vrcanaries Chapter 171 Beauty's Scheming Zhang Yan 5
Chapter 171 Beauty's Scheming Zhang Yan 5
Two years passed in a flash. During these years, Zhang Yan gradually developed the curved plow, increasing the labor force of the people. While selling to foreign countries, she stumbled upon sweet potato and corn seeds and sent people to cultivate and promote them. This increased the Han Dynasty's food reserves and reduced the number of people dying of starvation. To recruit more talented people, Yan'er commissioned the development of bamboo paper. While the low labor force made the paper expensive, it was still a step forward.
On this day, Yan'er celebrated her 16th birthday. Empress Lü and Liu Ying ordered a grand banquet. Yan'er arrived at the banquet in a red gown and a phoenix hairpin in her hair. A youthful smile graced her face, and a hint of shyness and anticipation lingered in her eyes.
At the banquet, ministers congratulated Yan'er one after another. Empress Lü sat on a high throne, looking at Yan'er, her heart filled with joy and pride. Liu Ying sat beside Empress Lü, his eyes fixed on Yan'er, revealing deep love.
Yan'er behaved gracefully at the banquet, and every move she made was full of elegance and grace, which made people fall in love with her.
After the banquet, Yan'er returned to the Pepper Room. She sat in front of the dressing table while the maid removed her hair and makeup for her before she went to take a bath. She had gotten up too early that morning and was feeling a little drowsy.
Suddenly, the door opened and Liu Ying walked in. He looked at Yan'er, his eyes filled with tenderness and love. Yan'er's face flushed instantly, and she lowered her head, not daring to look Liu Ying in the eye. She knew that today, in addition to her coming-of-age ceremony, she also had to consummate her marriage with him...
Liu Ying walked over to Yan'er, gently took her hand, and said, "Yan'er, you look so beautiful today." Then he gently kissed Yan'er's forehead and said, "Yan'er, I will always love you and protect you." Yan'er nodded and said, "I will also always love you and be with you." After a night of passionate lovemaking, it was already lunchtime when Yan'er woke up. Seeing Yan'er awake, Xue Yuan hurriedly brought her the phoenix robe and put it on her. She fixed her hair and said, "Your Majesty, His Majesty has gone to the imperial farm to inspect the improved seeds. He said he would be back to have dinner with you this evening..."
Zhang Yan: "Xue Yuan, I will arrange for a young master from an aristocratic family to meet you in a few days. Don't be afraid, I have your back. Thank you for your company over the years..."
Xue Yuan blushed and said, "My Lady, I don't want to get married..." Yan'er looked back at Xue Yuan and said, "No, you have to get married. I hope Sister Xue Yuan can be happy. Even if you don't want to continue in the future, you can always come back..." Then she picked up a Ruyi hairpin from the dressing table and inserted it into Xue Yuan's hair...
Xue Yuan's eyes welled up, and although Yan'er was reluctant to let her go, she didn't want to keep her. She wanted her daughter to live a normal life, marry and have children. When she got married, she could prepare a dowry so she wouldn't be bullied by her husband's family. She sent someone to notify Emperor Liu Ying, asking him to select a young man from an aristocratic family for Xue Yuan. At that moment, Liu Ying from Xuanzheng Hall sent a messenger with the message that Xue Yuan would marry Liu Zhang, the Marquis of Zhuxu. Zhang Yan smiled upon hearing this. Liu Zhang was a rare figure in history who preferred beauty to power. She was truly happy for Xue Yuan...
A few years later, Yan'er received news from the Dai Palace that Du Yunxi had died. She had died at the hands of the Dai King. Over the years, the Dai King had discovered his leg was crippled, and he had become ruthless and cruel, enjoying abusing women. Du Yunxi had died in her bed as a result. By this time, Wan'er had already given birth to a pair of adorable twins for Liu Ying. The birth of these children occurred when Yan'er fainted in grief over Xue Yuan's marriage, horrified Empress Lü and Liu Ying. Fortunately, the imperial physician said she was fine, and they finally breathed a sigh of relief. Ever since then, Liu Ying had always taken Yan'er with him, fearing something might happen to her if he didn't see her. This sparked discontent among the court officials, who filed memorials. Liu Ying seized the opportunity to demote some of the old stubborn figures who were detrimental to the stability of the court, and promoted talented young men from prominent families to serve in the imperial court.
Yan'er later sent Empress Lü away. When her eldest son, Liu Tao, was 16, she and Liu Ying abandoned the throne and left the Han Palace to travel the vast landscape. Yan'er returned to the Han Palace at the age of 67 due to poor health. Within six months of her death, Liu Ying, along with Yan'er, took poison and died with her. Their son, Liu Tao, buried them together. Liu Ying was 73 years old that year!