The Noble Woman’s Guide On How to Tease One’s Husband

The Noble Womans Guide On How to Tease Ones Husband Chapter 106

Translated by: Oinkoink

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There are more red tapes since Ye Huaiyang moved into the palace, especially where she can no longer go home whenever she wants like before. Counting the days, she hasnt seen her family for more than half a month. Even though Ye Huaili and Ye Huaixin went to the Hall of Supreme Harmony every day which was only separated by a few palaces walls away, it was basically insurmountable according to the palace rules.

This kind of family banquet should be organized by her alone but she is now six months pregnant, her body is getting heavier and she is fond of sleeping. Since Chu Jinglan was unwilling to wear her out, he handed all these over to the servants to handle. Hence, she didnt even know about it and felt very happy when she heard of it today.

At the hour of youshi (5pm-7pm), she travelled in the Imperial Phoenix Carriage to Nanye Pond.

Its now the end of the 12th month and the temperature is very low. Nanye Pond has turned into a huge jade ice crystal, where the reflections of the towering palace and lush garden appear even more dazzlingly vibrant under dozens illuminating Changxin palace lanterns.

The banquet was set in the middle of the hexagonal water pavilion, surrounded by water with only a narrow bridge connected to the shore. Getting off the Phoenix Carriage, Ye Huaiyang walked along the wave-like dragon balustrades to the water pavilion. As soon as she stepped over the threshold, the black figure sitting on the seat of honor strode across the entire banquet hall to come meet her.

Sweeping her glance over the seats on both sides, she noticed that people from the Meng family were there too, so she smiled faintly and performed the standard palace curtsy, Chenqie[1] pays respect to Your Majesty.

With eyes narrowed, Chu Jinglan allowed her to do so knowing that she was unwilling to leave any pretext for gossip in front of the outsiders. He then went to help her up and led her along to her seat. Halfway through, she turned to look at the Ye familys side and winked at them playfully. While Ye Huaixin was smiling on the spot, Ye Huaili still remained sullen but vaguely revealed hints of helplessness.

The two of them walked to the end of the aisle and settled down one after the other. Only then did the people in the room stand up and say, The ministers pay respect to the Empress.

Everyone forgo the formalities. She responded softly and subtly glanced askance to the right.

Almost all members of the Meng family were here. Meng Qi, his two sons and Meng Chen were all present. Not mentioning others, the old fogey imperceptibly released a dignified and restrained powerful suppression just solely by sitting there. In contrast, the Ye familys circumstance was much weaker and hard to match as there were only three young people including Pei Yuanshu.

The Meng familys people were nevertheless surprised when Chu Jinglan personally came down to meet her. It was understandable to be favored as she is pregnant with the royal offspring yet it didnt overwhelm her, hence one could evidently expect how they were both like in private. Thinking of this, Meng Xuan could not help but glance at his younger sister who indeed looked unbearable.

Alas, what a misfortune.

As everyone had arrived, the chief eunuch, Zhou Jin, pointedly announced the commencement of the banquet. The palace maids immediately filed in with glazed plates of exquisite delicacies and fine grape wine which were placed one after another on the table. In between the serving, Chu Jinglan wrapped his arm around Ye Huaiyangs waist and asked in a low voice, Why are you late? Did something happen en route?

He has become extra cautious ever since Ye Huaiyangs return. In the past, he would leave important matters like the gold mine for her to take care of but now he is afraid of her falling even when she walks, as if she mustnt get tired or hurt or even uses her brain, which really makes her not know whether to laugh or to cry. However, she also understands that people will always be more anxious after experiencing a loss and regain. This is exactly how he expressed his intense love for her, so how could she disdain when she cant even be happier?

So Ye Huaiyang smiled softly at him, It was okay on the way. Just felt distress before coming here as my belly has become bigger these past few days that I cant fit into the former palace gowns anymore.

Hearing the chagrin in her tone, Chu Jinglan couldnt help but laugh softly, Just make anew then. No need to scrimp for Husband.

Your Majesty is a man with the gold mine, I definitely wont scrimp!

Ye Huaiyang pouted slightly, appearing so coquettishly spoiled that Chu Jinglans heart suddenly softened and almost kissed her face in front of everyone.

Though she said so, yet no one knows better than him how economized she is.

Since he took over the mess left by Chu Sanghuai, he has been arguing with the officials almost every day. The royal courts expenditures cost money, the post-war pacification cost money too while the provisions and funds for the hundreds of thousands troops stationed in the capital battalion cost even more money. When the Board of Revenue cried penniless to him, he checked out the shortfall but when all Six Ministries came to claim penniless, he almost smashed the imperial jade seal out of fury.

[T/N: (Lib) Six Ministries or Boards which formed the central government in imperial times, ie, in order of importance, Ministry of Personnel, Board of Revenues, Ministry of Rites, Ministry of War, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Works]

After Ye Huaiyang learned of this, she silently began to reduce the imperial harems expenses and took a large sum of money from the Ye family as contingency. When she told Xie Yun about this matter, the Xie family contributed a lot too. So, under the influence of these two major prominent families, many smaller notable families also do their utmost modest contribution and just like this the difficulties were temporarily overcome.

Although it was the beginning of good times after bitterness, the immediate days were no better compared to when they were just a small family in King Lan mansion as he could still think of ways to bring her the moon if she asked for it. Now this is a big family and the bulky throne is the populaces sky while the eminent status of the Emperor and the Empress has entrusted them with more responsibilities that they can no longer think only of their own enjoyment. He was born to conform to all this and fortunately, she adapted faster than anyone else.

How could he not love her to the marrow of his bones?

Thinking of this, his gaze swept over everyone in the banquet with eyes darkened for a moment before returning to normal shortly.

Uncle, We[2]ll toast to you.

He didnt mention the reason but just like a junior from an ordinary family coming for a toast. Meng Qi was also very calm as he rose up slightly to gesture and empty the cup in a gulp before saying, Your Majesty, rather than a family banquet today, it might as well be a celebration feast. After you and I emptied this cup, we should also find an opportunity to toast a cup together in front of your Imperial Consort Mothers tomb.

It ought to be so. Chu Jinglan nodded in agreement then smiled faintly, Since its a celebration feast, how can there be without Our meritorious subjects? Imperial Brother-in-law, Ah Xuan, a toast to both of you too.

Ye Huaili was somewhat at loss getting called out by him and only stood up instantly after catching sight of Ye Huaiyangs mirthful gaze and responded in unison with Meng Xuan, Its too much of an honor for these Ministers.

Though they said so, they still drank the wine.

Before the gush of warmth and enthusiasm dissipated after gulping the cup of yellow wine up, they heard Chu Jinglan speak again, During todays enthronement ceremony, We had awarded those who should be awarded except a few of you alone, do you have complaints against Us?

A few of them quickly said, Your Majestys remarks are killing and unnerving the Ministers.

Chu Jinglan waved his hand and said, We had no other intentions earlier, merely wanted to wait until the family banquet tonight before talking to all of you about the reward. After all, there should always be some distinctions between family members and outsiders.

Saying that, he looked at Zhuo Jin who immediately took the imperial edict from the golden tray held by a little eunuch and spread it out before reading it aloud, Given that all ministers have rendered great services in suppressing the rebels and supporting the monarch in governing the country, hereby are the conferments. Ye Huaixin is appointed as the assistant minister of the Central Secretariat, Pei Yuanshu as the deputy prime minister, Ye Huaili is bestowed the Great General of Weiwu title while Meng Xuan the Marquis of Dingguo.

[T/N: (Wiw) mighty/formidable. (Dng) calm/stabilize. (Gu) nation]

After hearing the decree, Ye Huaiyangs eyes flickered slightly and with a slight inclination of her head, she indeed caught sight of Meng Chen flashing a smug smile at her.

Without war, the Great General of Weiwu is just an idle position. How can it compare to the glory of the Marquis of Dingguo? While one got promoted, the other got elevated to nobility and the relative superiority could be seen. The Meng family had won over three people of the Ye family with just Meng Xuan alone, she would certainly feel smug.

The Ministers kowtow in thanks for Your Majestys grace.

The four people took part to receive the decree when Chu Jinglan motioned them to stand up and said, We will rely on all of you from now on.

Your Majesty has overstated, it is the duty of the ministers to serve the country.

Speaking of this, We do have something important to hand over to both of you. Chu Jinglan looked at Ye Huaili and Meng Xuan who were kneeling in the middle of the hall with radiance quickly flashed through his eyes, Imperial Brother-in-law, the troops establishment of the capitals main battalion is in chaos now, We hope for you to train the scattered cavalry and integrate them into the Shen-ce Army while the Northern Land side still needs someone to guard. After much consideration, We are able to feel at ease only if Ah Xuan you go. So, We will implored these two matters on both of you.

One sentence fully explained the military power of the two persons.

Although Ye Huaili undertakes the training duty, the Shen-ce Army is Chu Jinglans personal troops and no matter how great his ability is, he can no longer be able to overturn any constitution while the Guanzhong army has also been restructured, as such, he is completely without any power. Theres needless to say about Meng Xuan, as the Northern Land army has been incorporated into one troop, will there still be people for him to lead?

The atmosphere was rather subtle now.

Meng Chens expression became unsightly at once and she no longer flaunted at Ye Huaiyang but merely turned her gaze towards Meng Qi, hoping that he could say something. Yet as if hearing nothing, Meng Qi steadfastly stood his ground with lowered eyes.

The two people on this side were very calm too as they each kowtowed to accept the order.

Thanks Your Majesty for thinking highly of the ministers. These Ministers will do our best to share Your Majestys burdens.

This Minister will return to Northern Land in a few days and will live up to Your Majestys expectations.

Chu Jinglan nodded nonchalantly and let them all return to their seats after they had expressed their gratitude successively. The monarch and his subjects were genial without unhappiness, but Meng Chen on the side could no longer sit still and was about to open her mouth to request for troops for her elder brother when Ye Huaiyang happened to speak first.

Your Majesty, Chenqie would like to ask for your grace. Wondering if it is possible?

Meng Chen was furious hearing what was said.

She must be trying to seek a better official position for Ye Huaili, she must be! This woman superficially pretended to be thoughtful of her cousin, but when it comes to the familys interests, wouldnt she still show her true colors? Might as well, just let cousin see clearly what kind of person she really is!

Meng Chen was originally furious at Ye Huaiyang for snatching her key moment but when she thought of this, she actually was not angry anymore. Instead, her frame of mind was psyched up to watch a good show, waiting for Chu Jinglan to slap Ye Huaiyang hard in the face in front of everyone, just to let her understand clearly that she cant simply get what she wants even if she is favored!

Staring at Ye Huaiyang without blinking, she merely waited for her to speak but who knew Ye Huaiyang smiled delicately and spoke something unexpected!

Your Majesty, Lord Pei and Chenqies younger sister have been betrothed for a long time but due to this unforeseen event, their marriage has been delayed until now. So, Chenqie would be bold to ask if you can pick a date for them to make this special good match happen.

As soon as her voice faltered, Pei Yuanshus face flushed suddenly. Looking up at the seat of honor, he seemed more nervous than when receiving his reward.

Chu Jinglan laughed heartily, Whats so difficult? Pass Our decree by granting Minister Pei to marry Huailing within the next few days and the Board of Astronomy will submit the date after their reckoning then We will decide together with you.

Pei Yuanshu hurriedly knelt on the ground to express his gratitude. Even Ye Huaiyang stood up to make a curtsy with a glowing face, just like the full-bloom hibiscus.

Chenqie thanks Your Majesty for your grace.

Chu Jinglan helped her up almost immediately and pulled her back to sit down beside him while a contented smile suspended on his forehead like the scene of pleasant springtime.

After Ye Huaiyang took her seat, she took a sip of soup in no hurry and looked at the Meng family side. Her eyes fell on the emerald green figure at the end when she suddenly brought forth a contemptuous smile.

As long as she is here, this relative of the Emperor, Meng family, will never be able to overstep their authority and meddle in the state affairs! Not mentioning Meng Chen, even Meng Qi cant even possibly think about it!

[1] (Chnqi) I, your servant (self-appellation of a lower-rank female)

[2] (Zhn) We, used by an Emperor in proclamations instead of I

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