Chapter 1: Ten Years

r many years, so it wouldn't be amiss if she stayed on as a concubine. 。After they entered, the two did not dare to raise their heads. They only caught a glimpse of Dabaoge and a figure beside it. Im...In the eleventh year of Jiajing's reign, an early winter snowfall blanketed the capital city. 。Yesterday, snow fell all night. This morning when I woke up, the world was white, and silver frost covered the ground. 。The maidservants of the Zhenyuan Hou Mansion got up early to sweep the snow. The brooms scraped across the ground, making a rhythmic "rustling" sound, which set off the courtyard even more peacefully. 。Two maids with braided hair, each holding a bowl of soup, walked briskly across the corridor. 。These two were different from the maids who swept floors. They were handmaidens by the master's side, not required to do chores in their daily lives. They wore brightly colored clothes, styled their hair high, and if they pleased the master, they could even wear jewelry. They lived a life more luxurious than that of ordinary young ladies. 。Therefore, these maidservants held their heads high wherever they went, with great arrogance. 。The maid in a red dress whispered to her companion in a low voice, “Did you hear The marriage between the Lord and the third young lady of Yongping Hou’s Mansion has been decided. After the old Lord's mourning period, they will get married next spring.” 。“Isn’t this what it should be” a maidservant with lake-green armor sneered. 。The Marquis was only twenty when he inherited his title. He excelled in both literature and martial arts, possessed a noble bearing, and even earned the admiration of the Martial Marquis. Of course, the Marchioness would want to marry someone from a distinguished family. 。The third daughter of the Yongping Marquis's Mansion is the niece of the Wuding Marquis. The marquis also follows the Wuding Marquis to do business. Now that the Fu family and Hong family are related, the marriage further strengthens their ties, bringing joy to all. 。The maidservant who had spoken earlier, upon hearing this, kept pointing towards the northwest courtyard and muttering, "If Lord Hou and Miss Yongping of the Third Rank were to become betrothed... what about that one" A maidservant with clothes the color of jade green glanced forward and replied, “They’ll return to their respective positions once their true nature is revealed." 。He is just the son of an ordinary soldier. His family has fallen into poverty. The old marquis took him in as a favor to his father, who saved the old marquis's life on the battlefield by taking an arrow for him. He has been able to live a life of wealth and prosperity in the marquis's household for ten years, so he should be content. 。“Old Marquis, you really are foolish. You want her to marry into the Marquis’s household Just say it and stop pretending you’re already the mistress of the house!”

The maidservant listened with a touch of melancholy: “She has lived in the Marquis’s manor for ten years now, from the age of seven to seventeen. She's always been by the Marquis's side...” 。How many decades are there in a human life You're already so grown up. How will we talk about marriage in the future 。The maid of the lake-green attire, whose name was Bi Jia, seemed displeased for some reason. She pouted and said, "Can the Lord still look at another man's wife Don't feel sorry for him; his life is better than ours. Who knows, we might even have to call him 'Master' one day." 。"Hush!" the red maidservant hurriedly reminded her companion, gesturing for silence. 。A maid in a blue satin jacket emerged from the main room, pulling back the curtain just as she came face-to-face with them. 。

The maid in the blue blouse looked at them with a faint expression on her face and said, “It’s freezing out today, why have the two sisters come so early”

The maid in red secretly pinched her companion and immediately changed her expression to one of cheerfulness. “Emerald sister, good morning,”

Last night it snowed, the old madam worried that the young lady would get cold, so she specially asked the kitchen to cook some osmanthus jelly and have us bring it to Miss Wang. 。Jade glanced past the smiling face of the little maidservant, as if she hadn't heard what had just been said, and motioned for Zi to speak: "Thank you both..." 。Please put it in. 。The little maid with red dress kept smiling and apologizing, while the one dressed in lake green, knowing she had caused trouble, bowed her head silently and went inside to report. 。Even someone as arrogant as him knows his own worth. That person, no matter what they do, is a benefactor of the Fu family and grew up with the Marquis together. They are nothing more than childhood sweethearts at best, probably not even as important as the future Countess. 。The third young miss of Yongping Hou's mansion, looking at the wind and waiting for her mistress, might not be able to compare to this person. 。Although it wasn't explicitly stated, everyone in the Fu family, including Hou Zhenyuan, tacitly agreed that Wang Yanqing would continue to stay with the Fu family. 。The Marquis is a high-ranking marquis, and his main wife should be a noblewoman from a prominent family. But Wang Yanqing has been with him for many years, so it wouldn't be amiss if she stayed on as a concubine. 。After they entered, the two did not dare to raise their heads. They only caught a glimpse of Dabaoge and a figure beside it. Immediately, they crouched down and bowed to Wang Yanqing: "Servants greet the young lady, may the young lady live long and prosper." 。After a moment, a soft voice spoke: "Rise." 。The sound is very unique. It's not the crisp, bell-like quality that elders prefer, nor the soft and mellow tone that men like. It's more like snow outside—quiet and serene, unassuming yet unforgettable once heard. 。The two maidservants thanked them and slowly rose. 。The maidservant with emerald green clothes borrowed a book and stealthily glanced at him. He sat cross-legged on the Buddhist bed, his shoulders slender like blades, waist as fine as a willow branch, neck delicate, and hands resting upon his feet, making his limbs appear particularly long. 。Turning her face, her facial features became even more prominent. Her nose was high and straight, her face pale, and her jawline flowed down in a near-straight line, clean and aloof. 。Such an appearance, it's not something that can be created with any rouge or powder. No wonder the Marquis likes her. 。The maid in green felt disheartened. She forced a smile and bid farewell to Wang Yanqing before quickly retreating. 。After the two maidservants left, Fei Cui’s anger could no longer be contained. She fumed, “These maids are truly out of line! To dare gossip about the young mistress behind her back! I must report this to the Marquis and have them beaten!”“They’re just a bunch of lowly maidservants, who stay within these four walls. What use is beating them” Wang Yanqing put down her soup spoon, wiped her hands with a handkerchief, and a smile seemed to flicker across her face. “It was likely Old Madam who wanted me to hear these words. You can use Second Brother’s hand to discipline the maidservants, but can you also discipline Old Madam”Fei Cui instantly fell silent, staring at Wang Yanqing, her lips moving as if she wanted to speak, but holding back with great reluctance. “Miss…”Wang Yanqing lowered her eyes, her gaze as calm and still as a sheet of ice, without the slightest ripple... 。filial piety comes before heaven, after all, they are still family. Besides, doesn't Fu Tingzhou really not know

The elderly madam can rely on her parents' order to tell Fu Tingzhou about the marriage, but the marriage must have Fu Tingzhou's nod of agreement 。I heard that Miss Hong San is the niece of Marquis Wuding. If I marry her, I can get closer to Marquis Wuding. 。Fu Tingzhou, being so intelligent, of course knows how to prioritize. 。Wang Yanqing placed the handkerchief on the low table and sighed softly, "A match made in heaven, a talented man and a beautiful woman, what a wonderful thing." 。Congratulations to the second brother. 。Jade endured a month of bitterness, her tears falling like rain: “But, Miss, you are the granddaughter-in-law chosen by the old Marquis. You waited for the Marquis for ten years, ten years! When the Marquis wanted to learn martial arts, you disregarded propriety and learned to ride and shoot arrows. When the Marquis wanted to command troops, you disguised yourself as a man and accompanied him through the ups and downs of military camp..." 。These years you've left so many scars. Now, they say you're a match made in heaven and want to erase the girl's ten years of dedication

Jade wept while pouring her heart out, but Wang Yanqing sat there as if indifferent, an outsider to it all. 。Even jade feels wronged like this, doesn't Wang Yanqing, the real person, really care How is that possible 。For ten years, since she was seven years old, being brought to the Zhenyuan Hou Mansion, her life had only been Fu Tingzhou. 。It is the eleventh year of Jiajing's reign now, and it has been eleven years since the twelfth emperor of the Ming Dynasty came to Beijing. 。During the Ming Dynasty, scholars and officials were clearly separated from commoners and nobles. Scholars were chosen through imperial examinations, with each generation replaced by a new one. If the next generation didn't study hard, their status would decline. However, military officers were hereditary, like the Wuding Hou Mansion and Yongping Hou Mansion. These families had held military power for generations, spending more time in the capital than even the current emperor. 。The Fu family rose to prominence in recent years, but their ancestors were also a military family. In the generation of Fu Tingzhou's grandfather, Fu Yue, they made military achievements and were enfeoffed as the Marquis of Zhenyuan by the former emperor Zhengde. 。For this reason, the Fu family always lowered their heads before the old-established noble families in the capital, such as Wuding Hou and Yongping Hou. 。

However, no matter how shallow the Fu family's background is, it has nothing to do with Wang Yanqing.

Originally, according to one's quota, one wouldn't receive these high-ranking officials and nobles throughout their lifetime. 。

From generation to generation, soldiers were also hereditary.

A soldier and a scholar, one word apart, worlds apart. 。Wang Yanqing's ancestors hailed from Datong Prefecture. His family was a military household, and it was tradition for every male in the Wang family to serve as soldiers. His great-grandfather, grandfather, and father all perished in battles between Datong and Mongol forces. 。In the twelfth year of Zhengde, Zhenyuanhou Fu Yue was transferred to Datong as the commander, and Wang Yanqing's father, Wang Cong, because he was quick-witted and courageous, gradually gained Fu Yue's appreciation. 。In a pursuit battle, Wang Cong died heroically to shield Fu Yue from arrows. 。Later, after defeating the Mongols in battle, Fu Yue was transferred to the capital city due to his military achievements. 。Fu Yue deeply loved Wang Cong. Now that Wang Cong died for him, Fu Yue was heartbroken. After his grief subsided, he sent people to Wang Cong's hometown to comfort his family and widow. 。

However, when he got there, he learned that Wang Cong had not been home for many years. His wife, Shen Lan, died from postpartum exhaustion. His mother, Li Shi, worked the fields to support her grandson and died of an illness after falling during spring plowing.

In the entire family, only one seven-year-old remained – Wang Yanqing.

There are many solitary figures like Wang Yanqing on the border, but since this incident happened under Fu Yue's very nose, he couldn't just ignore it. 。After returning to the capital and reporting to Fu Yue, Fu Yue pondered for a moment before deciding to adopt Wang Yanqing. 。With the power of the Zhenyuan Hou Mansion, it's not a problem to raise a young girl. 。But if he doesn't care, this child will die outside. 。When Wang Yanqing was seven years old, his life took a drastic turn. 。That year, I lost my last relative. With the help of neighbors, I finished my grandmother's funeral. Afterward, our ancestral land was taken over by a distant relative. But the question of who would adopt Wang Yanqing was like a ball being kicked back and forth; no one was willing to take on another mouth to feed. 。A group of strange people came to visit, after some time, the group returned, and brought more wealth and manpower. 。They offered incense to Wang Cong and said they would bring Wang Yanqing to the capital. 。

Relatives' faces changed instantly. Everyone within ten miles knew that Wang Family's ancestral tomb had risen in smoke, Wang Cong was favored by a nobleman, and Wang Yanqing would be going to the city for good fortune.

The villagers didn't know what the concept of the Marquis Zhenyuan was, they only knew that he was very high-ranking and in charge of all the troops in Datong Prefecture. 。Those spiteful aunts and uncles all changed their faces, vying for Wang Yanqing, even trying to get him to change his words and bring their own daughters over. 。Although Wang Yanqing was only seven years old, life had already taught him the warmth and coldness of human nature, how to read people's expressions and intentions. 。He left nothing behind for those so-called relatives, and silently followed Fu Yue's army to an unknown Beijing city. 。At that time, I didn't know what kind of world I was going into. 。I knew there were rich and poor people, farmers and those with different social standings, but I didn't expect the gap between classes to be so vast. 。After entering Xuanwu Gate, everything along the way was beyond imagination. I felt dizzy as the carriage turned left and right, finally arriving at a majestic and imposing mansion. 。When Wang Yanqing got off the carriage, she was so frightened by the scene before her that she couldn't utter a word, nor dare to take another step. 。A grand household, majestic even in silence, with attendants bowing and bustling about. Even a random maid here was better dressed than the village head's wife. 。

Is this where I'm going to live from now on

Just as Wang Yanqing was at a loss, a voice suddenly came from behind, "Who is that"

Turning around, she saw a young man of noble bearing, about ten years old, already tall and graceful.

The bystander changed his attitude and flattered him, saying: "Second Master, this is the orphan adopted by the Marquis..." 。He stared for a long time, as if finally remembering something, and asked, “What’s your name”“Reporting to the Second Master, Wang…” “I didn’t ask you” 。"With a faint glance at the servant, Nian gave Wang Yanqing a slight nod. "Let him speak," 。Although it hasn't been introduced yet, Wang Yanqing already understands the situation. 。Lowering her head, she meekly replied, "Lord Wang Yanqing, I am at your service." 。It seems rare to have met a same-aged person, who personally brought me to meet the Marquis of Zhenyuan. 。Only then did Wang Yanqing realize that the guide was Fu Yue's grandson, Fu Tingzhou. 。Although everyone called him "Second Master," as the only surviving male descendant among his generation, he was already tacitly accepted as the heir apparent. 。The Zhenyuan Hou Mansion was so lively because it was Fu Tingzhou's birthday that day. 。Later, Fu Tingzhou would always joke that Wang Yanqing was a birthday present from heaven. He had been feeling unwell and came out to clear his head, taking a turn and seeing Wang Yanqing right there. 。Fu Yue was very happy to see Wang Yanqing. Wang Cong was about the same age as Fu Yue's son and was clever and likable. He had always thought of Wang Cong as his child in his heart. 。Unexpectedly, Wang Cong's son turned out to be as cold and elegant as ice and snow, not at all like his father Wang Cong who was mischievous. 。

Fu Yue had a life of military service, being decisive and swift in action. When training soldiers, his voice could be heard outside the camp. Upon first seeing such a soft and delicate young girl, his heart melted.

Just so happens that Wang Yanqing is about the same age as Fu Tingzhou, so Fu Yue placed the two children beside each other and personally raised them. 。Speaking of this, there's actually another case... 。Fu Yue often fought on the battlefield for years at a time, going home only after several years of war. 。Fu Yue's son, Fu Chang, was spoiled by his elderly wife. Later, he moved to the capital and had a son with the Marquis's son. Gradually, he developed a bad habit. 。After Fu Yue was transferred back to the capital from Datong, seeing his son sleep in flowers and willows, gamble and ride horses wildly, he was furious. 。But by then Fu Chang was nearly thirty. What use was there in trying to change him Fu Yue had beaten and scolded him, but nothing worked. Unable to correct him any further, he chose to ignore him and focused on teaching his grandson instead. 。These years, his battles have been arduous. He must absolutely not let the vast family business fall into the hands of prodigal grandchildren. 。Luckily, Fu Tingzhou is still young, so it's not too late to teach him now. 。Wang Yanqing arrived at the Fu family at this time. 。Fu Yue let Fu Tingzhou and Wang Yanqing address each other as siblings, personally teaching them reading and martial arts. In his spare time, he took Fu Tingzhou to visit colleagues and comrades-in-arms, tidying himself up a little bit... 。Wang Yanqing understood his position very well. He was the son of Fu Yue's subordinate, and he was far from the Fu family. 。Fu Yue remembered the kindness of saving his life and wanted to raise the child by his side, but he had to understand that Fu Yue was teaching his grandson, just as a side effect. 。So Wang Yanqing studied very diligently, Fu Tingzhou learned whatever he learned, never complaining. 。When Fu Tingzhou went to the training ground, his maidservants all said that Wang Yanqing, as a young lady, shouldn't endure such hardship. But Wang Yanqing remained silent and insisted on continuing. 。The Wang family were military households, serving in the army for generations. As a result, marriage was very difficult to arrange, often confined within the small circle of military households. 。Wang Yanqing's grandmother and mother were both daughters of military families. Datong Prefecture was one of the nine major fortified towns on the border, guarding the capital city. It was constantly in conflict with the Mongols, resulting in a tough and warlike culture. Whether it was men or the elderly, they could go from tilling the fields with a hoe to wielding a knife in the next second. Even children were raised to be brave and skilled in combat. 。Wang Yanqing was raised in Zhongchang, enduring much more hardship than his peers. The noble families of the capital thought their lives were miserable, but they had never endured what Wang Yanqing went through. 。

In the past few years, it was to please Fu Yue, and in recent years, it has been for Fu Tingzhou.

Fu Tingzhou inherited his grandfather's abilities. He is tall and handsome, with sword eyebrows and star eyes. He is resolute and decisive, and because he was born in the capital city, he is even more intelligent and perceptive than Fu Yue. 。Even among the circle of distinguished figures, Fu Tingzhou was widely praised as a "military genius". 。Fu Yue was very pleased with his grandson, and in order to take care of the orphans under his command, he once privately said that water should not flow into outsiders' fields, so he let Wang Yanqing marry Fu Tingzhou. 。Fu Yue said this not just to repay his favor, Wang Yanqing grew up more and more beautiful, and she was also understanding, intelligent and capable. She could shoot arrows and read and write. She was no weaker than those timid thousand gold misses, right Fu Yue had seen the two children grow from little sprouts to flourishing young adults with his own eyes. He knew in his heart whether it was suitable or not. 。Before his death, Fu Yue left two instructions. The first was to bypass Fu Chang and directly pass the marquis title to Fu Tingzhou's hands. The second was to tell Fu Tingzhou not to observe filial piety and to marry as soon as possible. 。

It's clear to anyone with eyes that Fu Yue's second condition was for Wang Yanqing.

But after Fu Yue was buried, the couple of Fu Chang changed their words. 。They feigned ignorance of Fu Yue's meaning and grandly told Fu Tingzhou about the arranged marriage. 。Fu Yue said that there was no need to observe filial mourning, but his descendants could not overstep their bounds. Fu Tingzhou was not allowed to hold banquets, enjoy himself, or get married during this year. 。but they couldn't officially get engaged. They could, however, meet privately. Fu Chang and his wife went through several candidates before settling on the recently returned Yongping Marquis. 。

The former Marquis of Yongping had been stationed in western Sichuan. When the third daughter hadn't decided on a husband, the two families hit it off immediately.

Fu Tingzhou went to Yongping Hou's mansion privately and agreed after returning. 。The third young lady of Marquis Yongping has found a good husband, and Houfu Zhenyuan is now connected to an old prestigious family. Marquis Wuding has won over a young military talent, everyone is happy except Wang Yanqing. 。

Fu Tingzhou is going to marry the eldest daughter of Yongping Hou. What about that

Since old Marquis Fu Yue passed away, Wang Yanqing's position in the Fu family has become awkward. Now that the Marquisate openly arranges a marriage for Fu Tingzhou, they don't even want to bother with appearances anymore.

These maids were gossiping, but it was nothing of consequence. 。

Jade felt sorry for her own girl, but after crying, she really didn't know what to do.

Wang Yanqing's grandfather and father both died in battle. He had no brothers. When the old marquis passed away, there was no one to support him. 。Besides, even if the Wang family had uncles and cousins, what say would they have in front of the Zhenyuan Hou Mansion

To be frank, with Wang Yanqing's status, being able to be a concubine in the Zhenyuan Hou Mansion is already considered a high climb. 。

The jade pendant was clenched tightly, but Wang Yanqing remained silent throughout, sitting calmly and quietly like a painting.

Jade looked distressed, trying to find the reason for her feelings. 。

Wang Yanqing sat alone in the room, as he had on countless days before, reading books, practicing calligraphy, and studying military strategy.

After an unknown amount of time, a gust of wind blew past the door, and a figure sat down in front of him. Naturally, he took what was in his hand: “The Tiger Seal Scripture It’s almost the end of the year, are you still reading this” Wang Yanqing twitched his fingers, looked up, and tried to meet his gaze with an expressionless smile: “Second Brother” 。” the Marquis wanted to learn martial arts, you disregarded propriety and learned to ride and shoot arrows. When the Marquis wanted to command troops, you disguised yourself as a man and accompanied hi...