Friends uploaded the second volume of Shan You Mu Xie Mu You Zhi Yi Ling Ji Sheng

  In the seventh month of autumn, on a xin-you day, Empress Lü Zhi sent Lu Feng, the Director of the Long乐 Palace, Liu Li, the Minister of Rites, and Yang Cheng Yan, the Director of the Shaofu Palace, to present a jade pendant, a horse, and silk fabrics, following the old rituals.

  "Presenting tribute at the gate of Lord Zhang." The offerings are: a case of jade, sheep, geese, clear wine, white wine, glutinous millet, ordinary millet, reeds, rushes, rolled artemisia, fragrant rice, long-life threads, water caltrops, lacquer, five-colored silk, harmonious chimes, ink made from the nine sons, gold and silver coins, auspicious grasses, phoenix, sheli beasts, mandarin ducks, auspicious beasts, fish, deer, birds, wives of the nine sons, sun-dried meat, and female mulberry trees.

  All six pieces of writing were sealed and placed in a box, with a title and a preface written on the outside.

  Said: The wild goose is yin and yang, waiting for the right moment to rise, in winter it goes south, in summer it goes north, nobility has its own place.

  It is said: The volume of Pteris multifida is attached to the top of the mountain, and it has a curved shape by nature, never stretching itself.

  It is said: Jiā Hé (auspicious grain) is a good omen, Bān Lù (promoted salary) is suitable, Tǔ Xiù (spitting out beauty) five or seven times, then it is called auspicious.

  The ink of the nine sons is stored in the pine smoke, its nature is long life, and its descendants are far-reaching.

  Said: Money is a pledge, what has been experienced for a long time, gold is taken and bright, money is used without stopping.

  Said: Sheli is a beast, frugal and able to be humble, ritual and righteousness are food, mouth without discussion.

  It is said: The virtuous woman is like a tree, her branches and leaves are evergreen, she endures the cold and preserves her integrity, even in danger she cannot be swayed.

  Zhang Ao replied on the hall, "Offering wine and meat as many times, then kowtowed and retreated."

  "Your Lordship," said Zhang Cao, a member of the household, hastily advancing after presenting the betrothal gifts, "just now Princess Changping sent a letter from home."

  Zhang Ao read it and put the silk book in his study. He ordered, "Zhang Cao, follow me to Xinfeng tomorrow."

  Zhang Cao was perplexed, "Judging from the Empress Dowager's attitude, she is eager for Princess Chang's grand wedding. The engagement ceremony should be held soon. At this time, why does the Duke still want to go to Xin Feng?"

  "Invite one person." Zhang Ao said briefly.

  At that time, women generally married at the age of fifteen or after their hair was pinned up. Zhang Yan got married when she was young and was about to enter the Weiyang Palace. Although Lu Yuan and the Empress Dowager, as well as the Emperor, were all close relatives and extremely close to each other. However, after all, there were some things that were not suitable for her natal family to do due to the constraints of rules and etiquette.

  So Lu Yuan wanted to hold a pre-wedding ceremony for Zhang Yan in their hometown of Xuanping before the big wedding.

  If Zhang Yan was still the daughter of a marquis as before, even if her mother was the Princess of Long, it would be easy to handle her hairpinning ceremony. But since she is already the future empress of Great Han, then in the hairpinning ceremony, the distinguished guests who will pin the hairpins on her must be carefully selected.

  In the imperial family, this branch of Emperor Gao's, Empress Lü was the empress dowager, with high status and great power. It is unlikely that she would have hurried to Xuanping specifically for her grandson's capping ceremony, and besides, she was about to become Zhang Yan's mother-in-law, which was not suitable. The eldest son Liu Bo died young. His widow was disliked by Emperor Gao, leaving behind only one young son, who was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Chengyang. However, he eventually declined. The fourth son, Prince of Chu Liu Jiao, was originally extremely noble and honorable. Although he had many concubines, after his first wife died early, he did not remarry. As a result, among the emperor's close relatives, there was only one woman left, the wife of Marquis Heyang, Lady Zhan.

  Zhang Ao was going to Xinfeng to invite precisely this Madame Zhan.

  After the death of Marquis He Yang, many officials in the Han court thought that the matter of planting millet in the palace would not be able to continue. Unexpectedly, after that, Su Su Dui Wei Xiang found the notes on millet cultivation left by Marquis He Yang in his former residence in Xin Feng City, and invited the descendant of Xu Xing, a farmer from before Qin, to study together the scattered notes on millet cultivation left by Liu Zhong.

  The many agricultural tools and theories that surpass this era, as revealed in the handwritten notes of Marquis He Yang, are astonishing to the successors of agriculture. They say it's unbelievable, but if implemented, it may be very effective.

  Some techniques that were verified to be successful in the trial outside the palace in the first year, under the careful consideration of the Emperor and Chancellor Cao, encouraged and urged the common people of Guanzhong to try them out on newly opened land. It was now midsummer. Although the millet had not yet been harvested this season, from the reports submitted by the officials of various counties, the growth of the new millet seedlings planted in the new fields using the new techniques was at least 30% better than those in the old fields that did not use the new techniques. A big harvest could be expected in autumn.

  At that time, the people of Guanzhong were all eager to try, planning to plant millet according to the new method next year. The prestige of the late Marquis He Yang also reached a new height. Many years ago, when the Xiongnu attacked Dai Prefecture, he abandoned his country and fled back to Luoyang overnight, an old matter that no one mentioned again.

  Xuan Ping

  The sun slowly set below the western mountain, the sky gradually darkened, Zhang Yan put down the book in her hand, rubbed her slightly sour eyes and said, "Accompany me for a walk."

  "Tomorrow is the day of your hairpinning ceremony, young lady. You should get some rest early tonight so you'll be in high spirits tomorrow." "I know," she smiled.

  Zhang Yan walked in wooden clogs on the long corridor of the Hou Mansion, which was less winding and more majestic. The garden showed a desolate color in the dusk, far less delicate than Chang'an, but it had a wild interest.

  Many times, the master of Xuanping Houfu would not stay here, so the Houfu in Xuanping County was not very prosperous and beautiful. However, deep down, Zhang Yan liked the wild charm here, far surpassing the carriages and horses of Chang'an City. After making up her mind to break through, her mood slowly recovered from the bottom of the valley. Perhaps this is what "putting oneself in a desperate situation and then coming back to life" means.

  She stopped in her tracks, gazing at the Hou Mansion's every blade of grass and tree with a nostalgic gaze. She feared that from now on, she would never be able to return to this land again, and unconsciously felt a pang of sadness. But the words "people always have to look forward, only then can they see more beautiful scenery" comforted her heart, yet she gradually became fuzzy about the appearance of the person who said those words.

  Zhang Yan thought: I will keep looking forward until there is no road ahead.

  Then she turned around the last bend of the corridor and saw the person sitting in the pavilion.

  "Great-grandmother outside the hall."

  Madam Zhan turned around and called out, "Yanniang." Her smile was kind and gentle.

  The two sat facing each other, drinking tea. "Life is indeed full of wonders," said Madame Zhang with a sigh. "When you were born, I accompanied the marquis to offer congratulations, but never thought that one day you would marry His Majesty."

  "Madam." Zhang Yan called out, looking embarrassed. "Oh, I see," said Zhan's wife with a smile. "You're still a child, and your face is thin, it's understandable. Moreover..." She paused for a moment, "Don't listen to those people outside who are talking nonsense. The Marquis used to say that you were clever, kind-hearted, and rarely seen as intelligent and talented. If," she said thoughtfully, "if you were the one to become the Empress, it might be a blessing for the Han Dynasty."

  Zhang Yan was somewhat surprised and said in a low voice, "Marquis Heyang, is that what you mean?"

  "Uh-huh." Madame Zhang nodded, "After the Marquis left, I'm also getting old. Although the Marquis of Xuanping is the Emperor's brother-in-law and will soon become the Empress's father, if it weren't for you, I might not be willing to take this trip. People in the world are now praising the Marquis, but I know in my heart that he's just a diligent and hardworking man. Thank you for your kindness on behalf of Yan Niang."

  Zhang Yan bowed and said, "I don't dare to accept."

  "It's just my two children," said Madame Zhang with a sigh. "Letting Rourou go is one thing, but as for Rouxi, although he was favored by the late emperor and enfeoffed as the King of Wu, he has been eccentric since childhood. If he does anything improper in the future, Princess Yongning, as the empress, should take care of him out of consideration for our current relationship."

  On the 22nd day of the lunar month. In the morning.

  In the ancestral temple of the Zhang family, Zhang Yan performed the hair-pinning ceremony.

  In the main hall, silk and bamboo instruments sounded softly and slowly. The elder finished reciting the prayer. Zhang Yan wore a colorful dress and slowly walked out of the east wing. Facing south, she pressed her right hand over her left hand, both hidden in her sleeves, and bowed her head to salute. She turned west and knelt on the mat.

  She was attended by a beautiful elder sister of the Zhang family, with the single character name of Jiao. She came forward and smiled at her. She took apart the double buns on her head, gently combed them out, and coiled them into a round bun, placing an ivory comb on the south side of the mat, then retreated.

  Then she turned to face east, and a servant presented a tray. On the tray was placed a simple wooden hairpin. Madame Zhang stepped down from the stairs and inserted the hairpin into her high bun. Her smile was warm and gentle. The hairpin swayed, exuding a delicate and elegant beauty.

  "On a lucky day in the next month, you will first wear the hat of manhood. Abandon your childish thoughts and follow the virtues of adulthood. May you have a long life and good fortune."

  The eulogist stepped forward and adjusted his hat, Zhang Yan got up, returned to the east wing, changed into a plain white dress, then turned out of the main hall, walked down the steps to the east, pulled up her sleeves, covered her forehead, knelt on both knees, and kowtowed three times, performing the most solemn and respectful ceremony.

  First bow, gratitude for parents' upbringing grace.

  Lu Yuan sat on the eastern steps, gazing at his delicate and lovely daughter, with a multitude of emotions.

  Because she was still young, her figure was not yet fully developed, but with clear and clean eyebrows and skin as white as jade, she already had the makings of a beautiful woman. Ninety percent of her features came from her father. Speaking of her father, Lu Yuan glanced sideways at her husband, then turned away with a stifled breath; she still hadn't forgiven him.

  Zhang Yan faced east and sat up straight, Lady Zhan washed her hands, added a second bronze hairpin, and the guest recited a congratulatory poem: "Lucky month and day, you wear your clothes. Respect your dignity, virtuous and cautious your virtue. Eyebrows live for ten thousand years, forever receiving good fortune."

  Zhang Yan returned to the east wing and changed into a deep-colored dress, tied a wide belt around her waist, hung a jade ring, wore silk tassels, had wide sleeves, and stood quietly with a plain face, suppressing her triumphant splendor.

  Make a bow to Zheng Bin, three bows and then get up, which is the second addition.

  Facing east, the principal guest washes his hands. The one wearing a hairpin adds a third jade hairpin. The principal guest recites a congratulatory phrase: "With the first month of the year, with the auspiciousness of the moon, all add to your attire. Sisters are all present, to complete your virtue. Without bounds, receive heaven's celebration."

  Return to the east wing and change into a grand ceremonial robe with bright colors, dignified and majestic, then bow to heaven and earth. After three bows, the ceremony is complete.

  From then on, she was no longer a child under her parents' wings, protected from the world. She had to endure wind and rain on her own, make her own choices about advancing or retreating, bear her own joys and sorrows, and taste love and hate for herself.

  From then on, she was truly herself.

  Xi Jie set up a banquet of fine wine, and invited Zhang Yan to join in. Zhang Yan smiled, walked to the west side of the table, and faced south.

  Zhang Jiao poured wine, Zhang Yan turned north, and Madame Zhan presented sweet wine and recited a blessing: "Sweet liquor is rich, fine dishes are fragrant. I humbly accept the offering to ensure your good fortune. Accepting heaven's blessings, may you live long and not forget."

  Zhang Yan poured the wine and spilled some on the ground as an offering. Then she symbolically moistened her lips with the wine and placed it on the table. The officials presented rice, which was also eaten only symbolically. Zhang Yan bowed to Lady Zhan, who returned the courtesy and gave her a name: "On this auspicious day, with all the rites prepared, your hair is combed and you are an adult. I declare your name to the ancestors in the temple, may you forever receive their protection. Your name is Meng Xuan."

  She rolled up her sleeves and bowed, "The little girl is not clever, I carefully remember the teachings of my parents and teachers, and I am afraid to receive a name that will last for life without being lazy." She got up and walked in front of her parents, knelt down on one knee, and waited for their teachings.

  Zhang Ao looked at his delicate and lovely daughter, thinking of the spring day many years ago when he held his newborn daughter in his arms. He thought to himself, "She's so small, will she grow up?" He felt guilty towards this daughter, so he loved her even more, "May you have a smooth and beautiful life, may all your wishes come true."

  Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow and smiled coldly. "Although I am not talented, how dare I not accept it with reverence?" He bowed solemnly.

  After the Ji Li ceremony, Lu Yuan gathered all the young girls of the Zhang family clan and chose beautiful and well-born servant girls. Among them, he selected a maid named Tun Yu to prepare for Zhang Yan's grand wedding and bring her into the Weiyang Palace.

  I was planning to save some drafts today, but these formal things are so annoying, ugh.

  I'm so sick of searching for information (except for that one article about Na Caoli's wedding that was lovely).

  Then talk about Meng Yi.

  Cough, ever since I put this name as the second keyword of this article, there have been people asking in the comments who Meng Yi is and whether he/she is also a main character, why hasn't he/she appeared yet and so on.

  So in this chapter, it is announced that Meng Yi is Zhang Yan's courtesy name.

  Zhang Mengying is Zhang Yan.

  Oh, I'm so tasteless.

  However, in fact, this character is hardly ever used. After Lv Hou, Emperor Hui and others close to her called her by the name A Yan, while the queen's position was noble and not close to anyone, who else could call the queen's name?

  So this character is not seen in broad daylight (Liu Yingtong's words also have A Yan, can be called). At least better than her.

  Counting down, the day after tomorrow, or the day after the day after tomorrow, is the formal wedding day.

  So, continue to sincerely ask for pink tickets as a grand wedding congratulatory ritual (clap, it's all been said for many days now).