,""Eldest Miss Chu, our Eldest Senior Brother doesn't have time to see you. Please leave.”
"Humph!" Chu Mengsheng snorted lightly as if she was used to it." I want to hear it from Brother Shen himself. Otherwise, I will never leave!”
" You…" Lu Fengyi glared at him angrily and reprimanded,""How can you be so shameless! Don't think that just because you're beautiful, Senior Brother will like you.”
Chu Mengsheng did not get angry. Instead, she raised her eyebrows and smiled coldly. She raised her chin and replied,""Why? Are you afraid that I will snatch Brother Shen away? At least you still have some self-awareness and know that I'm a strong opponent.”
Lu Fengyi's face turned red and her eyes widened." Chu Mengsheng, don't be too arrogant. This is Yangwei Martial Arts School, not the Chu Family Residence. We don't welcome you. Please leave. Don't force me to chase you away!"”
"If you want me to go back, I can, unless Big Brother Shen comes out to see me.”Chu Mengsheng refused to give in.
"Junior Sister, you are a guest, don't be rude.”
Lu Fengyi narrowed her eyes and confronted Chu Mengsheng. Just as the two of them were about to start a fight, a gentle and deep voice slowly came from behind them.# Daguan Review Passed: Daguan Time:1024201810:33AM
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