"Are you... going up?"

  Looking at his suddenly changed complexion, Chang Linjun wiped the cold sweat from his forehead: "If you want to see Princess Chang, then..."

  "No." Jiang Xuanjin lowered his eyes and said coldly, "What's the point of seeing her?"

  What's wrong with you? Chang Linjun was flustered, just now he was calm and composed, but suddenly his face turned gloomy. If it weren't for Princess Chang, could it be that he had neglected something?

  He looked around and said in a low voice, "Sir Ziyang, I'm sure you're not unaware that this land of Changlin has many taxes and levies, and can hardly be considered rich and fertile. If there's any delay elsewhere, please forgive me."

  "Changlin Jun's words are heavy." Jiang Xuanjin cupped his hands, "All the way here, what I saw in various places of Changlin is that the customs are simple and honest, and the people live in peace."

  "That's just the old man holding up the sky, and the sky hasn't fallen on their heads yet." Duke Changlin sighed. "Since Your Majesty took over the government, the supervision of fiefs and taxation have become increasingly strict. The salt tax has already been raised to 30% extraction. Just a few days ago, an envoy came to inspect with imperial credentials, saying that the land of Changlin is tasteless and bland... If salt were cheap, who would like bland flavors?"

  Jiang Xuanjin listened and twitched the corner of his mouth.

  It's common for the land to be taxed, but if he didn't invite him to Ziyang last time to discuss matters, it clearly shows that he wants to protect Danyang and resist Kyoto. This person will definitely not say these things to him today.

  The monarchs who were drinking and chatting below couldn't help but glance over at him. Jiang Xuanyin was well aware that by coming here today, he would inevitably be pushed to the forefront as a shield against the Emperor, yet he still came.

  Those who have no interest in it are eager to attend, while those who have an interest in it avoid it. At this birthday banquet, he has become a fool once again.

  With a low laugh, Jiang Xuanjin met the eager gaze of Chang Linjun and said what he most wanted to hear: "Since the tax is too heavy, why not discuss it with other monarchs and petition the Emperor?"

  As soon as this was said, the birthday banquet which had been in an uproar just a moment before suddenly became solemn.

  "We have been living in a remote area for many years, and we are no longer familiar with the situation in Kyoto, nor do we know the emperor's thoughts." Duke Pingling said in a low voice, "How should this memorial be presented? Please instruct us, Duke Ziyang."

  "Yes, I've heard that the imperial court is in great turmoil these days. Not long ago, Your Majesty sent dozens of high-ranking officials to the heavenly prison." Duke Guangping shook his head, "If this memorial isn't written well and the tax reduction doesn't go through, it might harm the common people all over the country instead."

  In short, it's just about letting Jiang Xuanjin take the lead, benefiting everyone, and having him take responsibility when things go wrong.

  Just sitting in the mat and looking at it, I only feel that the gentleman in front of me is a bit different from the one in front of the temple.

  In front of the temple, his serious and solemn appearance seemed to be fake, and those black eyes always showed a bit of childishness. But now, standing among so many kings, he slightly raised his chin, with a hint of a smile, still with that handsome face, but with a completely different aura, as if no one could break through his defenses, nor detect his thoughts.

  "It's not difficult to write a memorial," said Jiang Xuanjin. "Everyone has something to request, just tell me, and I'll sort it out one by one and present it to the Emperor."

  Is it really that generous? Chang Lin Jun and others exchanged glances, all feeling a little delighted in their hearts. The rumors about Zi Yang Jun being good at deceiving people were true after all, this set of tricks was spot on.

  If he were the leader, they wouldn't be polite at all. They would exaggerate how much tax to reduce, and some of what they say is frightening just to hear.

  Jiang Xuanyin let Chongxu Du remember it all, without refuting a single point.

  "What about the land of Zi Yang?" he asked, "Nothing to say?"

  Yu Wu returned to his senses, clasped his hands together and coldly smiled: "Then let's just wish Your Majesty peace."

  The taxes of Danyang have never been returned to the national treasury, but have always gone into the pockets of Princess Changle. Moreover, Your Majesty has already issued a warrant for his arrest, clearly not recognizing Princess Changle as the ruler of Danyang, what is there to discuss with him?

  Jiang Xuanjin glanced at him and said to Chang Linjun, "I have a past relationship with this governor, may I take two steps to say a few words, will you mind?"

  Thinking of tax reduction, Zhang Linjun was laughing happily and wouldn't mind anything. He immediately waved his hand: "Please come in."

  He had never had a good impression of Zi Yang Jun, and it would be more accurate to say that they were old enemies rather than old friends. He really didn't want to go out with him, but looking at the seat he was currently sitting in, Yu Rou endured it and followed him out the door.

  "Is it real or fake?"

  The night air was cool as water, and Jiang Xuanjin stood under the corridor, asking this sentence.

  He was taken aback for a moment, and when he came to his senses, he realized that he was being asked by the lord of his own household. His expression turned strange: "Your Highness has been in the imperial court for many years, yet you still can't tell the difference between polite words and true words?"

  With their care, how could Your Highness fall seriously ill? For the past two months, Mr. Lu has stuffed her with all the nourishing tonics he could find, and her originally frail body has been forcibly restored to health.

  Jiang Xuanjin's face turned even uglier, and he said in a different tone: "If she comes today, it will be beneficial and harmless."

  Everyone knows this, but she really came, who knows what will happen. Thinking of the prince's big belly like a drum, he hooked his lips: "The prince's affairs don't need you to worry about it, you'd better think about how to write the memorial, don't get Zi Yang involved, and also drag me Dan Yang in."

  Inside that group of officials, he had seen through their thoughts and didn't know why this person would dare to agree. Once they provoked the Emperor's anger, Ziyang would inevitably become a sacrificial lamb to warn others.

  Jiang Xuanjin gave him a glance, his dark eyes cold and detached: "If your Highness knew what I was doing, he definitely wouldn't say something like that."

  What does it mean? I don't understand.

  Jiang Xuanjin didn't explain much and turned back to the birthday banquet. Jiuzhou stood under the corridor thinking for a long time, but still decided to go back and ask the lord.

  Changlin Jun ended the banquet and rode his horse back first. The other monarchs discussed with Ziyang Jun for two more days before leaving one after another.

  Du Zi Yang Jun stayed till the end, standing in the garden of Chang Lin Jun's mansion, staring blankly at the fish in the pond.

  "Sir, on top..." Chang Lin asked nervously, "There is a mountain spring in Chang Lin, the water is clear and fish swim in it as if flying in the sky, would you like to take a look?"

  Jiang Xuanyin shook his head.

  "That...the mansion has a new dancer, she's put on an extremely beautiful dance, would you like to take a look?"

  Jiang Xuanyin still shook his head.

  Chang Linjun pondered for a long time, hesitantly saying: "I have some old connections with Nan Du Jun. He asked me to pay respects to Princess Chang Gong on his behalf. Are you planning to return to Zi Yang or go with me?"

  Jiang Xuanjin finally turned around and asked him: "If Ben Jun goes with Chang Lin Jun together, is it somewhat inappropriate?"

  A flash of inspiration, and Chang Lin Jun's eyebrows rose high as he said, "Very good, very good! Nan Dou Jun has many things to entrust to me, but I'm not too familiar with the Long Princess. Going alone would be a bit awkward. If you can accompany me to resolve this, I'll be eternally grateful!"

  With a relaxed expression, Jiang Xuanjin raised his chin: "The land of Danyang, I didn't want to go either. Now that the news has reached Kyoto, it's another trouble."

  "It doesn't matter, I'll cover for you, just say that you're out touring the mountains and rivers in Changlin!"

  Jiang Xuanjin reluctantly nodded: "Since it's like that, then I'll just have to obey."

  Cheng Xiao and Yu Feng, who were following behind, heard this and their mouths twitched with amusement. They really wanted to go forward and remind him: "Your Majesty, Lord Lü is still in Ziyang, you said you would go and come back quickly, how can you still detour to Danyang?"

  Looking at the master's sudden warmth towards Lang Jun, Cheng Yu understood that it was futile to say anything. It had been over two months since they last met, and the master couldn't hold back anymore.

  It was okay at first, Princess Chang left on her own, and the master held on for over a month with a fit of anger. But how long can anger be sustained? Once it dissipates, how can the thoughts in one's heart be suppressed?

  It's all because of Yu Feng, originally everything was fine, but he secretly moved the xiangzi containing the mistress' old belongings from the master's room, saying that he didn't want him to see it and get upset. He thought the master hadn't noticed, but as soon as he entered the house, he detected it, coldly ordering them to move the xiangzi back and even opening it for inspection.

  At this examination, they saw a handkerchief.

  The handkerchief was found by Yufeng under the bed, and it seemed that the mistress hadn't had time to give it to the master yet. On it were embroidered the four characters "Dear Husband" in a crooked and twisted manner. To be honest, the embroidery was really not good, and the characters were ugly, but for some reason, the master's eyes turned red when he saw it.

  He had never liked such straightforward words, and thought that the lady was teasing him with this, but who would have known that he turned over the box and found a beautifully mounted calligraphy scroll inside.

  Those characters are written in a cursive style and are the handwriting of the master, writing "Dear Mother".

  The master only took a glance and then didn't dare look again, closed the box and put it back in its original place.

  Cheng Xiao and Yu Feng didn't know when this character was written or why it was written, but judging from the master's reaction, no one dared to ask more questions.

  Forget it, since you're so eager to go, just go then, it's rare for Master to be indulgent.

  The cold weather in the first line of the city made people very uncomfortable, Jiang Sheng was not used to it as soon as he arrived and had a high fever. The accompanying slave servant Xue Tian advised him to rest at the inn, but he didn't listen, and went to the residence of Princess Chang in a daze.

  Li Huaiyu was watching Xu Chuyan embroider small clothes for the child in her belly when she heard Qingxuan shouting at the door: "Your Highness, there's a beggar at the gate who refuses to leave no matter how much we chase him away."

  Her eyes lit up, and she became interested: "Is there still someone who dares to smash porcelain at my door? Come on, take me to see!"

  "Wait a minute." Xu Chuyan pulled her back, laughing and crying at the same time, "With such a big belly, you're still running around?"

  "It's rare that Lu Jinghang isn't around today, let's hurry up and get some fresh air." Huai Yu said with a hint of frustration, "I've been made to rest all day, I'm going crazy!"

  Xu Chucheng looked embarrassed, thought for a moment, took down the tiger skin cloak from the screen and wrapped it around her, while tying the belt and examining the pattern of the cloak: "How did I make such a thing..."

  "Lu Jinghang asked me if I wanted tiger skin or fox fur, and I think tiger skin is more domineering." After putting on the cloak, she twirled around in front of her, holding up her chin with a pleased expression, "Doesn't it look good?"

  It looks good, but it's a bit like Shandawang.

  Looking out at the sky outside, Xu Chuyan was still a bit uneasy: "You hold onto me, I'll support you to get past."

  Bao Xin's clear zither paused for a moment, and he said with a complex expression: "Isn't Miss Xu afraid of the cold? Let her stay in the house, we'll support the master on his way down."

  "You guys don't have me being meticulous? The day before yesterday, I went for a walk with Huaiyu, and wasn't she almost tripped?"

  "...That's for Your Highness to climb the fake mountain yourself." Qingxuan was getting a headache, "As long as Your Highness walks properly, we can support you."

  Hearing this, Huai Yu became displeased and patted her belly, saying: "I'm just a bit big-bellied, are you taking me for a cripple or what? Alright, stop arguing, I'll go myself."

  Having said that, he stepped across the threshold and left.

  "Your Highness!" Qingxuan and Xuchu both panicked, couldn't care about anything else, and hastily chased after him.

  Li Huaiyu's lower body was very stable, even with a big belly, she walked with the wind, and with that majestic tiger skin, Jiang Shenyuan looked from afar and asked in a daze: "Is a tiger rushing over?"

  Frosty Sky shook his head: "Young Master, that's a personal matter."

  Who looks like a tiger? Jiang Shen's eyes were filled with confusion, staring blankly as the old man approached, looking at him in surprise, and immediately turning around to block his way, saying to someone behind him: "Chu Nian, get me a cloak, will you?"

  Xu Chu Nian inexplicably said: "Aren't you wearing clothes on your body?"

  Patted his forehead, Huai Yu dryly smiled: "I was foolish, what's that, going to pour a cup of tea is also okay."

  On a cold winter's day, how could one possibly bring tea from the house to the door without it getting cold? Qing Xuan wiped his face, he could very well understand what the prince wanted to do, but this excuse was really not convincing.

  Xu Chu Nian finally sensed something was off and wanted to look behind her.

  However, she shifted to the left, and Huaiyu blocked her on the left. She shifted to the right, and Huaiyu blocked her on the right.

  "So Xu Chuyan understood: 'Someone from the Jiang family has arrived?'"

  Li Huaiyu scratched his chin: "How did you suddenly become so clever?"

  Xu Chunian smiled lightly: "Following you for so long, I should have learned something... Don't block me, Jiang's family and I are no longer related, whoever comes, I won't care."

  "Not... but this person..."

  Xu Chu Yan smiled slightly and stepped up onto the stage, supporting her to one side.

  In the next instant, she locked eyes with Jiang Shen's peach blossom eyes that were shrouded in mist.

  A cold wind blew in from the doorway, making one's whole body feel cool and refreshing.

  Xu Chuyi stiffly looked at him for a while, then bowed her head in greeting: "Second Young Master."

  It's been a long time since I've seen this person, her days seem not as difficult as he thought, at least she has plenty of silk and satin clothes, a rosy complexion, and hasn't lost weight.

  Jiang Shen smiled lightly and asked her, "What kind of person would you not mind coming for?"

  Xu Chuyan fell silent, her back stiffened, and her face gradually turned pale.

  It's not like I don't care, after all, we were once in love and were husband and wife. Suddenly seeing each other again, it's inevitable to feel a bit strange. However, she didn't cry tears of sadness like before. After adjusting her emotions, she calmly spoke up:

  "The second young master has come from afar, is there something on his mind?"

  A distant attitude, as if he were just an ordinary visitor.

  Jiang Shen sneered: "The hospitality of the Princess's Mansion is standing at the door and asking questions?"

  Li Huaiyu's gaze was not very friendly, and he pulled Xu Chuyan behind him, staring at him and saying: "My house has never been good at entertaining guests, if you make me angry, I might even beat you up, do you want to try?"

  The frosty sky behind her suddenly made him stand up straight, Jiang Sheng coughed twice, just about to say something, but his gaze was drawn to her round belly.

  "Th...". He was taken aback, then his eyes widened, "It can't be..."

  Oh no! Everyone was shocked, Qingxuan reacted quickly, directly pulling the person into the door, pushing Frost Heaven together into the courtyard, and then closing the door.

  Now that I've seen him, I certainly can't let him go.

  Jiang deeply stumbled two steps, already dizzy and swollen-headed, now even more unstable. Xu Chunian looked at him, hesitated for a moment, and still stretched out his hand to support him.

  Don't touch and don't know, touch it and find out this person is burning hot.

  "You...?" Xu Chunuo furrowed his brow, "Fell ill?"

  Jiang Shen let out a soft hum and coughed twice.

  Li Huaiyu sighed: "This is really coming to make a scene."

  She had originally intended to teach the person who bumped into her a good lesson, but the current situation was a bit awkward. Should she take action? The other person was still ill, and if she didn't take action, would she really have to treat him like a guest?

  Just as they were hesitating, a voice suddenly sounded from behind them: "What's going on here?"

  Xu Chuyi turned around and saw him holding her cloak, as if he hadn't seen Jiang Shen at all. He walked straight up to her and said, "You're going out, why don't you wear more?"

  His body was already cold and stiff, Xu Chuyan smiled gratefully at him, took the cloak and wrapped it around himself: "Rushed a bit."

  "Let's go back to the Warm Pavilion with His Highness first," said Chi Jin. "I'll take care of the rest."

  The words were spoken intimately, as if the two had been a couple with many years of tacit understanding. Jiang's face sank as he looked at Xu Chuyan, who surprisingly didn't refuse, but instead nodded obediently.

  What's this?

  He let out a cold laugh, Jiang Shen turned his head away, suddenly feeling as if someone had stabbed him in the heart, the cold wind piercingly blowing into his chest.

  What is he doing here? The other party has nothing to do with it, and the one who has a problem is him.

  Hua Yu pulled Xu Chuyan back into the house and saw that her expression was serious, so she asked: "Still can't let go?"

  "Not necessarily." Xu Chuyan raised her eyes and looked at her, "I was thinking, if he saw your belly, would he go back and tell the emperor?"

  Nonsense, of course! Hua Yu lay down on the soft couch, also somewhat embarrassed. According to the Northern Wei rules, as long as the children born after marriage, regardless of male or female, are all to be returned to the male side. If Jiang Xuanjin didn't know, it would be better, but once he knew, he would come and fight with her for the child, and she might not necessarily win.

  She patted her own belly with a somewhat annoyed expression and said, "It's all because I've been eating too much lately, otherwise my belly wouldn't be this big."

  "The doctor said that if you supplement well, your belly will get bigger." Xu Chunian shook his head, "You should still eat what you're supposed to eat."

  As for how to make Jiang Shen keep his mouth shut, she can think of a way.

  Qingxuan and Chijin together settled Jiang Shen'an in the guest room, Jiang Er Gongzi had a dark face, lay on the bed and closed his eyes without making a sound.

  Her eyebrows slightly moved, Qing Xuan suddenly asked Chi Jin a sentence: "Did you go to the grain outlet today?"

  Red Gold shook his head: "The weather has been cold recently, and it's very windy there, so I won't go."

  "Hmph, it's Xu Niang who is afraid of the cold, not you. Why didn't she go and now you won't go either?"

  Nonsense! Miss Hsu isn't going, and the grain port won't release any grain. What's he going there for? Chi Chin-pao gave him a stern look, turned around, and was about to leave.

  "Hey, take a bowl of soup to Miss Xu on your way, she's freezing." Qing Xuan said.

  No sooner had he spoken than Chi-kung responded with a single word and strode out of the guest room.

  Qing Xuan's eyes were filled with a smile, and he turned to look at Jiang Er Gongzi who was still clenching his fists with his eyes closed. With a good mood, he patted his hands: "If there's anything you need, just tell the people outside."

  "After a pause, he added: 'Although it may not be useful, it's still better than saying nothing.'"

  This lazy attitude made Frost Heaven frown, and when Qing Xuan walked in, he squatted beside the bed and said, "Young Master, why bother coming here to suffer?"

  Jiang Shen closed his eyes and didn't respond, his mind filled with the image of Xu Chunian standing in front of Chi Jin just now, looking so obedient.

  What is jealousy? He thinks it's ugly, so he never allows the women in his backyard to have it. Whoever is jealous and eats vinegar, he drives away whoever.

  But now he knew clearly that he was jealous.

  A deep sense of powerlessness and anxiety spread from his heart, making his whole body feel hot, dizzy and lightheaded, so weak that even lifting a finger was an effort.

  In a daze, he heard Xu Chunian's voice again, just like when he was sick a long time ago, softly sounding in front of his bed: "Hold him steady and feed him this bowl of medicine."

  Gu Lian and Cui Xue would accompany him when he was happy, entwining with him, and playing with him. When he was unhappy or ill, most of the time it was Xu Chuyan by his side.

  This unremarkable person infiltrated his daily life in a way he didn't notice, laughter was absent without her, but bitter tears were present. He thought leaving the bitter tears behind would be a good thing, but who knew that with her gone, even smiling became difficult for him.

  The back of his hand was touched by someone, and he subconsciously turned his hand over to grab the person, struggling to open his eyes.

  I dreamed of her again.

  Looking at the face in front of him, Jiang Shen pursed his lips and said in a hoarse voice: "Third brother is very bad."

  Regardless of the person's reaction in front of him, he muttered: "He himself is unhappy, and comes to make things difficult for me, asking me to write a divorce letter... You got the divorce letter, but why didn't you come to question me? I thought you would come, you still have many things at my place, can't just abandon them all... At least take away your dowry, several chests of it..."

  He hesitated for a moment, then tilted his head: "The last xiangzi is empty, can I get on?"

  A pair of eyes that have always been romantic and sentimental are now filled with mist, the pupils without focus, and the tone sounds somewhat aggrieved.

  Xu Chuyan sat on the edge of the bed, staring at him in shock.

  She had never seen Second Master like this before. Even when he was drunk, he didn't speak like that. His face looked very haggard and his lips were pale, looking as if he was seriously ill.

  She jerked her own hand back, finding it unresponsive. Xu Chuyan pursed her lips and suppressed the emotions in her heart, using her other hand to hold out the bowl and pass the medicine to him.

  Jiang Shen looked at him and shook his head: "Don't drink it, if you drink it, you'll leave."

  "If the second young master doesn't want to drink, then I'll leave now."

  Slightly startled, Jiang Shen hastily took the bowl from her and gulped down the medicine in one go, his eyes still fixed on her direction as he drank.

  Xu Chuyan stared blankly at him for a while before lowering her eyes: "You rest."

  "Will you come to my dream again tomorrow?"

  Speechless, Xu's eyes turned red.

  The one who was wronged is her, and the one who was let down is also her. Why is he acting like this now?

  "Are you coming or not?" Jiang Shen seemed exhausted, barely holding on for an answer.

  Xu Chuoyan slowly got up, gritted her teeth and replied: "It will come."