Chapter 71
When Liu Cairen mentioned the silver coins, his proud smile faded a little.
She looked around and saw no one, then frowned and said, "Why are you in such a hurry? I said I would take you in front of His Majesty, so of course I would, and I didn't say when. Besides, you gave me the silver coins." , don't make it sound like you've made some shady deal."
This was not the first time An Chongyi had hinted at this matter, but Liu Cairen was either careless or said he was not in a hurry, making it clear that he was taking money to do nothing and was deliberately teasing her.
She knew that Liu Cairen had come to Merlin frequently since he was favored, and today she had made up her mind to come to Merlin to confront her. As expected, she got caught. It was fine that they didn't break up with each other a few times before, but today, the two of them must fight against each other. The words are clear!
An Chongyi sneered: "Today you push tomorrow and tomorrow to the day after. When will you be ready to lead me in front of His Majesty? I have just said that when Your Majesty favored me, you fawned over me every day. Where did you go? Wherever I follow you, I always tell you, Your Majesty, you are proud now, so you should give me a hand! It's better now, you turn your back and deny me, and you still tease me like this, you really think I am not you Isn't it possible?"
These words were unpleasant, and Liu Cairen's face paled for a moment, but then he thought about it, she was the one who had regained His Majesty's favor now, and it was not An Chongyi. So what if she was furious? If she was angry again, she would not be better than her now. Low status.
Liu Cairen turned his head and said with a smile: "You still have the nerve to mention the past? At least we had a friendship in Dongyuan, and we were in the same place every day. You climbed up to Concubine Lin's high branch and was favored by Concubine Lin. I was proud of the day, but when His Majesty came back, you kicked me out. Do you think I would believe you when you mentioned me in front of His Majesty? The reason why I treat you like this now is not because you treated me like this in the past."
After that, she sneered, broke off the snowy plum branch in her hand and held it in her hand: "Besides, you fell out of favor because of your disobedience and deliberately framed Yu Wanyi. How do you know that His Majesty will not think about it when he sees you now?" The day I got up, I disliked you even more. Yu Wanyi is favored now and is at the height of the sun. If I speak for you, Your Majesty will be implicated. With my little favor, will it be easy for me to get up? "
An Chongyi thought that he could start over after falling out of favor for so long. He never thought that he would be teased for a lifetime and stabbed in the spine again and again. This incident was clearly between Chang Gui and Yu Wan. Yi deliberately framed him!
Her face turned green and white, and she gritted her teeth and said, "More than a year has passed since this incident. Your Majesty is busy with things. If no one mentions it on purpose, how could your Majesty remember it? Now that Mrs. Qi is dead, Mrs. Lu was pregnant with the person I was suddenly thrown into the cold palace, which shows how difficult life is in the palace. After I fell out of favor, the people in the Ministry of Internal Affairs were responsible for serving food, and I relied on the support of my mother's family to live a decent life. "
"Besides, Concubine Lin has given up on me a long time ago. Over the past few days, I have realized that no one can be trusted. If we don't unite as one, how will we live in the future! If you speak for Yu Wanyi like this, Has she ever looked at you!? She is also a selected servant who has been in the palace for five years. She is a commoner and has climbed above everyone else. You and I are from official families, so don't say it like you are so respectful!"
Liu Cairen looked at An Chongyi's indignation and couldn't help laughing: "Oh, An Chongyi seems to have improved a lot these days, and he talks in one way, but he has been in the palace for such a long time. , I have also understood a long time ago that although one's background is important, His Majesty's favor is even more important."
"Look at the situation in the palace now. There are more than forty concubines, and there are only a few with names. Among our group, less than half of the favored ones have moved out, except for the ones who have gone to the cold palace. That's right, not all those who are favored now are from common people. You are now an eighth-level official, while Ji Baolin and Yi Baolin are both from the seventh level. They are different and they have climbed onto your head! Furthermore, you are trying to grab Yu Wan. Don't think I don't know what Yi is doing. You only think that Yu Wanyi and Chang Guiren have caused you to fall out of favor. You have long been dissatisfied. Naturally, you will not be respectful. I am different from you. Those who know the current affairs are heroes, Yu Wanyi She is certainly capable of being able to get ahead of us, so don't think that I am as stupid as you were back then."
An Chongyi couldn't help but think that Liu Cairen was thinking of her like this now. He couldn't help but feel ashamed and angry, and said angrily: "If you say good things about her like this, she may not be able to hear it! Okay, since you don't want to help me, you have to talk to me." I draw a clear line, but I don't believe it anymore, I can't be favored on my own!"
Shen Ji listened to the conversation between the two of them in the middle of the plum forest, which was quite interesting. He never thought that she could still hear his name.
It has been almost two years since I entered the palace. I have experienced ups and downs, as well as glory and glory. Now when I hear about the past from others, it feels like I am suddenly in a dream.
An Chongyi had a brief period of success under Concubine Lin Guifei, but he got carried away and humiliated Yuya and chafed Chang Guiren, so he trapped himself and fell out of favor.
In the past, Liu Cairen was considered inconspicuous under An Chongyi, but now, listening to her talk, he can be regarded as a half-understanding person.
A person who has been silent in the palace for almost two years, can realize many truths, and is dedicated to finding a way out for himself is not considered mediocre.
Shen Ji winked at Shuangying, who then signaled to the charioteers to get up and go to Liu Cai and An Chongyi.
The sound of stepping on the snow came from far away. When An Chongyi and Liu Cairen heard someone coming, they hurriedly stopped talking and turned around. When they saw that it was Yu Wanyi who they just mentioned, An Chongyi couldn't help but look a little confused. Guilty.
The heavy snow had stopped at this time, and the fiery red plum blossoms were covered with white snow. Under the sun, the snowflakes shone with intermittent sparkling stars, like a magnificent world of ice and snow.
Shen Ji was dressed in golden clothes. She was sitting high on the chariot, leaning her head carelessly. Her snow-stained neck was like a swan, and her beautiful hibiscus face was so beautiful that she looked over at leisure: "It's a coincidence that I saw it in Meilin today." Liu Cairen and An Chongyi."
"The snow has stopped today. I thought that the plum blossoms would bloom just in time to come and have a look. You guys too?"
Liu Caihe and An Chongyi immediately nodded to Shen Ji and said in unison: "I give my regards to Yu Wanyi."
The expected excuse was not heard, and An Chongyi and Liu Cairen, who subconsciously wanted to get up, had no choice but to continue doing so.
An Chongyi guessed that Shen Ji might have heard their conversation, so she deliberately made things difficult. She had resentment towards Shen Ji in her heart, but this time, seeing Shen Ji so proud and proud, she felt even more dissatisfied.
Shen Ji saw their expressions in his eyes one by one, with a faint smile on his face and eyes, which was not arrogant.
In fact, there is nothing wrong with this greeting, but Shen Ji knows what An Chongyi and Liu Cairen said just now, and also knows that An Chongyi has not really thought about it these days, but is resentful, so he has the intention. Make things difficult.
Some people will only feel that others are sorry for them when they encounter setbacks and lows, and never think about what they have done wrong, while some people will reflect on their own mistakes and improve to a higher level.
An Chongyi is obviously the former.
When she first gained favor, she dared to secretly bully Yuya, which made Chang Guiren look down on her. Later, she bribed eunuchs to tamper with her chair at the Double Ninth Festival Banquet. More than a year later, she still didn't think about her fault and thought it was someone else. Harm her.
Such a person, even if he treats her well, will not influence her. He is not sure how to arrange it, especially if he gains power.
In this case, why does Shen Ji need to give her a good face? Naturally, they can talk with each other as long as they can, and it can be considered as venting his anger.
The stalemate in curtsting and curtsying was the most uncomfortable. Just as Shen Ji held the brocade handkerchief and wiped the frost on his sleeves, An Chongyi's body was already swaying.
Shuangming saw it and guessed what his master meant, so he politely stepped forward and smiled and said: "What's wrong with An Chongyi? Why is he swaying around as soon as he greets the master? What's he like?" ."
"Now we still greet our master. It doesn't matter if we break the rules. But if you behave like this when greeting the Queen Mother and Your Majesty, it will be a sin of disrespect for the royal family."
Shuangming deliberately bit the words "imperial disgrace" a little harder, intending to remind her of the embarrassing incident involving the imperial family. As expected, An Chongyi's face turned a bit paler.
She stepped forward and raised An Chongyi's arms and straightened her body: "This is the right thing. Since Mr. An improperly bowed to my master, he should behave himself properly. This can be regarded as an apology."
After saying that, she turned to help Liu Cairen up: "Liu Cairen, please get up quickly. There is no need to be formal."
Liu Cai recognized Yu Wanyi's intention, glanced at An Chongyi, and then smiled and bowed to Shen Ji again to show his goodwill.
What she said just now must have been overheard by Yu Wanyi, and it was considered a mistake to betray her. Now that Yu Wanyi is extremely favored in the palace, how many people are getting closer to her? You can't even ask for it!
An Chongyi could not help but feel increasingly sad and angry as he watched Liu Cairen being helped up by Shuangying himself, while he was being raped by others.
How difficult it is to live in this palace without a backer or favor. She used to be a talented person, and both Liu and Yu Wanyi were not as good as her, but now they all have surpassed her!
She will definitely gain favor again and make them all pay the price!
In the ice and snow, Shuang Ying made An Chong dress and dress politely for about two quarters of an hour before letting her get up. As soon as she got up, she left without looking back, leaving only Shen Ji and Liu Cairen.
Liu Cairen Fu Shen said: "An didn't understand the rules and bumped into Yu Wanyi. She also asked Yu Wanyi to forgive her so as not to hurt her body."
Shen Ji smiled and said: "In winter, when the charcoal fire is strong, the plum blossoms will bloom longer if they are in bud. If you pour some snow water into the bottle every day, they will look better. The freshly bloomed plum blossoms have the strongest aroma, and it is also elegant to boil snow and make tea."
Liu Cairen knew that this was Yu Wanyi's reminder to him, and he was delighted and said: "I have learned from you, and I send you my congratulations to Yu Wanyi."
-
On a snowy night, the moon on the fourteenth day of the twelfth lunar month was round and bright, and Shen Ji was teasing Zizhao in his arms.
Qingtan came in from the outside and said that tonight, His Majesty originally turned over Liu Cairen's name certificate, but he was stopped by Yongxin Palace halfway and went to Concubine Lin.
Chapter 72
Concubine Lin intercepted Liu Cairen's Hu?
Shen Ji looked at Zizhao with a faint smile, which was not surprising at all.
"When I first entered the palace, I heard that Concubine Lin liked to cut off other people's favors. But she was already favored at that time. She often had headaches, fever, and discomfort and asked His Majesty to leave. His Majesty also tolerated it. Just talking about it , she has not returned to her old job for more than a year, but now she is showing signs of recovery."
Qingtan used an iron hook to move the charcoal fire in the room to a lukewarm arc, and said calmly: "Lin's restlessness offended His Majesty, and he also behaved improperly. After falling out of favor, he naturally had to live in peace for a while. Now that Taifu Lin has come back to rectify the Lin family, in any case, His Majesty will ignore the previous grudges for the sake of Taifu Lin's appearance. Concubine Lin has gradually regained his favor recently, and His Majesty has sent more rewards to Changxin Palace, so he gave This gave her the confidence to become bolder and bolder."
Shen Ji smiled: "He is still a tepid Liu Cairen. Who doesn't know how to look at people's food?"
"I asked you to put a spy in Changxin Palace last time. How did you do?"
Qingtan Fushen said: "The people in Changxin Palace are all close confidants of Concubine Lin and selected old people. If you want to do anything in Changxin Palace, it will not be easy, but if you just want to inquire about the news, it is not difficult. It doesn't matter. There are many people who are willing to do things that put the master's safety at the same time and gain benefits."
"You did a good job," Shen Ji softly asked the wet nurse to hold the sleeping Zizhao down to rest. He heated a piece of sleeves on the silver charcoal pot and said warmly, "With you guys by my side, I I feel reassured and have gained a lot of help. Today I met An Chongyi in Meilin, and I tried to tease her overtly and secretly. With her temperament, I am afraid she will hate me even more. Besides, I heard that she has been looking for Liu Cairen to regain her favor. But it didn't work. Now that I've provoked her, I'm afraid she will be even more energetic."
She lightly raised her eyes, and her beautiful eyes shimmered under the dancing candlelight: "Do you think, if An Qingyi wants to regain his favor at this time, who is the safest person to look for?"
Qingtan thought for a while and said softly: "Concubine Lin."
"Not bad." Shen Ji took off his nail polish and put a pair of fine white catkins into the plum blossom snow water to soak and rinse, exuding a faint plum fragrance. "Although Lin Guifei had given up on her long ago because she was no longer useful, she We broke up with Liu Cairen, and I knew I had offended me, and today Concubine Lin has cut off Liu Cairen's favor, so I have no other choice but to express my loyalty to Concubine Lin in order to be reused."
"Concubine Lin is the most suitable."
Qingtan thought for a while: "But Concubine Lin may not be willing to agree. She has just started to regain her favor at this time. How could she let An Chongyi come to divide her favor at this juncture? Even if An Chongyi is obedient again, Concubine Lin will pay close attention to Your Majesty first. of."
Shen Ji took out a pair of hands from the plum blossom snow water and wiped the water with a handkerchief: "It's only a matter of time before Taifu Lin comes out of the mountain, Concubine Lin regains her favor, and even regains her power. At this juncture, An will not be used to pretend to be true. Just because you can, it doesn't mean you can't use her. Although Concubine Lin is not as blind to me as Concubine Yi, she is not stupid either. Since An Chongyi wants to surrender, he has to show some sincerity."
"Tell me, what would that sincerity be? Or rather, who would it be?"
After hesitating for a moment, Qingtan said: "You mean, An Chongyi will be disadvantageous to you in order to regain the protection and promotion of Concubine Lin?"
Shen Ji smiled nonchalantly: "I'm afraid I don't have the guts to do it against me, but if you can prevent me from sleeping with you for a while, or make Concubine Lin more favored, it will be useful. If An Chongyi can really win over Lin Guifei again, it will be useful." The promotion of the concubine is favored again, and it is worth burning the boat once, but if there is no big tree like Concubine Lin, An Chongyi will not have the courage to do anything."
"Now that the New Year is approaching, I am busy with the affairs of the previous dynasty, and my Majesty comes to the harem less often. I will make wolfberry and mutton bone soup early tomorrow morning. After I come out from Fengyi Palace to pay my respects, I will go to Jianzhang Palace to give you to Your Majesty. Give me some, wolfberry and mutton bones are the most nourishing and good for your health."
The next day is the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, which is the last day to pay tribute to the Queen and pay her respects.
On this day, there are always more rewards in the palace. Tributes from various states and ministries arrive in Chang'an in large quantities in the twelfth lunar month to show their loyalty. The queen will give rewards to each palace after giving lectures to the harem on this day.
The queen has never been partial to ordinary objects, and she has them all in the palace. If there are rare things, they are mostly for your majesty's request.
Rare things often come with more meat and less meat. It all depends on your Majesty's will. If you let Your Majesty decide, no one can say anything.
Early in the morning, Shen Ji washed up and prepared to go to Fengyi Palace to attend the morning and dusk meditation.
She arrived neither early nor late, and while chatting with the Empress and reminiscing about old times for a while, the hour was approaching and almost everyone in the room was there, but Concubine Lin was missing.
At a fixed time every night, the concubines and concubines of the palace would wait for news from the emperor. Everyone was interested in where his majesty was sleeping. Therefore, most people were aware of the news that Liu Cairen was supposed to be sleeping with him last night but was intercepted by Concubine Lin. Everyone knows that when Concubine Lin is not here, she has all kinds of expressions.
It has only been a long time of good times, and Concubine Lin is about to return to her favor. If she is really allowed to go back to the past, how will she survive this life!
Someone in the crowd said something: "Liu Cairen is really pitiful. He finally got favored, but he was amputated before he could warm himself up. If your majesty can be amputated once, there may be a second time. Liu The favor of a talented person has been intercepted too much by others, and if I don't keep it, Your Majesty will forget about this person."
"Then what can we do? She is a noble concubine. What can Liu Cairen do even if she is a rare favor? I can't just swallow my anger."
Although Liu Cairen felt unhappy, he knew it was not the time to show off, so he could only suppress the unhappiness in his heart depressedly, lowering his head and saying nothing.
The person who spoke lowered his voice and complained: "I just can't stand her behavior!"
"Whose behavior do you dislike-?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Concubine Lin came belatedly from outside dressed up. Her face was rosy and rosy, as if she had been nourished by something good. Her eyes and brows were proud and delicate. She lazily stroked the sapphire that His Majesty had just received. His ears rang, and he drew out a careless and threatening tone.
After more than a year, Concubine Lin finally returned to her former appearance. She had waited too long for this moment.
She held her head high and saluted the Queen in a careless manner: "I got up late to serve Your Majesty. It's freezing outside and even the chariot walks slowly. Please don't blame me for coming late."
The queen looked at her familiar yet unfamiliar appearance. She didn't feel angry, but felt very sad.
She seems to live a noble and noble life, but in fact she has no self at all. She is just a butterfly whose heart is bound by the favor of the palace. She is beautiful and fragile, and cannot withstand a little wind and rain.
The queen said warmly: "It doesn't matter. You have worked hard to serve His Majesty, so it is normal for you to come a little later. Naturally, I will not care about you."
After saying that, the eunuch in charge beside the queen shouted loudly: "Get up--"
All the concubines in the palace saluted the Queen, and then sat down slowly after bowing.
The queen said: "New Year's Eve will be in half a month, and all your palaces are well prepared. Your Majesty has ordered that this year's New Year's Eve banquet should be well organized. If you have any novel ideas, please send someone to inform me. With a shout, there are also the tributes from various states and places, which have been sorted out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and they will arrive in your palace one after another today."
"This year, due to the severe drought in Suzhou, neighboring states have also been affected, and the tributes are not as regular as before, but I have put great thought into them. If there are any missing items, don't feel unhappy as the New Year approaches. "
The concubines stood up to express their gratitude, and then the queen said a few more words before letting them go.
When Shen Ji walked out of Fengyi Palace, he saw Concubine Lin already sitting on the chariot. The nail polish inlaid with gold and gemstones was lazily placed on the armrest, shining under the luster, so luxurious.
She looked at Shen Ji and sneered, held her head and said lazily: "Go back to the palace, on this great day, don't let me see anything bad."
Taifu Lin regained control of the Lin family, and Concubine Lin's arrogance gradually became more arrogant. She disrespected the queen and ridiculed Shen Ji. She was exactly the same as before.
Shen Ji was too lazy to argue with Concubine Lin. When he turned around, Qingtan was already walking over with a food box in his hands.
She personally held the food box in her hand. It was so heavy that you could smell the aroma outside.
People were announcing the news in front of Jianzhang Hall, and even the young eunuch who was delivering the news did not dare to delay. Yu Wanyi wanted to see His Majesty, how could there be a possibility that His Majesty would not see her!
She carried the mutton bone soup and walked steadily up the eighty-one jade steps. Now that she had entered the palace for nearly two years, she was no longer the uneasy feeling she had when she first got along with His Majesty.
His Majesty had just come to court not long ago and was reviewing the accumulated memorials in the imperial study. It was frosty and snowy outside. The imperial maid took off her cloak. Shen Ji carried the food box and walked all the way to the study. He was watching intently.
Shen Ji stepped forward lightly, put down the food box, and saluted His Majesty with a graceful voice: "Concubine, please give your regards to Your Majesty."
Only then did Qin Yuan come back to his senses. Seeing that it was Shen Ji who came to deliver the food in person, with a faint smile in his eyes, he told Shen Ji not to be polite. As soon as the person approached, he raised his hand and naturally wrapped it around her waist. Putting his limbs into his arms, he asked in a warm voice: "What's delicious?"
Shen Ji opened the food box and said in a clear voice: "This is wolfberry and mutton bone soup. It is nourishing and replenishing Qi. It is suitable for drinking in winter. Your Majesty has been busy with government affairs recently and has been thinking very hard. Even after having breakfast, I am afraid that I am a little hungry now. Drink some pad pad."
She personally served a small bowl. The soup inside was neither thick nor light, and had a pleasant fragrance. Even the meat was carefully deboned.
Shen Ji scooped out a spoonful and handed it over. When the porcelain spoon collided with the edge of the bowl, it made a crisp porcelain sound and was brought to His Majesty's mouth.
Qin Yuan opened his mouth to eat, but the tip of his nose smelled something different. He took advantage of the situation and pinched Shen Ji's wrist: "Susu smells so good."
"It smells like plum blossoms."
Shen Ji washed his hands and soaked them in plum blossom snow water yesterday and this morning, which naturally gave him a faint fragrance of plum blossoms.
She gently rubbed His Majesty's lips with her fingertips, and her voice was a little sultry: "Maybe it was because I was delayed for a long time when I met An Chongyi in Meilin yesterday, and the fragrance of plum blossoms lingered for a long time."
Chapter 73
When An Chongyi's name first came out, Qin Yuan didn't remember who she was.
There are many concubines in the palace. Although most of them are from good families selected by various states, many of them have never been favored. However, the daughters of official families are all named. Anyone who enters the palace must have served them, regardless of whether they are favored or not. sleep.
After thinking for a while, Shen Ji put down the bowl, turned around and hugged His Majesty's neck, whispering in his ear: "He was the one who misbehaved before the emperor and caused Susu to fall off his chair at the Chongyang Family Banquet."
"His Majesty demoted her from Cai Ren to Chong Yi and moved her out of Zhaochun Palace, so it makes sense that she doesn't remember her."
The concubines have always been gentle and carefree in front of Qin Yuan, and their behavior is elegant and touching. This is the first time that Qin Yuan has seen such concubines in front of him. Even if it is human nature, it still makes him lose his appetite. I don't want to see her anymore.
What's more, An's family was still restless and tried to frame Yu Wanyi.
Now more than a year has passed, and he can still clearly recall that scene. It is really something that he cannot forget even if he wants to.
Qin Yuan held Shen Ji's waist and said softly: "Well, I remembered it."
"It's cold in the snow. What are you doing to waste time with her? Just leave."
Shen Ji nuzzled into his arms and grunted twice: "It's not that Susu is not too cold, it's that An Chongyi's words are disrespectful and he doesn't salute properly. Susu is not a careless person, but Shuangying is the most loyal." , you also know that, so he taught An Chongyi how to salute, which wasted his time."
"An Chongyi resented Susu back then, and now that Shuangying is teaching her in the snow, she may be very unhappy."
Qin Yuan looked calm and pinched her waist: "I have been thinking about it for more than a year and still don't repent. I am disrespectful and disrespectful. I am too tolerant to her."
After that, he looked at Shen Ji on his knees and said calmly, "Now I want to call Zhang Pu in to deliver the order. If you are not ashamed, then it doesn't matter to me."
After almost two years in the palace, Shen Ji and His Majesty have become much closer than before. Even when they sit on his lap, their flirting movements are natural and familiar.
But what he said out of the blue still made Shen Ji blush with embarrassment.
Seeing that His Majesty was about to call Zhang Pu in with bad intentions, Shen Ji got off him in a hurry and turned his back in shame, refusing to look at him.
Her blushing and shy look was cute, and it was rare for her little temper to be affectionate. A chuckle escaped from Qin Yuan's throat, and he reached out to hold her, trying to turn Shen Ji around: "We are all mothers and concubines, so why not?" Compete with me."
Shen Jicai refused to obey him, and his charming and angry tone was as soft as a feather scratching Qin Yuan's heart: "Zizhao doesn't know that his father is privately... a prodigal."
Although these words were wild, Qin Yuan laughed and squeezed her hand: "You know best whether I am a slut or not."
After that, he called Zhang Pu in and explained: "I remember that Huguang Forge was only sent to Suzhou early this morning, and the sericulture industry was damaged by the drought this year, so we only got eight. The Queen and Yu Wanyi have three each. , and the remaining two are given to Concubine Lin."
Zhang Pu bowed and said yes, and then said: "There is one more thing, I want to ask your Majesty for instructions."
"The tribute pearls from the South China Sea this year are much more than before, and they are round and huge. They are excellent materials. The queen wishes that the new year is approaching, so she can give some to the concubines in the palace, so as to add to the happiness. , so that even low-level concubines can appreciate the kindness of the Heavenly Family, but how precious is this pearl? I am here to ask your opinion."
Qin Yuan glanced at Shen Ji, knocked on the handrail slowly and said: "The Queen is kind-hearted and always thinks about everyone in the harem, so I naturally grant her permission. Except for the Queen Mother and the Queen's share, which is indispensable, everything is done according to the rules. One for each person below, three for each person below the chief, and the rest of the chief will be rewarded according to their positions, and the queen will distribute them."
"An Chongyi disrespected the superior and offended Yu Wanyi. Her share will be sent to Yu Wanyi Palace."
Hearing this, Shen Ji turned around, Fu Shen said with a smile: "Your Majesty loves me so much that I gave An Chongyi's pearl to my concubine, so I will thank you very much."
"It's just that the Huguang Forge is rare. Your Majesty gave three horses to the concubines and two horses to the noble concubine. Aren't you afraid that the noble concubine will taste them?"
Qin Yuan glanced at her leisurely: "You still behave well when you get an advantage."
After Zhang Pu was ordered to retreat, Shen Ji came up to him and said with a beautiful face as big as a palm: "Why is Susu so good? I am worried about your majesty."
"I heard that yesterday, when Liu Cairen was supposed to be sleeping with him, Your Majesty went to see Concubine Lin on the way. It can be seen that Your Majesty still likes Concubine Lin more now. With Concubine Lin's temperament, if he knew that he had more concubines than her, how could he Can be happy."
Mentioning Concubine Lin, the smile in Qin Yuan's eyes unconsciously faded a little, but he didn't say much to Shen Ji. He only pinched her smooth and fair cheeks: "Since I gave it to you, I'm not afraid of her being jealous. How many times have I Have all the good things been sent to Changxin Palace? Now that I love you so much, I will keep you close to all the good things except the Queen's wife."
"Just take it in peace."
"Yes, that would be disrespectful. Your Majesty's grace cannot be snatched away by your concubine."
Shen Ji bent his eyes and took a step back with a smile, and said goodbye to His Majesty: "In that case, Your Majesty can review the memorial with peace of mind, and my concubines will not disturb you."
Qin Yuan said calmly: "Today is the fifteenth. I will go to the Queen's Palace in the evening. I will visit you and Zizhao tomorrow when I have time."
-
South Sea pearls are precious and hard to come by, and the news that His Majesty and the Queen consorted with each palace during the New Year soon spread as the Ministry of Internal Affairs sent tributes to each palace.
Such big pearls are usually only given to the queen of the throne, but the concubines who are not favored below are not as favored as this time. The big pearls are used to make hairpins or headdresses. They are gorgeous and exquisite. This year Nanhai is so productive that even the concubines below Shunyi can get one. Many concubines are very happy.
But the news that one of them did not receive the tribute also spread throughout the palaces, and that was An Chongyi.
The work in the palace day after day is not interesting. No matter how big or small the matter between the masters is, it is the subject of discussion among the slaves after tea and dinner. It is passed down from ten to ten and spreads quickly.
An Chongyi was disrespectful to Yu Wanyi in Meilin, and Yu Wanyi turned around and went to Jianzhang Palace to blow off the wind. His Majesty was able to humiliate An Chongyi in this way. It is self-evident who he favored and who he treated coldly.
The ministers of chamberlain distributed the tributes to various palaces one after another, and the entrance hall of Changxin Palace became as lively as before.
Concubine Lin was leaning on the concubine's couch, and she stretched out her hand to let the palace maid apply kodan on her. She looked at the palace people in the courtyard who were hurriedly bringing tributes, and she couldn't help but feel proud and contemptuous in her eyes.
Her Changxin Palace has been His Majesty's most frequented place for several years. It doesn't matter if she has been neglected for a year. Now she has regained His Majesty's favor and favor. How dare these servants show any slightest indifference.
Tongmei personally came in with a box of South Sea pearls and told Concubine Lin the gossip she had just heard outside. Then she opened the brocade box and handed it over, offering the pearls inside for Concubine Lin to enjoy: "Empress, An Chongyi After being silent for more than a year, are you really so bold to contradict Yu Wanyi?"
Concubine Lin sneered coldly: "Ms. An has no talent, she is just a master who opens a dyeing workshop if she gets a little good. She was framed and fell out of favor. She was demoted and moved to the palace for framing the Shen family. She has long hated the Shen family in her heart." , I believe that she curses and curses me in her heart, but she doesn't have the guts to do it in person."
"If there really was a conflict in Merlin, I think it is most likely that Yu Wanyi deliberately tried to tease her, and the evildoer complained first to defraud An Chongyi."
Tongmei whispered: "But Yu Wanyi doesn't look like someone who would look for trouble."
"Isn't this the kind of person who will inevitably become arrogant after being favored for a long time? After giving birth to the third prince, her noble son, her status jumped up, but she is no longer the commoner she used to be. I couldn't get rid of her at the beginning. She, this is how she has grown to the point where she is today, and has robbed His Majesty of countless favors!"
Concubine Lin's face was full of displeasure, but considering that His Majesty's attitude towards her had finally warmed up, it was not appropriate to cause trouble at this juncture.
Even if she didn't like Shen and those little foxes pestering His Majesty, what she cared about most was whether His Majesty's heart was with her and her friendship with Him.
A pair of slender, jade-like hands were coated with the new kodan, and Concubine Lin took a look at them in the sun with satisfaction.
After a while, the messenger at the door came in and said, "Empress, An Chongyi wants to see you."
"An Chongyi?" Lin Guifei immediately frowned and said with disgust, "What is she doing here to find me at this time? It's really unlucky. The news that His Majesty has rewarded the whole palace but not her has spread throughout the world. Your Majesty hates people who are dissatisfied. What good can you do by looking for me at this time? Go ahead and drive her away. Don't stand at the gate of Changxin Palace for a long time and let your Majesty think that I ordered her to be disrespectful to Shen. ."
The palace maid who delivered the message immediately took the order and told An Chongyi exactly what he said.
An Chongyi knew that she had become the laughing stock of the whole palace, and her hatred for Yu Wanyi had reached its peak. She was waiting at the gate of Changxin Palace, feeling nervous and uneasy. When she heard the palace maid's words, she felt as if she had been slapped on the head. The cold water all over her body made her tremble like chaff, and she became desperate.
...If Concubine Lin refuses to accept her anymore, what else can she do to regain her favor?
Is it possible to stay like this all your life, being looked down upon and laughed at by others, unable to hold your head high?
After An Chongyi left Changxin Palace in despair, Concubine Lin relaxed her brows.
An's was useless, and Shen's was really disappointing to her.
She wanted to find an opportunity to test His Majesty's intentions.
-
Two days later, it was dark.
Someone from the palace bureau came to deliver the message, saying that His Majesty would stay at Du Yuxuan tonight so that Haosheng could prepare.
Whenever they go to bed, Du Yuxuan is always particularly happy, busy washing and dressing his master inside and outside.
Qingtan threw the petals into the bathtub and took the bath with the two palace maids. She whispered: "My servant heard that An Chongyi went to Changxin Palace today, but was kicked out without seeing Concubine Lin. It can be seen that Lin The imperial concubine doesn't want to pay attention to An Chongyi now."
Shen Ji smiled and rubbed his eyebrows: "It's just as I expected."
She hid her face and yawned: "The tall Zhao Tai was very energetic all night yesterday, and now he is a little tired after being soaked in hot water."
The faint fragrance and hot water evaporated from the petal juice slowly poured on Shen Ji's porcelain-white skin. At some point, she was so sleepy that she leaned on the edge of the tub and fell asleep.
When she woke up vaguely, her small and shiny earlobes were being gently kneaded by someone, and her fingertips were covered in rough calluses, which made her tremble slightly.
It's Your Majesty.
Chapter 74
Shen Ji couldn't help but let out a sigh.
The fair skin turned into a light pink by the hot water and the touch, and the water-soaked black hair stuck to the smooth and graceful back.
She turned slightly and looked over, her wet eyes seemed to be full of temptation. The beauty had a cinnabar mole and a lot of charm. His Majesty was standing behind her, with endless lust in his dark black eyes.
"Didn't His Majesty have to come later? Why at this time...can't help but come early?"
Shen Ji's face turned red, and she sank into the bathtub, letting the fragrant petals cover her body.
Qin Yuan's throat was a little dry and hoarse, and her small earlobe was missing from his rough fingers, which made him feel empty for a moment, leaving him still a little unfinished.
He leaned on the edge of the wet bathtub, his throat tightened, but he was very restrained: "I came over early after finishing the government affairs. I miss you and Zizhao too."
"It's against the rules here. If word spreads among the palace servants who serve you, it will bring a bad reputation to you, so I won't want you here."
Qin Yuan turned his back and said, "I will go see the Third Prince first and wait for you to come in the dormitory."
After His Majesty left, Qingtan and Junxue walked in immediately and took the master out of the bathtub.
Yun Xue couldn't help but snicker: "I have never heard of a young master who barged in without making a sound when the young master was taking a bath. But he just came in to see you and went to see the third prince without doing anything. It can be seen that Your Majesty really likes you very much."
Shen Ji smiled: "Since giving birth to Zizhao, His Majesty has indeed treated me more caringly than before, and I can feel it."
"The relationship between mother and son in the palace is inseparable. It is not easy for the third prince to be born, and he has auspicious signs. How could your majesty not care about him more?" Shuangming served Shen Ji and came out of the bath, and put on the new clothes made by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The silk pajamas smiled and whispered, "My little master, everything is packed. You can go to the dormitory now."
Shen Ji gathered his pajamas and walked slowly from the side hall to the inner hall. Although there were charcoal fires everywhere in the room, it was unavoidable that he was a little cold just after coming out of the hot water.
Qin Yuan had already visited the third prince at this time and was sitting on the sofa in front of the window reading a book that Shen Ji had turned upside down. When he heard the voice, he knew that Shen Ji was coming, so he never raised his head and said warmly: "I remember you. After entering the palace, the first time I saw you was in the Queen's Palace. At that time, the Queen was ill, and you sent a Buddhist scripture that you copied yourself. The words were beautiful and there were no mistakes or omissions. I noticed you at that time."
Shen Ji got closer and closer, and he raised his head to hold her hand: "Even among officials' women, not everyone can read and know how to be elegant. But you were born as a commoner, but you are willing to learn to read. Now that you are in the palace, you still read when you have nothing to do. It's really very strange. rare."
She smiled lightly, sat down next to His Majesty, and asked softly: "Why does Your Majesty like women to study? Susu has been in the palace for two years, and he has never heard that His Majesty likes women to study."
Qin Yuan flicked the tip of her nose with his finger: "When you first meet someone, you should look at their appearance first, then their character, and finally their knowledge. Although I appreciate that it is a good thing for women to study, after all, I do not want concubines in the harem to take the exam for the top prize. Yes, I won't tell anyone about it, but I saw a Book of Songs upside down on your desk today, so I complimented you a few times."
Shen Jijiao smiled and leaned her head on His Majesty's shoulder: "Then Your Majesty is praising Susu's appearance, character, character, and knowledge?"
Qin Yuan raised his eyebrows and looked at her: "You are putting gold on your face."
After that, he deliberately teased her for a while before letting go: "It's just that it's true."
"Although there are many concubines in the harem, you are the only one who satisfies me the most, and you are the only one who can make me use my thoughts."
When he said this, Shen Ji beside him was looking at him seriously without blinking, looking lazy and focused.
She had just come out of the shower, and her dark hair was half-dried and hanging loosely.
There is the fragrance of roses on her body, as if there are some plum blossoms mixed in, charming and lonely, alluring and contradictory.
The suppressed anger surged up again, and Qin Yuan couldn't hold it back just looking at those eyes.
Fortunately, it was already night, so he didn't need to be patient, and he wouldn't be patient with himself.
Qin Yuan put his big hands around Shen Ji's waist, pulled her onto his lap, then clasped the back of her head and kissed her.
In the next moment, he directly picked her up horizontally and placed her on the bed that had been tidied up long ago. The smooth brocade quilt shone brightly under the candlelight, making her skin as smooth as jade.
The curtains were lowered, the cold wind was howling outside, and the winter was biting my bones.
The interior is full of beauty.
After it was over, Shen Ji lay beside Qin Yuan, making circles with his hair to tickle His Majesty, and snickered under the quilt.
Qin Yuan was about to deal with her, the troublemaking little goblin, when someone knocked on the door and heard Zhang Pu's voice.
Qin Yuan was immediately unhappy that his good time was interrupted, and there was an unknown fire in his heart.
But as usual, this time was the time when he had just gone to sleep with his concubines. If he could be disturbed, there must be something important.
Qin Yuan lowered his tone and asked, "What happened?"
Zhang Pu naturally knew that it was not good to disturb His Majesty at this time, but Concubine Lin sent people over in a hurry. He really did not dare to refuse, for fear that something would go wrong: "Concubine Lin's maid, Hiiragi Mei, came to report that Concubine Lin I feel a little unwell and would like to ask Your Majesty to come and have a look."
At this critical moment, why is Concubine Lin feeling unwell again?
Qin Yuan frowned and sat up.
When I went to Changxin Palace a few days ago, I heard Chang Le coughing a few times and said that she had caught a bit of wind and cold. Today, Concubine Lin is feeling unwell, probably because she also caught the wind and cold while taking care of Chang Le.
But even if Concubine Lin was really unwell, the imperial physician on duty in the palace went to check for her pulse. She had been in peace for several months before returning to favor, but now she was returning to her previous trend.
He had just left Liu Cairen to live with her a few days ago, and now he wanted to invite him to Du Yuxuan, so Liu Cairen would be fine, but Shen Ji was different after all.
Seeing His Majesty's displeasure and weighing, combined with Zhang Pu's words just now, she guessed what was going on.
Shen Ji stood up and leaned weakly on His Majesty's knees. He didn't say anything, just looked at him.
The pair of eyes that had just been clear and smart now were filled with water, and she looked like she was about to cry.
If the Queen is ill, even if His Majesty considers it, she will push her to go with Him. However, whether Concubine Lin is really sick, pretends to be sick, or needs to die, Shen Ji will not feel the slightest pity.
It's really funny that she has just regained his favor and is now trying to probe His Majesty's thoughts and steal someone from her.
As soon as Shen Ji closed her eyes, big tears fell down. She covered up the coldness in her eyes and looked at His Majesty with only aggrievedness and forbearance: "Your Majesty, Concubine Lin is unwell. You want to go and visit her." ?"
She stretched out her hand and carefully hooked the corner of His Majesty's clothes, as if looking extremely pitiful, with tears in her eyes: "Then Your Majesty...will you come back?"
Seeing Shen Ji crying sadly, Qin Yuan's heart twitched, and he couldn't help feeling a little distressed.
In the past, she had suffered countless grievances because of Concubine Lin. No matter what happened or how he made up for it afterwards, Shen Ji would always swallow all the grievances so obediently.
She was sensible and well-behaved and never let him worry. Even though Zizhao was so aggrieved when he was born, but later the child was fine, she easily forgiven her helplessness.
In contrast, the friendship between Concubine Lin and his former childhood friend had almost disappeared due to the quarrels day after day, leaving only disappointment and dissatisfaction with Lin.
Comparing the two powers, Shen Ji is the one he should cherish.
Qin Yuan's feelings and considerations about Concubine Lin were complicated and related to government affairs. Qin Yuan was always reluctant to say anything, but it was different today.
He gently wiped away the tears from the corners of Shen Ji's eyes with his fingertips and eliminated all thoughts: "If you don't cry, I won't leave."
After that, he said in a deep voice: "I and Yu Wanyi have already rested. We will not go to Changxin Palace tonight. We will let the doctors from the Imperial Medical Department go and take care of her. I will naturally go see her tomorrow when I have time."
His Majesty's decree has been issued, which means that he does not want to go.
Zhang Pu conveyed his message to Hiiragi Mei without saying a single word. Hiiragi Mei reluctantly wanted to step forward to say a few more words, but was stopped by Zhang Pu: "Your Majesty has already spoken, so it's better not to come forward and disturb His Majesty's purity. If I insisted on stepping forward and accidentally made His Majesty angry, and I am afraid that even Concubine Lin cannot bear this responsibility."
"please."
Zhang Pu waved his fly whisk to signal to the people below to ask Hiiragi Mei to leave quickly, so as not to disturb His Majesty Qing Jing by making noise in the yard, so she left reluctantly.
The sounds outside fell silent again, but Shen Ji's pretended aggrievedness turned out to be true because His Majesty really stayed for her.
This feeling was a bit inexplicable, and she didn't quite understand it.
But the tears actually fell down again.
In fact, she knew that the Lin family had been restrained under Taifu Lin's control recently, and His Majesty's return of favor to Concubine Lin was also because he was afraid of the Lin family. But if it hadn't been for her today, His Majesty would most likely have left instead of staying. .
His Majesty stayed because of her emotions, which always made Shen Ji a little moved.
"Your Majesty refuses to leave just because of Susu. What should I do if Concubine Lin is unhappy?"
Qin Yuan patted her back gently and coaxed her: "You're so good, why are you crying again? Huh? Since I'm staying, I'm not afraid of her being unhappy."
"On the other hand, you keep crying and crying, asking me to do whatever you want."
He put his long arms around Shen Ji and held her in his arms: "I'll reward you with whatever you want tomorrow, and then take the time to look at her. Tonight I belong to you alone."
-
It was pitch dark outside, and the wind was blowing extremely cold, but Concubine Lin seemed not to feel half of it. She stood in front of the large open window and stared outside, waiting for news about Hiiragi Mei.
After a moment, Hiiragi Mei's figure appeared from the palace door, and she looked happy. She hurriedly closed the window, picked up her skirt and trotted outside: "Did His Majesty come to see me?"
Tongmei did not dare to face the disappointment of her empress, and lowered her head: "His Majesty said that he has rested and will not come to Changxin Palace today. He said that the imperial doctor will take care of your pulse. Your Majesty... will come to visit you tomorrow."
Concubine Lin's face turned pale instantly.
Chapter 75
Seeing that Hiiragi didn't dare to look up and was cowering in fear, Concubine Lin subconsciously took a step back.
"Your Majesty, if you don't come..."
She stared at Hiiragi Mei's appearance, first in disbelief, then in self-deprecation, and finally in deep loss, shedding tears.
She has been married to His Majesty for several years. She and His Majesty have been childhood sweethearts and have known each other since childhood, earlier than all the other women in the palace.
Among them were princes, princesses, and noble sons and daughters from aristocratic families. They read, played, and rode horses together. Those green years were vividly in her mind. They were her most treasured and proudest time. She didn't know how happy they were.
She has admired His Majesty since she was a child, but when His Majesty married the Crown Princess, she had not yet had haircuts, so she took advantage of the Queen.
But even so, it didn't matter. She still begged her grandfather and forced herself to become His Majesty's concubine. She felt that it didn't matter if she was a concubine, as long as the person she married was His Majesty, and as long as His Majesty loved her and loved her, she didn't care about these statuses.
Over the years, His Majesty did love her the most, and he was the most relaxed and talkative when he was with her. She knew that she would always be different from those women in His Majesty's heart, so she showed off to the best of her ability, enjoyed all the glory and wealth, and was proud of herself. , the queen didn't take it seriously either.
But gradually, because of Lin, His Majesty became angry with her and became more and more distant from her.
If she was only angered because of her mother's clan, Concubine Lin would not be so afraid. But as new people came in, there would always be one or two who fell out of His Majesty's favor. Now that Shen Ji is a bitch, Your Majesty will treat many of them even more. He gave her all his thoughts and gave birth to the third prince.
In the past, she always felt that His Majesty only liked Shen Ji because she was young and beautiful, and she was a commoner's daughter who was inevitably more novel. But today, right now, she had to see the reality clearly.
I'm afraid His Majesty is thinking too much about Mr. Shen.
Liu Cairen didn't care because he didn't care. He was always the first priority, but for Shen, he was able to put aside his discomfort. This was the first time in so many years.
No wonder His Majesty is becoming less and less fond of himself than before.
What I liked before, I don't like now. What I used to turn a blind eye to, now I can't see.
Even if Mrs. Lin is really restless, she is also restless in the palace. Isn't it because of Mrs. Shen?
It was obvious that she was the one who met His Majesty first... What on earth did Shen Ji, that bitch, do? !
With tears streaming down her cheeks, Concubine Lin rushed into the palace and smashed the precious utensils in the palace wildly. Whether it was vases, porcelain or jade ornaments, they were smashed to the ground one by one and splashed everywhere.
Seeing that the empress was furious, the palace attendants in Changxin Palace were so frightened that they knelt on the ground and shouted in unison: "Please calm down, don't hurt yourself!"
Although Hiiragi Mei is also afraid of the wrath of the empress, as the maid in charge of the empress and the person close to her, she cannot watch the empress ignore the overall situation.
She hurriedly stepped forward to persuade her: "My queen, please calm down. It's already night. If you are so angry and let others hear it, your majesty may hear what your middle finger will sound like. Even if your majesty doesn't come today, he will come tomorrow." I'm here to see you, why should I be so angry? It won't be good if you are so angry."
After saying that, she winked at the maids in the palace and hurriedly cleaned up the mess on the floor.
Then he persuaded again: "It's windy outside now. Maybe His Majesty is too cold to move. He did this because he knew you were fine. I'd better take it slow and don't get angry again."
Concubine Lin grabbed the vase under her hand and was about to throw it out. She finally stopped when she thought of His Majesty, and said with red eyes: "No..."
"no......"
Her tears fell like broken beads: "I know your Majesty, he will never do it because of this..."
It's because of Shen, I must think that Shen!
Concubine Lin looked steadily in the direction of Chunlan Palace, her eyes filled with hatred, and she gritted her teeth and said: "Tomorrow, bring An Chongyi to me. I will never stand by and watch His Majesty like someone else!"
When he woke up the next morning, Shen Ji turned over and yawned. With sleepy eyes, he felt that no one was there anymore when he touched his side.
Her long eyelashes trembled slightly and her red lips opened slightly: "Your Majesty..."
Qin Yuan had already stood up and was being dressed energetically by the palace servants. Every time he slept with Shen Ji, he always slept peacefully and sweetly.
Hearing that the person on the bed was awake, he glanced over slowly and straightened his sleeves unhurriedly: "Are you awake?"
Shen Ji didn't get up when he heard the voice. Half of his face was buried under the brocade quilt. He had done what it looked like to be a pampered concubine and had no intention of getting up to serve him: "Well... I'm still very sleepy..."
He raised his eyebrows: "Are you tired now?"
There were so many palace attendants nearby, Shen Ji blushed and refused to speak.
"It's okay to sleep a little longer if you're tired," Qin Yuan finished changing and stepped forward to touch Shen Ji's forehead with his fingers, "I'll come back next morning to have breakfast with you and then see Zizhao."
After saying that, Qin Yuan walked out of the door and told Qingtan and Qingchen who were serving in the hall: "Serve your master well, she is particularly sweet."
After His Majesty left, another half hour passed before Junxue dared to take Du Yuxuan's people in to help Shen Ji change clothes and wash up.
"Every time I see His Majesty caring about you, I feel very happy."
She helped Shen Ji slowly get out of the bed and said happily: "I have never heard of His Majesty treating other concubines like this before. It shows that he cares about you the most. Who in the palace doesn't know that Du Yuxuan loves you so much?" The love never fades, even the slaves' backs are straightened when they walk out of the palace."
Among the few confidants around her, Yunxue loves gossip and laughs. The other three are all stable regardless of their age. Although she feels reassured, occasionally looking at Yunxue's innocent smile makes Shen Ji feel much happier. .
"It's okay to be proud, but don't be presumptuous. I have been favored for so long, and I don't know how many pairs of eyes in the palace are watching."
"Yes, all the slaves have taken note of it."
Shuangying curled his lips and said with a smile: "Junxue is more lively and laughs in our palace, but fortunately she is still stable outside. Now that she is getting older, I can see that she is acting like your personal palace maid when she is working outside now. "
When Yun Xue was praised, she started to squirm in embarrassment and said, "Stop praising me. If you praise me any more, you'll start to float."
Shuangxing smiled and took out the comb to tie Shen Ji's hairpins: "It's snowing again this morning. I remember that you made an appointment with Yi Baolin a few days ago and said that if it snows again, we will go to Taiye Pond to see the snow scene together. It's too late." Can you go after dinner?"
There was nothing to do while they were idle. Shen Ji smiled and said warmly: "Let's go after breakfast with His Majesty. Send someone to Yuhe Hall first to let us know. If we don't go, Yuya will forget about this." ."
"yes."
Apart from himself, Ji Baolin and Yuya were relatively favored among the others in the palace.
Ji Baolin was an unpredictable and cold beauty who spoke very little. None of the concubines were familiar with her, and they had no idea what her temperament was. However, she had always been vaguely worried about Yuya.
Although it had been so long since the last time she was wronged and humiliated, Shen Ji felt that Yuya had never really forgiven her.
Life is never easy for the women in the palace. They all walk on thin ice and must be cautious to gain peace and honor. Even Shen Ji has been attacked several times, both openly and secretly.
But if anyone hurts you, just look for an opportunity to pay him back. It's not worth hurting your own heart.
It is also because of this that Shen Ji always wants to talk to Yuya more, even if it can make her feel at ease for a while.
Not long after freshening up and changing clothes, Qingchen came back from the Shangshi Bureau with the maids who had taken the meals, and placed all the dishes, porridge and snacks he brought back on the round table in the side hall one by one.
I couldn't eat anything fishy or greasy in the morning, just a few side dishes. After eating the porridge, my whole body felt warm.
His Majesty had dined with her and wanted to see Concubine Lin and Princess Changle. Shen Ji happened to be going out as well, so he sent His Majesty to the palace road.
Concubine Lin may have been very angry last night, and she doesn't know what she will look like when she meets His Majesty today.
But she insisted on being favored and still behaved, letting His Majesty know that Concubine Lin was ignorant, but she was always pitiful.
Shen Ji stood next to His Majesty's dragon chariot, stretched out his hand to hold His Majesty's hand, and said softly: "Your Majesty did not go to Changxin Palace last night, and the Imperial Concubine must have been sad. Although the concubine and the Imperial Concubine had many conflicts in the past, she is currently ill. It is inevitable that the person will be depressed, so please, for the sake of Princess Changle, please forgive me."
The imperial concubine used to be very targeted at Shen Ji, but now Shen Ji is so sensible and considers her. A comparison shows who is more considerate.
Qin Yuan looked at her appearance and tapped her hand with his fingertips: "I know, it's cold outside, go back."
Naturally, Shen Ji would not go back to the palace at this time. She paid her respects and watched His Majesty's guard of honor go away at the entrance of Chunlan Palace. She vaguely saw His Majesty seeming to look back.
She didn't get up until the last person disappeared from sight.
Shuangying held Shen Ji's wrist and said warmly: "Qingtan has gone to take care of the third prince with the nuns. With her here, we can go out safely."
Shen Ji nodded and said with a smile: "We won't pass the chariot today. Let's walk."
Ever since Qingtan and Qingchen were assigned to her by His Majesty, she was often surprised by the care, stability and intelligence of these two palace maids.
Not only is he well-informed, he is also quite prestigious in the palace, has rich connections, and is very bold in everything he does.
The most important thing is that in the past six months, they have taken their own words as their orders and taken everything into consideration, unlike people in their twenties.
His Majesty was willing to give her the person he was accustomed to using before the emperor. He didn't think it was precious before, but now, as time goes by, he realizes that having such two close people by his side is much better than gold, silver and jewelry.
Snowflakes are falling from the sky, and the white snow, red walls and golden tiles are luxurious and cool.
Shen Ji's eyebrows are picturesque and his complexion is as beautiful as snow. Standing on the long street, he looks as beautiful as the person in the painting.
She held a gold-painted hand burner in her sleeve, used Shuangying to tighten her snow fox fur cloak again, held up a red plum paper umbrella, and then walked towards Taiye Pond unhurriedly.
When they arrived at the place, Yuya was already waiting for her on the willow embankment. Seeing that she had been blessed first, she smiled and said, "Sister Yu."
"I'm seeing something interesting, and I'll point it out to you."
Ban Yuya's eyebrows were light and she pointed to the depths of the flower path, "Sister, look over there."
"It's Hiiragi Mei and An Chongyi from Changxin Palace."
Chapter 76
Since An Chongyi was demoted and moved to the palace by His Majesty due to his fall during the Double Ninth Family Banquet last year, he has been moved to Xiufengju, which is further away than Roufu Palace.
If Hiiragi Mei was sending An Chongyi back, then it would make sense to appear here.
Xiufengju used to be a place for concubines to rest on their way. The place was close to Yueying Lake and the Library Pavilion.
I heard that in the past, when the Taiye Pond in the palace was not renovated to be so beautiful, many concubines liked to go boating and have fun at Yueying Lake, and there were also many people coming and going in Xiufengju.
But gradually, the location of Taiye Pond became better and more lively, and the Xiufengju area gradually became desolate. Except for the occasional palace servants who were serving around, this place was far away from the serious concubine palace, and there were no people at all. It was a remote place. A place where no one has set foot.
It was also for this reason that the Queen obeyed His Majesty's will and sent her to live in Xiufeng. Her original intention was to make her pure and clean, and to avoid seeing the ridicule of others all the time.
Speaking of which, Changxin Palace is the farthest away from Xiufengju. This Hiiragi Mei was able to send An Chongyi back in person, which shows that he has met Lin Guifei and had a good conversation with her.
Shen Ji withdrew his gaze, smiled lightly and said to Qiu Fei and the others beside Yu Ya: "I will have a few words with Yi Baolin, you all should wait at a distance."
Qiu Fei subconsciously looked at Ban Yuya. After receiving the confirmation look from the young master, she lowered her head and led the other maids behind Yi Baolin, followed Shuangying and others to stand not far away.
Shen Ji took this scene into consideration, but did not ask directly. Instead, he first talked about his own situation: "Two days ago in Meilin, I taught An Chongyi to salute for half an hour. There were also many things in the palace. Not many people know about it, but you must have heard about it too."
Ban Yuya nodded: "I heard that An Chongyi has always hated us. It's right for my sister to give her some color. Besides, my sister is not someone who likes to bully others for no reason. An Chongyi's words must be unrestrained. , she is not a peaceful master."
"I also heard that my sister went to the Empress Jianzhang Palace. Her Majesty and the Empress rewarded the whole palace with pearls from the South China Sea, but they did not reward An Chongyi, making her the laughing stock of the whole palace."
Shen Ji smiled lightly and said humbly: "Yes, I did it. Unwilling to remain unknown, An Chongyi once approached Liu Cairen to regain his favor, but Liu Cairen was unwilling and she was speechless. , I gave her a blow. As for the pearl, I guessed that she might beg Concubine Lin, in order to make Concubine Lin think she is worthless, so as to save the two of them from joining forces. "
"Originally, it was successful. Concubine Lin also gave up the idea of An Chongyi and kicked her out. Unexpectedly, some people may be born to be incompatible and sworn enemies. When His Majesty stayed at Du Yuxuan last night, Concubine Lin claimed to be ill. Let Hiiragi come to invite your majesty, but your majesty has no face for it."
Ban Yuya's cold and calm expression suddenly frowned, and she whispered: "Concubine Lin is such a proud person. She invited His Majesty from Liu Cairen two days ago, but she was disrespected by my sister. She will definitely I feel unhappy, Concubine Lin has been gradually regaining her favor recently, it would not be a good idea to provoke her at this time."
The snow scene in Taiye Lake is picturesque, the scenery of ice and snow is pure and flawless, the snowflakes are rustling, falling on the body and melting away. You don't feel cold when you are in it, but there is a clear and open air between heaven and earth, which is particularly peaceful.
Shen Ji looked at the birds flying across the ice: "That's true, but Concubine Lin has finally regained her favor at this time. She will not let herself be stained with any more stains to prevent His Majesty from falling out of favor again."
Across a layer of swirling snow, she looked in the direction where An Chongyi had just left: "That's why she found such a knife and used her hand to hurt people."
Ban Yuya said coldly: "Concubine Lin is vicious and jealous by nature, and her sister has always been a thorn in her side. She thought her life would finally be clean and peaceful, but who would have thought that she would cause such trouble again just after she regained her favor. Now that the New Year is approaching, The affairs in the palace are complicated, and she really knows how to choose the right time."
Shen Ji patted her hand and said comfortingly: "Fortunately, it's An Chongyi, so there's no need to worry too much."
Ban Yuya frowned, a little scared: "It's easy to hide from open guns and hard to avoid hidden arrows. Sister, why am I not afraid?"
"How long have you and Zizhao lived a good life? Although An Chongyi colluded with Concubine Lin just to regain his favor, An Chongyi probably hates you very much in his heart, and I don't know what sinister means he will use."
Shen Ji said warmly: "I originally thought that if An Chongyi acted honestly, I would give up the idea, but now I can see clearly that she will not give up. I can't get rid of the Lin family behind Guifei Lin, so why not An Chong?" Am I still unable to move my clothes? I will find a way to get rid of An Chongyi first, so that she will not take advantage of me."
"It's just that in addition to An Chongyi, Concubine Lin will make the next person. Even if Concubine Lin falls, who can guarantee that there won't be another person in the palace who wants me to die."
"Yuya, you can't help yourself when you're in the harem."
"Sister is right," Ban Yuya lowered her head in agreement, "Sister, you must cherish yourself and don't fall into the trap of others like me."
Shen Ji nodded and saw several palace maids standing neatly in the snow behind him. He also saw Qiu Fei. Fang said, "Is Qiu Fei next to you still peaceful these days? After all, she used to be with Qi Guiren. As a dowry girl, you also know what kind of temperament Mr. Qi has."
Ban Yuya glanced at Qiu Fei without any trace, and smiled faintly: "It was just a coincidence that she came to serve me. Qi is dead and she has no support in the palace. Now that she is using her, she is doing her best. Sister, don't worry about me. "
"That's good," Shen Ji brushed the snowflakes off her body and said softly, "Ever since you were unjustly grounded on the first day of the new year, I have always felt that you were depressed this year. Even when you smile, I can't look at you. I'm happy, I can't help but worry about you."
Sister Yu's words were a rare warmth in the palace, and Ban Yuya's cold heart also felt a wave of warmth, with a hint of smile in her eyes: "Sister, don't worry, everything is fine with me. Although the palace is turbulent and undercurrent, it is difficult for people to feel sad." But as long as I am with my sister, I am not alone."
"It's best if you think so, and I feel more at ease," Shen Ji said warmly, "We sisters can get through any difficulties together. You should also be at ease, look forward, and don't always be depressed."
"It's getting late, and the snow is getting heavier and heavier. Let's go back."
-
In Changxin Palace.
As soon as Qin Yuan got off the dragon chariot, he saw Concubine Lin already waiting at the entrance of the main hall. Although she was still wearing her favorite beautiful color, her face was pale, and it seemed that her discomfort was not fake.
Concubine Lin went to greet His Majesty, but when she thought about last night, she couldn't help but feel a sour taste on the tip of her nose. The two of them were so familiar and close to each other. Facing His Majesty, she couldn't help but complaining in her voice, lowered her head and said : "Your Majesty finally came to see my concubine..."
Qin Yuan stretched out his hand to help her get up: "Why are you crying? I'm here right now?"
Concubine Lin stood up aggrievedly, and regardless of what others thought, she hugged His Majesty's arm: "I was not feeling well last night. I really hope Your Majesty can come and have a look, even just for a look, but Hiiragi goes and invites you." , His Majesty refused to come."
She raised her head and looked at His Majesty, with a beautiful face full of pear blossoms and rain: "Does Your Majesty like Yu Wanyi more than my concubine?"
Qin Yuan looked down at Concubine Lin's aggrieved look and couldn't help having a headache.
Concubine Lin and he had known each other since they were young, and they were childhood sweethearts. She had been a spoiled child since she was a child, and would not listen to anyone but her own, and she liked to cling to him the most. Later, she became a concubine in the prince's palace. She was also angry and coquettish, and she always pestered him.
At that time, he indulged her a lot. He felt that she had known her since childhood. She was also well-behaved and cute, and she was Taifu Lin's favorite granddaughter. She married him regardless of her status, and he always owed her something. How wrong he was to her. She's better, as long as it's not too much, it doesn't matter, but no one can imagine that things are unpredictable.
Lin will become rampant, Lin Xuanji will become vicious and domineering, and even Qin Yuan's own mind will change.
It's just that Taifu Lin has now come out to take charge of the Lin family. Although there has been no obvious improvement, he has to give Lin family face after all. He has really been cold to Concubine Lin for a long time, so he softened his tone: "How could it be? It's just that I arranged it early last night. , It's cold and windy outside, so I didn't come because I was lazy, so I'm here today."
Qin Yuan sat on the main seat, took a cup of tea from Hiiragi Mei's hand and took a sip: "Have you checked with the imperial doctor?"
Lin Guifei reached the other side and said aggrievedly: "It's Xiaoran's cold. It doesn't matter."
"It's best if it doesn't matter," Qin Yuan said softly, "As the mother-in-law of Changle, if you fall before Changle recovers, then who can take care of the princess? I know you have worked hard to take care of Changle recently, so let me Zhang Pu went to the warehouse to pick out some good supplements for you, and you should also take good care of yourself."
Zhang Pu immediately came in with his men and placed several boxes of various supplements on the table in the main hall. Concubine Lin looked at the table full of things, but she was still angry.
She was so aggrieved that her red lips slightly pursed, and she lowered her head and said, "If your Majesty is here just to give you these, then there is no shortage of Changxin Palace. I thank your Majesty for your kindness, but I still feel unhappy in my heart."
Qin Yuan raised his eyebrows and looked at her: "Then what else do you want to do?"
Concubine Lin reluctantly raised her head and scanned the crowd of eyesores in the palace: "You all go out, I will have a few words with Your Majesty alone."
Zhang Pu looked at His Majesty's face hesitantly, saw His Majesty nodded helplessly, and then led a group of people to retreat.
As soon as they left, Concubine Lin immediately got up and squeezed next to His Majesty, buried herself in his arms and cried, "Your Majesty, I feel that you don't like me as much as before. You have never let me go because of other women before." I don't care..."
"In the past few years in the harem, I know that I have done many things wrong. However, during these days, I have thought carefully about my duty to be honest and honest. I have never exceeded the rules. Although you have become close to me again recently. Some, but there is always a diaphragm. I am scared and sad, worried that we... will never go back to the past."
"In the past, before you married the queen, we were always together. We were so free and happy. Even if I later became your concubine, I was willing to do so because of your preference. But things have changed in the past two years..."
She sobbed in His Majesty's arms and said everything in her heart. However, as she cried, she found that His Majesty remained silent and did not say a word.
Concubine Lin suddenly felt uneasy and felt that there was an empty space in her heart. She looked at His Majesty with tears in her eyes, trying to find any trace of true love in his eyes: "Your Majesty, please tell me how much you love me." It's not less and likes it, is it?"
Chapter 77
Concubine Lin looked anxiously into His Majesty's eyes, which were full of hope, but he just glanced at her and looked away lightly.
After meeting him for so many years, Lin Xuanji has always been a peacock with her head held high, gorgeous and noble, proud and flamboyant. Even when she smiles and looks at him with love in her eyes, she is bright and confident, as hot as the sun.
He had rarely seen her look so frightened, humble and uncertain about love. To be fair, Qin Yuan didn't feel indifferent when he saw her like this, nor did he feel comfortable.
But he had nothing to say, and he didn't want to look at Concubine Lin like this.
Concubine Lin admires herself. He has known since he was a boy that this admiration is irritating and annoying. Sometimes he likes it, and sometimes he feels bored. There are women around him. If he is used to seeing them, he will not be too reassured. .
But he is an emperor, and he can never have only one woman by his side, nor can he stay for one woman. It is inevitable to like someone more and to ignore someone more. It is always a headache to compete for one.
It was a taboo for the concubines in the harem to be jealous, not to mention that even if Lin Guifei made him dissatisfied, the food and clothing expenses in the palace were much better than others, so what else?
Is it possible that he really condescended to coax her, saying that our hearts have never changed and that I still love you? It is really outrageous.
Qin Yuan does not want to, and will not treat any woman like this.
But after all, we have been together for many years. Looking at such a pair of eyes is a bit unbearable, but in the end, it is just unbearable.
He sighed softly, pushed Concubine Lin away from his arms with a slight force, spoke in a gentler tone, looked down at her and said: "You are the mother-in-law of Changle now, what do you look like crying like this?"
Concubine Lin's long-awaited answer was just a gentle refusal. She couldn't help but burst into tears. She reluctantly pulled His Majesty's collar and asked again: "Your Majesty, do you really not like Xuanji as much as before?"
Qin Yuan frowned slightly: "If you were obedient and quiet, and didn't always cause trouble, I would naturally treat you as I did before."
"But this concubine has been like this since I met His Majesty. Your Majesty never cared about it before. Did Yu Wanyi tell you something?..."
Before he finished speaking, Qin Yuan was already a little impatient, and his voice became colder: "Concubine Lin, you must always remember your identity."
Concubine Lin looked at the person in front of her and suddenly felt alienated and unfamiliar. As she shed tears, she choked on her words and was stunned for a long time.
How could Concubine Lin not understand the principle that between emperors and concubines, the emperor and his subjects should come first and then the husband and wife, but she had been with his majesty for several years. When the two of them were alone, she had always said bluntly, and now she is pouring out her heartfelt words and grieving in such a gentle way. In His Majesty's eyes, he just wanted her to remember her identity.
She didn't understand, how could the friendship of so many years disappear so quickly in just two years?
Even though Mrs. Lin was restless, she didn't make any big mistake. If someone hadn't seduced His Majesty's soul, how could His Majesty have left her behind so quickly.
Even if His Majesty didn't mention it, Concubine Lin could guess why, and it wasn't because of Shen Ji!
How could a woman like Shen, who clings to the emperor's favor, understand how heartbreaking the feeling of having her life taken away from her was so heart-wrenching?
Concubine Lin stood up from His Majesty's arms in despair, retreated to the ground, and blessed her body: "Your Majesty forgives me, I know it... I made a mistake."
She looked at His Majesty's eyebrows, suppressed the sadness and hatred in her heart, and still wanted to try her best to save it: "It's just my concubine's love and affection for His Majesty. Your Majesty also sees that I have served you with all my heart for so many years."
"Even if Your Majesty is still dissatisfied with me, please don't really get tired of me. For the sake of our childhood friendship and our companionship for so many years, please give me a chance to make amends."
As proud as Concubine Lin, her posture today has always been humble. Qin Yuan could not bear to say too harsh words to her anymore. He lowered his eyes and looked at Concubine Lin, and finally said: "Get up, you don't have to be restrained all the time."
"I have been in love with you for many years, and it is precisely because I value you and Mrs. Lin that I hope you can abide by your duties and set an example for other concubines, instead of going the extra mile and acting arbitrarily."
He gave him a hand: "You are the only noble concubine in the palace. There will only be more and more concubines and heirs in the palace. Do you want to continue to be jealous because of your love for me? What does that look like? I am no longer the one now. The prince is responsible for the country and the country, and the people of the country cannot indulge in any indulgence. With different status, it is naturally impossible for everything to be the same as before."
"You are the legitimate daughter of the Lin family, and you must have the bearing of a noble concubine. Otherwise, how can I rest assured that I will let you assist the queen in handling the affairs of the harem again."
It was rare for His Majesty to talk to her so much, and he even mentioned that he wanted her to resume co-managing the palaces. Concubine Lin's mood, which had hit rock bottom, finally saw the light of day. She was so happy that she felt at a loss, with tears in her eyes: " I know that I am arrogant and have caused many troubles in the palace over the years, but I am willing to restrain myself for His Majesty, and I am willing to work hard to be a qualified concubine for Your Majesty."
These words finally made Qin Yuan feel much better. He hummed and said quietly: "In that case, I'm waiting to see how you change."
He stood up and said: "Since you are unwell, you should take good care of yourself in Changxin Palace and take good care of Changle. Now that the New Year is approaching, I plan to make the New Year's Eve palace banquet lively and entertain the royal family and important officials of the court. Naturally, Lin Tutor and father will also come, and if you feel unwell and look sick, they will also be worried."
Concubine Lin was even more happy when she heard that she would be able to see her grandfather and father in a few days.
When she was the crown prince's concubine, she had the opportunity to return to the Lin Mansion from time to time, but since entering the palace, she has not seen her grandfather and father for a long time.
She blinked her eyes quickly to prevent them from falling again, and Fu Shen said, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. I will definitely take care of myself."
"Farewell to Your Majesty."
The maid serving in front of the main hall lowered her head and opened the curtain. Qin Yuan walked out of Changxin Palace with a calm expression, not feeling very relieved.
Zhang Pu noticed that His Majesty had a bad look on his face, but he did not dare to ask. He could only wait for His Majesty to board the dragon chariot, while tactfully hinting: "Your Majesty, should we go back to Jianzhang Hall now?"
Qin Yuan leaned on the backrest, tapping his fingertips on the armrest, lost in thought, and did not answer Zhang Pu's words.
Concubine Lin had told him so much just now, but he felt nothing but a hint of intolerance and guilt. In fact, after she kept chattering, he felt even more impatience.
Although Lin Guifei is indeed different from others, having known her for the longest time and having a childhood friendship, she is still just a woman, and the most important thing around him is women.
Over the years, his love for Concubine Lin has been enough to attract attention, and she should be content.
Being greedy, aggressive, and obsessed with his wish as an emperor is beyond the rules, and that is why she dares to do this.
When a woman loses her temper, it is really more annoying than the government. Concubine Lin is relatively old in the palace, but she is not as comfortable as Shen Ji in everything.
Thinking of Shen Ji, Qin Yuan's frown relaxed a little.
...which is strange to say.
In the past, the women in the harem would only make him feel satisfied, respected, interesting, fresh, and acceptable.
If Shen Ji could make him feel at ease like this, his heart ached, but she was the only one he cared about.
If Concubine Lin hadn't made such a fuss today, Qin Yuan would never have made such a comparison between Shen Ji and other women. He only thought that the third prince owed her mother and son too much when he was born, so he felt guilty and heartbroken. Now it seems that, Not really.
If the person who said these words today was not Concubine Lin but Shen Ji, how would he react?
Something strange suddenly arose in Qin Yuan's heart, causing him to subconsciously touch his heart.
Just thinking about her hugging his neck with her eyes red and tender, he subconsciously wanted to wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes and taste her soft lips and tongue.
He didn't even want to make her cry in his imagination, but he wanted to bully her into tears.
Qin Yuan never felt that he was Meng Lang's man, but he always acted promiscuously in front of Shen Ji. This feeling was really strange.
Thinking about it this way, Qin Yuan's throat felt a little dry, but he had clearly just come out from Du Yuxuan to have breakfast.
Even if he had the urge to see her now, as an emperor, he couldn't be so hasty and spread the news to all the palaces to cause criticism.
The imperial chariot has been parked on the long street in front of Changxin Palace for a long time. Zhang Pu saw that His Majesty was lost in thought and did not dare to say a word to remind him.
Until His Majesty came back to his thoughts and said, "Go back to Jianzhang Hall."
Yujia finally started to move, and Zhang Pu also breathed a sigh of relief.
Qin Yuan casually ordered: "The plum blossom sweet cheese that Yu Wanyi sent yesterday is good. Go and ask Yu Wanyi to send another bowl."
She should understand what such a hint means. After all, there are so many people who want to come to the imperial court, and not everyone has the opportunity.
If the people in the imperial court went to tell her, she would definitely make it herself and send it to her, so it would be natural to see her again.
Zhang Pu raised his eyes and whispered: "Your Majesty, the one who came to deliver plum blossom cheese yesterday was Concubine Yi."
Qin Yuan stopped tapping the armrest and pretended to be natural: "What food did Yu Wanyi bring yesterday?"
"Yu Wanyi didn't send anything yesterday."
"...a few days ago I personally stewed wolfberry and mutton bone soup and sent it to Jianzhang Hall."
"Well, it was a few days ago," Qin Yuan said lightly, "I tasted the soup very well. Send someone to inform Yu Wanyi."
It was clear that just now he said it was plum blossom cheese, but when he heard it was Yi Fei, he immediately changed his mind and wanted soup. Your Majesty didn't think the soup was good, but he thought he was a good person.
Zhang Pu bowed and agreed: "Yes, I will do it now."
When the news reached Du Yuxuan, Shen Ji was playing with Zizhao in the room. Hearing that His Majesty wanted to drink soup, he felt a little strange. When she gave it to him that day, His Majesty did not like it very much, but since Even if she said she wanted to drink, there was no reason not to do so.
But now he was coaxing Zizhao to play, and he didn't really want to go out, so he said casually: "Then Tang Qingchen makes the best. Once you've finished it, send it to your Majesty."
Chapter 78
Qingchen bowed his knees and agreed, turned around and went out to the small kitchen to make soup. Qingtan looked at the direction where the royal people were leaving, considered it for a while, and said slowly: "I have been serving the imperial family for several years, and I went to the Jianzhang Hall to deliver meals to the concubine. There are many concubines, but His Majesty rarely takes the initiative to ask for food, which is rare today."
"Your Majesty is the Emperor. He was born in the royal family since childhood and has a noble status. He has never seen any delicacies from mountains and seas. Even the best delicacies may not be very fresh. Besides, Your Majesty has just had breakfast at our Du Yuxuan not long ago. It should be right now You won't be hungry."
In this way, Shuangying also felt that it was a bit unusual, and followed the train of thought and said: "Your Majesty just went to Changxin Palace to see Concubine Lin today, and then he asked someone to inform you to make soup. He said he wanted to drink it. How do you like it, slave? I don't think it's simple. Could it be that Concubine Lin and His Majesty said something?"
Shen Ji originally coaxed Zizhao to have no time to think deeply. When he heard their speculations, he raised his eyes and looked over: "I can guess what Concubine Lin and Your Majesty could say. They are just crying to themselves and provoking me. That's all."
"Your Majesty, since he came out of Changxin Palace and wanted to drink the soup I made, it means that Concubine Lin's instigation was unsuccessful. As for what they said between them, it's none of my business. I can't find out. Why bother here? It would be unlucky to mention Concubine Lin when coaxing Zizhao."
Zizhao in the wet nurse's arms bit her white and tender fingers and giggled, making Yunxue extremely happy. While coaxing the third prince, she blurted out: "I just came out of Changxin Palace and wanted to drink the soup made by the little master. Then It must be because Concubine Lin said something that made His Majesty unhappy, which made His Majesty think of the goodness of our master. And, if you want to tell me, slave, Your Majesty is not a greedy person, and when you think of the goodness of our Master, you can't just drink a bowl of soup. That's enough, maybe I want to see the young master, so I found a reason."
Although Yun Xue was careless and naive, her words hit the point. Not only did Qing Tan and Shuang Ying's eyes light up, it was so obvious that even Shen Ji couldn't help but look sideways and looked up. past.
Shuangming glanced at Junxue, lowered his eyebrows and covered his lips with a smile: "Then will you personally deliver soup to His Majesty later? I think His Majesty will also be happy to see you."
Shen Ji glanced in the direction of Jianzhang Palace from a distance, and when he thought about how His Majesty gave orders to the people in front of the emperor to make soup for her today, the scene was a bit funny.
A majestic emperor, if he wants to see a concubine, there is no need to go to war, so he can just have her passed around. He doesn't know why he is doing all these roundabout things.
In the past, His Majesty was always neat in doing things and never sloppy. Today he is so childish.
A faint smile appeared on the corner of Shen Ji's lips, he shook his head helplessly, but said, "Let Qing Chen go, I won't go."
Shuang Ying was a little surprised: "Your Majesty wants to see you. It's such a rare opportunity. Others can't ask for it. Why don't you go?"
Shen Ji touched Zizhao's forehead lovingly, and asked the wet nurse to take her down to take care of her, and then said: "It is precisely because it is rare for Your Majesty to want to see me, and it is even rarer to want to meet a woman in a roundabout way, so we cannot let him get it too easily. "
"You will think about it when you can't see it. Only when you think about goodbye too much will it have a miraculous effect."
"Before Qingchen goes to Jianzhang Palace to deliver soup later, you first go to Fengyi Palace to find the Queen. She said that I have been unwell for the past two days and cannot stay with her. I will hang up the name card after I feel better."
-
Build the Zhang Palace.
The winter snow is falling outside, and the earth dragon is burning brightly in the palace. The incense burner is burning with curls of ambergris, which is refreshing, luxurious, and comforting.
But Qin Yuan sat at the desk and looked at the memorials on the table, but for the first time he had no intention of reviewing them. He was only thinking about when Shen Ji would come over.
As an emperor, he has always been straightforward in doing things in the past, but this is the first time that he has such cryptic thoughts today.
Thousands of times, unknown to anyone, the more vague the words were, the more vaguely he felt a glimmer of expectation.
I was looking forward to whether Shen Ji would understand his thoughts and what kind of expression he would bring.
She was clearly an imperial concubine, but she felt a sense of taboo about having sex without telling the whole palace.
Qin Yuan pinched his eyebrows, leaned back on the chair and took a deep breath. The strange feeling in his heart was like a slender feather, scratching it gently and then again, making him throb slightly, strange and bizarre.
As an emperor, he must be clear-headed and rational at all times. He must look at the overall situation and cannot interfere with state affairs with his own joys and sorrows. Therefore, he has a strong sense of proportion in everything, and even his love for anyone and anything is only a superficial taste.
Just like a deep pool, no one can make a ripple, restrain oneself and return to courtesy, and do not indulge in anything too much.
But since his heartache because of Shen Ji half a year ago, he felt that he was a little strange, but he had never thought about this strangeness and emptiness. It was not until Lin Guifei's words that he once again realized his preference for Shen Ji. Others were different, but this difference made him feel vaguely out of control.
Qin Yuan, who had been restrained and steady since childhood, was both delighted and repulsed by this strange feeling. The more turbulent the feeling, the more he subconsciously wanted to suppress it.
This feeling is extremely difficult to bear.
When heaven and man were fighting, Zhang Pu quietly walked in from outside and knocked on the door of the imperial study: "Your Majesty, the people from Du Yuxuan are here."
Qin Yuan's process of digging into his heart came to an abrupt end. He suddenly opened his eyes, and his balance was diluted by a moment of pleasure: "Let her in."
Seeing that there was nothing at hand, he didn't want Shen Ji to see him lazily in the imperial study room, so he straightened up, slowly opened a memorial at his side, and put it on the desk. He slowly raised his eyes and looked at the door.
The footsteps are getting closer and closer, and Qin Yuan's eyes are getting more and more happy. This is the first time that he wants to see a woman so much.
The door was slowly pushed open, and Qing Chen slowly stepped forward with the food box in hand, saluted and said, "My slave, please give your regards to your majesty. May your majesty be blessed."
The smile in Qin Yuan's eyes suddenly died: "Why is it you?"
"Why didn't Yu Wanyi come?"
Qingchen stood up with a normal expression, took out the soup from the food box, put it on the small table beside him, and lied to his former owner without changing his face: "Yu Wanyi went out to see the snow scenery and got a little cold due to the cold, so she felt unwell. Therefore, I cannot come in person to deliver soup to His Majesty."
It was fine when you had breakfast, but you got cold within two hours?
Qin Yuan frowned and asked, "After breakfast, did Yu Wanyi go out?"
"That's right, Your Majesty," Qing Chen stopped serving the soup in his hand and Fu Shen said, "After seeing you off, Yu Wanyi walked to Taiye Pond and Yi Baolin to enjoy the snow scenery. After she came back, she felt a little confused. I am afraid of the cold. I am calling the imperial doctor to check my pulse right now, so I cannot come to deliver the soup in person. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
After waiting for so long but not seeing anyone, Qin Yuan felt quite disappointed.
But in the snowy weather, after all, her health was the most important thing, and Qin Yuan had nothing to say. Even if it didn't work, he could go there in person tomorrow, and he could always see her if he wanted.
He hummed lightly and said in a very calm tone: "No need to wait, go back and serve Yu Wanyi."
"Yes." Qing Chen saluted and left the Jianzhang Hall. Zhang Pu then weighed His Majesty's expression and stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty just said that he wanted to drink this soup. He just felt sorry for Yu Wanyi and asked Qing Chen to go back and serve him. , why don't I serve you a bowl of wine?"
After saying that, he turned around to go to Sheng, but Qin Yuan didn't see the person he wanted to see, and he couldn't go to the army to investigate because he was unwell. He was full of enthusiasm and was poured cold water on him, which made him feel a little aggrieved.
He frowned and said coldly: "I am busy with government affairs, so I won't withdraw even if I have the time to drink."
As the saying goes, accompanying a king is like accompanying a tiger. Zhang Pu has served His Majesty for so many years, but he still cannot figure out His Majesty's thoughts. He could only apologize for being annoyed for no reason, and quickly knelt down and said: "I don't think well, but why?" Please forgive me, Your Majesty, I will deal with Tang immediately."
Qin Yuan lowered his head in displeasure and was about to review the memorial, when he heard Zhang Pu was about to take the soup down and dispose of it.
Thinking of Shen Ji making soup for himself when he was infected with the cold, the depression in Qin Yuan's heart dissipated a lot unconsciously, but a sweet taste came back.
Seeing Zhang Pu carrying things and leaving, so clumsy, Qin Yuan scolded: "Who allowed you to take the things Yu Wanyi sent and dispose of them as you please? Put them aside for now and heat them up during lunch." Serve it on the table."
Zhang Pu really couldn't understand His Majesty today. He put down the things again with cold sweat on his forehead: "Yes, it is my fault that I failed to understand His Majesty's meaning in time."
Qin Yuan finally felt relieved and reluctantly said: "Okay, go down and serve me. I am handling government affairs and no one is allowed to disturb me."
"Yu Wanyi is not feeling well. You go to the warehouse to pick up some good supplements and send them to her. Then let the imperial doctor take good care of her. You must take good care of Yu Wanyi's body."
"yes."
-
In the next two or three days, Qin Yuan would take time to visit Du Yuxuan from time to time, but Shen Ji always said that it was not suitable to see you until the cold was gone.
She was not feeling well, and Qin Yuan had no choice but to have people send her rewards and supplements every day, and he stayed alone in Jianzhang Hall.
Two more days later, Shen Ji's name certificate was finally hung up again, and the little cold weather was over.
In a few days, there will be a New Year's Eve family dinner, and the palace is becoming more and more lively. Red lanterns are hung up. Every palace is busy cleaning and renovating to welcome the New Year. The busiest one is the Queen.
Shen Ji knew that the queen had always been afraid of wind and cold. Although her health had improved recently, she was still in danger of catching cold.
The dried lavender brought as tribute from the Western Regions is said to be the best for peaceful sleep, and it is also very rare. This year, apart from the Queen Mother, the Empress, and Concubine Lin, she got the rest.
She never had any problems sleeping, so she selected the best dried lavender, dried roses, marigolds and jasmine to sew a silk pillow core and gave it to the queen, hoping that she could eliminate fatigue and sleep peacefully at night.
Every stitch and thread here is sewn by her herself, so there will never be any problems. The pillow core is soft and fragrant, and you can smell the fragrance of flowers as soon as you take it in your hand. It is smooth and has a faint fragrance. The queen likes it very much.
She looked at Shen Ji tenderly, holding the pillow she made herself in her arms: "You are so thoughtful and you put so much effort into sewing it for me. I like it very much."
Shen Ji frowned: "The Queen has always worked hard, and I just want to do my best to do something for the Queen."
The queen nodded, and just as she was about to say something, she heard the sound of singing and singing from outside, saying that His Majesty had arrived.
Before anyone arrived, the voice came first: "Yu Wanyi gave the Queen something good, why didn't I?"
Chapter 79
Shen Ji was a little surprised, why is His Majesty here at this time?
She raised her eyebrows slightly and looked over. Together with the Queen, she stood up and saluted His Majesty. They were getting closer and closer: "Concubine, please give your regards to Your Majesty."
Although it is almost the New Year's Eve, he was extremely busy with the affairs of the previous dynasty. His Majesty could not even find time to go to Du Yuxuan and stay alone at night, let alone visit the concubines nearby.
She raised her head slightly to look at His Majesty's expression, and saw that although His Majesty's face was pale, there were some emotions in his eyes that could not be distinguished clearly. The look he was looking at her directly made Shen Ji feel that His Majesty was not He came to look for the Queen, but he came to ask her to accuse him.
Qin Yuan's eyes fell on Shen Ji for a moment, and then he looked at the queen and raised his hand to support her: "Get up, don't hold yourself still."
The Queen was attentive and noticed that there seemed to be some differences between His Majesty and Yu Wanyi in just a few breaths. She lowered her eyebrows and smiled lightly, sat back down and picked up the pillow she just said: "Your Majesty just asked Yu Wanyi What good things have you brought to me? Look, this is the thing, it is indeed worth thousands of gold."
Qin Yuan looked over and saw the queen handing over a silk pillow without even a quilt cover. Although it seemed a bit confusing, Shen Ji was thinking about the queen so much but he didn't even share it. He was not worried at all.
He stretched out his hand and took the pillow core casually. It felt soft and crispy as soon as he got it. He didn't know what was filled inside, but it was filled with a subtle fragrance.
The Queen said softly: "Here are the dried lavender gifted by His Majesty. Yu Wanyi personally picked out the pillow and sewed it with the dried flowers next to it. I have been handling affairs in the palace recently. Yu Wanyi is very careful. She is also considerate, no wonder His Majesty likes her so much."
This dried lavender was donated from the Western Regions. This year's quantity was not large. It was only given to the Queen Mother, the Queen and Shen Ji. Shen Ji did not use it himself, but even picked out the good ones to make pillow cores for the Queen.
She had always been reluctant to see him in the past few days. Could it be that she was sewing this in the palace?
The concubines in the palace must abide by the virtues of concubines and show filial piety to the queen so that no one can fault her, but Qin Yuan still felt unhappy.
He handed the pillow back to the queen and said calmly: "Since it is something for the queen, it should be more detailed. It is a pillow that doesn't even have a quilt cover. It doesn't look good if it is given away so naked."
Shen Ji looked at His Majesty and felt that something was wrong with him these past few days.
Although she intended to seduce His Majesty's appetite and play hard to get to make His Majesty treat her more favorably, even though her goal was achieved, how could she still be so petty.
She chuckled and said, "It's not that I'm lazy, it's because pillows are something close to the body, and everyone has different preferences. If I choose good materials to seal them, but the queen is not used to them, wouldn't she be let down?" Send me a pillow insert, and you can choose the fabric you like and ask the people below to make a cover for it."
Qin Yuan raised his eyes and looked at her, and after a while he said lightly: "You do have a heart."
The queen saw His Majesty's thoughts and said with a smile: "Your Majesty is sitting in the world and wants nothing. Why do you still care about this pillow?"
Qin Yuan looked away unnaturally, raised his cup and took a sip of tea: "I was just joking."
Shen Ji sat on the small round stool next to him, raised a pair of slender jade hands to cover the broken hair at the temples, revealing a few red spots on the belly of his fingers: "The Queen has a hard time taking care of the affairs of the harem, and your Majesty has a hard time taking care of the state affairs. I am concubine today." I gave it to the Queen, so I will naturally prepare something better and more suitable for Your Majesty."
"The Queen has a bad sleep, so I chose lavender, rose, marigold and jasmine. Your Majesty was tired all day and his eyes were sore. I also chose cassia, cinnamon and tea leaves to help your Majesty sleep peacefully and also be good for your eyes." Better."
"I thought I would give it to His Majesty in a few days, but His Majesty came today and thought it was unique to the Queen."
Hearing Shen Ji's explanation, Qin Yuan put down the porcelain cup and finally felt a little better. He looked at her lightly, with a hint of unnoticeable relief in his tone: "I thought my love for you was in vain. I only thought about the queen's love." Thank you for your hard work, forget about me."
After saying that, he sharply spotted the red dots on Shen Ji's fingertips and frowned slightly: "What happened to your hand? Was it injured while doing needlework?"
Shen Ji retracted his hand and shook his head with a smile: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am not good at being a nun. It took me several days to embroider a pillow. I was not very skilled, so I got a few more stitches. How can I be a nun?" If your fingers are not pricked, your concubines and concubines will be fine, please rest assured, Your Majesty."
Her complexion was fair, but her hands were as white as jade, but there were so many blood spots on them, which were clearly visible in front of him, which was an eyesore.
Qin Yuan lowered his voice: "If you're not good at it, don't do it in the future. Just ask your servants to do whatever you need, why bother yourself."
Although the words were cold, Shen Ji could hear concern, so he lowered his head and responded softly: "Yes, I have written it down."
The queen took everything in her eyes, smiled softly and said nothing. She just picked up the book she had just read and handed it to Yun Lan: "Take it."
Qin Yuan looked at the book and asked, "What book did the queen read?"
The queen paused while holding the book, opened the page she had just read, and said warmly: "When I have nothing to do, I read the Book of Songs. When I read the article "Zheng Feng: There are creepers in the wild", I felt sympathetic and stopped. After a pause, Yu Wanyi happened to come in, and the book was confiscated."
This article talks about a man and a woman meeting each other, falling in love at first sight, and then staying with each other and vowing to live a lifetime.
The content is sincere and flawless, talking about human love and praising beauty. Qin Yuan has also read it.
But when I first read it, I thought the artistic conception was beautiful, but I couldn't feel anything about it. I just felt that this man was short-sighted and could fall in love with a beautiful woman for the rest of his life. It was too shallow.
Now that I think of this article again, I seem to be able to understand some of the beauty.
He said warmly: "The queen has always liked reading. It's rare to hear you say that you have some feelings. What did you learn?"
The queen rubbed the paper with her fingertips and said slowly: "A man and a woman fell in love at first sight in the mountains in the morning. Although they met by chance, it was more like a fateful meeting. From then on, the mountains are high and the rivers are long. They will be together for a lifetime despite hardships. Such emotions Like a dream, simple and sincere, it is the purest beauty in the world."
"It's also good to meet someone and be with someone throughout your life, in the carefree mountains and wilderness."
When she said this, there was a trace of fascination in the queen's eyes, as if she had already seen such a scene. But as soon as she finished speaking, she lowered her head again, and there was a faint sadness in her eyes. She didn't know if she was sad for the situation before her. He forced a smile and said: "Beautiful things are always loved by others, and I am just moved by this emotion."
Most of the couples in their lives were married couples among the common people. Qin Yuan did not care about the queen's condition and just said casually: "This article about the nature of love is well told. The content of "The Book of Songs" embraces all rivers, but it is all elegant. Queen Reading it when you have nothing to do can also pass the morning light."
Shen Ji looked at the queen and saw a trace of sadness on her brows, and her mind gradually sank.
Maybe His Majesty won't understand, but she does.
The Queen is an excellent person, and all she yearns for is the truest and purest in the world, but the place she lives in, on the contrary, is the dirtiest and worst.
Shen Ji had also read this article "Zheng Feng: Wild Grasses", but she never took it seriously. She only thought that the world glorified love. These were just nihilistic things and could not be true.
The so-called beautiful love is mostly based on imagination.
But she also knows that there are many women in this world who want only one person who they can know each other and stay with until they grow old. They don't seek glory and wealth, but only want one person for the rest of their lives. They value love more than their lives.
But she had never seen anyone really get what they wanted.
It has never been seen among the people, let alone in the palace.
These women who entered the palace have all experienced it since they were young girls. She believes that everyone has had sweet dreams, hoping to have a husband who only loves them. Even Concubine Lin is no exception, but all these are just sweet dreams.
These women are destined to share their husbands with each other, and they are always calculating what they can get from their husbands. They are always worried about whether they will be plotted by their husbands. With sincere beauty, how can we not be disappointed.
In this world, fame, fortune and wealth belong to men. Women are trapped in the boudoir and what they want is too little. Even a single-minded person is a luxury in the eyes of a man with three wives and four concubines.
How unfair.
It's a pity that those vulgar, superficial and wanton men don't understand this, and your Majesty will never understand it.
Shen Ji never wanted any love, she only wanted something tangible that she could hold. Whether she loved it or not, it was too luxurious for her and this harem.
Shen Ji looked at the queen's appearance and said softly: "Your Majesty, are you tired? Concubine, I see you are not in good spirits. Are you tired from dealing with the affairs of the harem today?"
The queen slowly raised her eyes, knowing that Shen Ji was looking for a place to hide under the steps for herself, and there was a hint of warmth in her eyes: "The new year is approaching, and the affairs in the harem are really complicated, and I am indeed a little mentally weak."
She turned to apologize to His Majesty: "Your Majesty, please forgive me."
"It's okay," Qin Yuan said softly, "The queen's health is not good, and it's normal to feel tired. I came to see you on a whim. Since you are not feeling well, you should rest earlier. There are still things to do in Jianzhang Palace. I won't just sit down if you take care of it."
The Queen and Shen Ji stood up to see His Majesty out. Qin Yuan glanced at Shen Ji and subconsciously said: "The Queen needs to rest. It's cold outside. You should go back to the palace early."
"yes."
After Shen Ji saw His Majesty leave, he quickly stood up and helped the Queen sit down, and said warmly: "What Your Majesty doesn't understand, my concubines understand. Queen, please don't worry too much, lest you hurt yourself."
"Don't think about the things you can't do in this life. To live is to find satisfaction in the unhappy days. Only by taking pleasure in such hardship can you be considered to have lived a life. My queen, you are the best and kindest People who are like this will definitely live a free and happy life in their next life."
The Queen smiled slowly and nodded: "I feel much better when you comfort me like this."
"If there really is an afterlife, as you said, that would be great."
After that, she gently held Shen Ji's hand: "Actually, I see that Your Majesty treats you very differently. That difference is not doting on you, but a difference in your heart. I have been married to His Majesty until now. In the past ten years, this is the first time I have seen him show such a vivid expression because of a woman."
Upon hearing this, Shen Ji's first reaction was to resist.
So what if they are different, they won't always be different, let alone treat her well all their lives.
This difference in the palace would only harm her if others discovered it. Even if Shen Ji really took it seriously, it would also harm herself.
Asking for something you can't ask for is stupid.
She tilted her head slightly and said softly: "Your Majesty, your majesty has countless beauties in your harem, and concubines are just one of them, so what if they are different? Concubine Lin and your majesty's childhood sweethearts have also been different since they were young, so what now?"
"If you take good care of yourself, you will be able to relax faster, and I will feel more at ease."
The queen looked at her, wanting to say something, but remembering what she had just said, and knowing that it was reasonable, she had no choice but to swallow it, feeling only regret and sadness in her heart.
"I will take good care of myself, and so will you."
Shen Ji came out of Fengyi Palace and looked at the high red walls and white snow outside, feeling a little unspeakably heavy in his heart.
On the way back to Du Yuxuan, Qingtan came from the north path from afar and whispered: "Master, what you told me before has been completed."
Chapter 80
Shen Ji glanced at the direction she came from. Seeing that there was no one around, Fang said quietly: "We'll talk about it when we get back."
"yes."
All the way back to Du Yuxuan, as soon as he entered the door, Shen Ji raised his wrist and asked the irrelevant people to retreat into the courtyard and wait, leaving only a few close friends inside.
Qingtan nodded and knelt down and said: "In the past two days, I have been contacting An Chongyi's personal maid intentionally or unintentionally, and I really found a huge flaw."
"An Chongyi was not of high birth. When he entered the palace, he only had a personal maid named Fenzhi, who was always by his side. But after An Chongyi fell out of favor, his temper became more and more eccentric, and he often beat and scolded his servants. , there are only a few people serving her, and Fenzhi is no exception. But there is no way to serve the Lord without being scolded and punished, so that's it. The most important thing is that An Chongyi and Lin have been together in the past few days. Hiiragi Mei is very close to the imperial concubine, talking about killing her all day long, and even forcing Fenzhi to give An Zhi all the money she saved to pay for her clothes. "
Shen Ji pondered for a moment: "After An Chongyi fell out of favor, he was teased by the palace, and moved to Xiufengju. Naturally, he felt depressed. Although the beatings and scoldings of servants in the palace were not done publicly, they were done a lot in private. To the outside world, they only said it was a lesson. It's just the people in my own palace, but An Chongyi brought this Fenzhi from home, but he was so merciless, beating and scolding her at every turn, which shows that An Chongyi is now paranoid and can't care about many things."
"That day, Yi Baolin and I saw An Chongyi being sent back by Tongmei personally near Taiye Pond, and we knew that Concubine Lin must have wanted to use An Chongyi's knife to deal with me, but how could An Chongyi deal with me? But it's not that easy."
Shen Ji picked up the cup of tea and took a sip. His clear and charming eyes behind his long eyelashes like butterfly wings moved slightly, and he said, "Although An Chongyi comes from an official family, her family background is not good. She has been out of favor for a long time. Her mother's family doesn't have much support, and the people in the palace are most attuned to the situation, so I'm afraid she has a tight budget and will be restricted in everything she wants to do."
Qingtan nodded and said: "That's it. An Chong is short of money and wants to take advantage of the palace ladies under his command. The ladies have served in the palace for so many years, and everyone can save some money, but these will either be lost in the future. The dowry given out of the palace was either sent home to supplement it. I have never heard of anyone using the money of the people in the palace. It would be a big joke if word spread about it. Such behavior of hers has already offended the people in her palace. People complained repeatedly in private, and they were even more afraid of being scolded and beaten, so no one was willing to serve him personally. The slave also heard about this, so she followed the clues and contacted Fenzhi."
"An Chongyi needs money, just to buy some connections, or to buy some harmful things, so that he can successfully harm me and get a stepping stone for Concubine Lin," Shen Ji frowned lightly and did not put An Chongyi down. In his eyes, "How was your conversation with Fenzhi?"
"When the servant saw Fenzhi, she was crying by the Mirror Lake. The servant chatted with her and learned that her mother was seriously ill and needed money for medical treatment. Her sister-in-law was pregnant and was about to give birth, but the family did not even have the money to hire a wife. No. She had been with An Chongyi for more than a year. She had almost no savings at all, and the little money she had was collected and taken by An Chongyi. In this situation, although Fenzhi was An Chongyi's personal Maid, but I'm afraid she wants An Chengyi to die more than we do."
Qingtan said warmly: "But Fenzhi is not stupid. Since she is willing to tell this to the slave, she also knows that we and An Chongyi are not on good terms, and intends to surrender to solve the difficulties in her family. The slave tells her that you will help in this matter." She will also give her a sum of money to help her family get through it, but what she needs to do may be dangerous, but unexpectedly Fenzhi only hesitated for a moment and agreed."
Even though Fenzhi hated An Chongyi for robbing her of her belongings and money and always beating and scolding her, she was willing to help Shen Ji take care of An Chongyi, but after all, she was not on the same side as Shen Ji and was An's domestic slave.
Even if they are tied together for profit now, there is no guarantee that trouble will not arise in the future and they will bite back.
Since it needs to be dealt with, it must be dealt with in an absolute manner so as not to leave any roots of trouble.
Shen Ji put down the porcelain cup and said softly: "Let Fenzhi calm down these days, coax An Chongyi to be happy, and wait for a few more drinks at the New Year's Eve banquet."
"Xiu Feng lives in a remote and deserted place. An Chongyi was drunk and unsteady when walking. He hit his head on a stone. When the imperial doctor rushed over, he couldn't be saved in time. Who would care?"
Qingtan looked slightly stern: "Although risks can be avoided by causing accidents, and An Chongyi will not be pampered and no one will care, but Young Master Fenzhi must not be punished for failing to serve well. In the lightest case, he will be punished with a stick, and in the most serious case, he will be executed. If it comes to that, , what should I do if Fenzhi surrenders to you in order to survive?"
Shen Ji said lightly: "Whether she confesses to me or not, she will not be able to escape punishment. If she confesses to me, her mother will die, and her sister-in-law will not be able to give birth to the child so smoothly. If she does not confess to me, she will suffer alone. I believe that Fenzhi will not be so Silly. Besides, An Chongyi's status in the palace is like this. Fenzhi can't die, so there's no need to take risks if his life is not in danger."
"As soon as this incident is over, I will find an opportunity to deal with her and settle it once and for all."
"Yes, you have thought carefully." Qingtan accepted the order and retreated, and the palace returned to normal.
Shuangying said softly: "It doesn't matter if An Chongyi is dead, but Concubine Lin will find that her knife is gone. She will definitely think that you did it. If she makes a big fuss about An Chongyi's death, let your majesty find out what happened." manage?"
Shen Ji raised his eyes to look at her and smiled faintly: "Concubine Lin finally regained her favor. Confronting me openly at this time will only make His Majesty feel that she is intolerant. Even if she is suspicious, there is no evidence. An Chongyi's breath must be swallowed even if she doesn't want to."
"If she is not smart and insists on trying to fight, she has a mouth and can talk nonsense, so can I not? Guess who will your Majesty favor?"
Shuangying nodded and felt relieved: "You are saying that if there is no evidence, whoever talks too much will be in trouble."
After that, she hesitated for a while and said: "Master, as the New Year is approaching recently, our Duyuxuan has received a lot of gifts, all in the name of celebrating the New Year to show our goodwill. These unimportant people will Not to mention, Concubine Zhuang personally made some pairs of shoes for the three princes to wear, Concubine Rao sent two sets of wild ginseng, and Concubine Yi also sent some bolts of satin."
"Concubine Zhuang has a good relationship with you. I just want to do my best, but Concubine Rao and Concubine Yi feel that they have bad intentions."
Shen Ji asked: "What did they do with the things they sent?"
"It's all sitting in the warehouse, useless."
She felt relieved and said again: "In order to clear up the matter between Zizhao Tianxiang and the Lu family, Concubine Rao has been very peaceful recently. She rarely goes out of the palace. When she comes to bring gifts, she is probably just showing off to His Majesty. Concubine Yi, I really can't see through it."
Thinking of Concubine Yi, Shen Ji's expression gradually darkened: "On the surface, she seems to have been suppressed by Concubine Lin. She is cautious, gentle and virtuous, but I always feel that she is too scheming and heavy, and I can't guess what she wants to do." , put aside the grudge between you and Concubine Lin, and really avoid Concubine Yi."
She came here with gifts just because she wanted to get closer to her, but she had done so many things to advise Concubine Lin. No matter how eloquent she was, what happened between Shen Ji and Concubine Zhuang in the past? Won't believe her.
According to ordinary etiquette, the chief minister should send congratulatory gifts to express respect. However, Shen Ji didn't know what kind of medicine was sold in Concubine Yifei's gourd, and he didn't have the respect in mind, let alone take the initiative to see her. .
"You go to the warehouse to pick out some good gifts and send them to the empresses respectively, as a token of gratitude. Concubine Zhuang should be more careful with the gifts. Besides, after the New Year, I will take Zizhao to Roufu Palace in person. ."
-
Time flies so fast, the sun and the moon change back and forth a few times, and New Year's Eve is here.
When I woke up early in the morning, I saw snow falling outside. On this sunny day, Duyuxuan was filled with joy and everyone had a smile on their face.
This year is the first New Year's Eve after the birth of the third prince. The master has given three times the reward to everyone in the palace. It is a great blessing to be with such a promising master. No matter how many people in the palace ask for it, they can't get it. Naturally, I am happy and serve with all my heart.
In the courtyard, Zhou Yue led several eunuchs to clear a path under the corridor, while Shen Ji held Zizhao in his arms, surrounded by wet nurses and maidens, and stood under the eaves to watch the snow.
Today is a good day. As long as the concubines and the emperor's heirs are in good health, they will have a New Year's Eve banquet to pay their respects to His Majesty, the Queen Mother and the Empress. Therefore, Shen Ji made Zizhao a festive little cotton-padded jacket early.
Although Zizhao is only seven months old now and can only be held in his arms, he always looks extra energetic and cute when he goes out wearing new clothes.
Shen Ji hugged Zizhao and kissed him again and again on his soft little face. The corners of his eyes and brows were full of joy and tenderness.
Time with children always passes very quickly, as if night has fallen in the blink of an eye.
Shuangying and Junxue served Shen Ji together and dressed up carefully. They wore apricot pink, goose yellow and light purple. They wove a cloud brocade palace skirt that was as colorful as spring flowers. The long silk shawl was draped between the arms. When walking, Pingting was graceful and raised her eyes. Time passes.
Her black hair is like ink, and her snowy neck is as smooth as jade, making her extremely gentle and charming.
Shuangming tied a snow fox cloak on her, and wrapped the fur around her neck. Snow fell outside, adding a bit of agility.
Yun Xue was very satisfied. She walked around, looked straight, and said with a smile: "There are so many beauties in the harem, but there are not many who are as beautiful as the master."
Even Qing Chen, who had been serving the people around him in a taciturn manner, smiled lightly and said, "My master has the appearance of a heavenly being. I have been serving your majesty for many years, and I am also one of the best among them."
Shen Ji curved his lips and smiled: "You guys are always good at making me happy. Let's go. I won't sit on the chariot today."
This year's New Year's Eve banquet will be grand and grand, and the banquet will be held for members of the royal family and the emperor's important officials, so it will not be held at the Liangyi Palace, but at the more solemn Jiuzhou Qingyan, and many concubines will also come from their homes.
Tonight is destined to be a noisy and lively night, and there will be a lot of fun to watch.
-
The entrance of Changxin Palace.
Concubine Yi stood outside the palace together with her ceremonial guard, waiting for Concubine Lin to come out. She looked humble and quiet, and the second prince who was holding her hand also wanted to wait quietly.
The second prince, who was more than four years old, was smart since he was a child. He stood beside Concubine Yi, raised his head and asked in a sweet voice, "Concubine, aren't we going to a banquet? Why are we standing here and not leaving yet."
It was still snowing outside and it was freezing cold. Concubine Yi couldn't help but feel distressed when she looked at Rong'er. She bent down and gave him the hand stove in her hand, and said softly: "Rong'er, be good, my mother and concubine will wait here for Concubine Lin." , are you cold? Come on, take the concubine's hand stove with you to keep it warmer."
The second prince stretched out his little hand to push the stove back and shook his head: "Rong'er is not cold. Rong'er just doesn't understand. The ladies next to him are all going straight to Qingyan in Jiuzhou. Why does the mother-in-law have to wait for Lady Lin here? Could it be that Mrs. Lin can't go alone?"
Concubine Yi's expression froze for a moment, then she coaxed him and said: "Empress Lin has something to do with the mother and concubine, so she has to wait here, Rong'er is good, this can only be said in front of the mother and concubine alone, do you understand? ?"
After hearing his mother's instruction, the second prince nodded obediently, held her hand tightly, and said, "Rong'er knows."
He raised his head and looked at the heavy snow outside and the darkening sky: "It's just that it's so late now, but my mother and concubine have been standing in the snow. Rong'er feels sorry for her."
It doesn't matter that Concubine Yi has been suppressed by Concubine Lin, and she has suffered all the humiliation, but she feels sorry for her child who has to stand here with her and be driven by Concubine Lin. With just one word, she will be kept here for a long time, like a slave. Generally speaking, it can be said that it is not sad.
"Good boy, you are still so young, you already know that you care about your mother and concubine." Concubine Yi was moved in her heart, the tip of her nose suddenly sore, and her tears fell uncontrollably.
She knelt down and held Rong'er tightly in her arms: "It doesn't matter, my concubine. As long as it's for you, my concubine is willing to do anything."
At the time when mother and son were deeply in love, Concubine Lin was dressed up and walked out of Changxin Palace leisurely with her hand on Hiiragi Mei's wrist.
She glanced at Concubine Yi and the second prince coldly, and said dissatisfiedly: "Why are you crying in front of my palace? If others see it, it seems like I am punishing you to cry in each other's arms here. What does it look like?"
Tongmei helped Concubine Lin sit on the chariot, and the wet nurse followed closely with Princess Changle. She glanced at Concubine Yi with lowered eyes: "I just want you to wait here for me. I have something to ask you, don't You are just pretending, and if word spreads, it will be said that I am treating you mother and son harshly."
Concubine Yi quickly stood up and took the second prince to salute Concubine Lin to say hello. She wiped her tears and lowered her head and said, "I don't dare, I just chatted with Rong'er for a few words. I feel deeply that my child has grown up and I am moved by my mother's heart." ."
She hurriedly led the second prince to sit on the chariot and followed Concubine Lin two steps away. While looking at Concubine Lin, she raised her hand and rubbed Rong'er's slightly cold hands, feeling very distressed.
Concubine Lin turned her eyes slightly and said in a cold tone: "I heard that you took the initiative to give a gift to Du Yuxuan. Is this the case?"