This is the place where people go to court professionally.
Looking down, the dark ground was full of civil and military ministers. This was the first time that Fangfei saw all the ministers of the Northern Kingdom. Yihun, Yuanhe, Lu Tai, King Rencheng, etc...
Everyone swallowed all their dissatisfaction and had to pay homage:
"Long live your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, a thousand years old!"
Everyone's focus is on the queen - half of the harem. The Northern Kingdom now has a queen. What does this mean? Is it good or bad for the Northern Kingdom?
What is even more strange is that after His Majesty returned to the palace, he did not let her return to the harem first, but asked her to accept the worship of the courtiers together with himself. What does this mean?
Even if you are a queen, you can't bring her to court without any reason, right?
The prince knelt at the front and looked at the woman sitting next to his father in the main hall. She was wearing a bright red wedding dress, a phoenix crown and a rosy hat, and her face was as bright as a red, just like a newly married bride!
As for his father, he was also wearing a brand new robe, his face was full of spring, and he was as energetic as ever, just like those high-spirited newly married grooms. This situation was beyond his expectation.
My heart was filled with all kinds of feelings, which were simply overwhelming.
"See the father, see the queen..."
Fang Fei felt uncomfortable. She never dreamed that one day, she would sit on a high platform and accept the prince's worship - no, it was all so illusory when she thought about it.
The prince, he used to be high up - in his mind, it was unattainable, the other side of gentleness that could not be reached, instead of kneeling down like this, worshiping himself.
She was flustered, but outwardly calm.
Queen, this is the Queen's duty!
She heard Luo Jia's joyful voice, full of pride and praise: "Your Majesty, you did a great job! During the days when I was away, the things you handled were very good and very to my liking."
"Thank you for the compliment, Father!"
"Okay, everyone has worked hard. I have been away from the palace for a long time, so I will give you a banquet tonight. Let's go and sit in the imperial dining room."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Outside the imperial dining room, there is a very vast imperial dining hall, which is already filled with various delicacies, and the air is filled with rich fragrance.
The courtiers were seated according to their official positions and ranks.
However, they soon discovered that the table was full of delicacies, but there was no wine. There were soups on the table, cans after cans. Everyone was surprised. Could it be that the imperial chef forgot to serve wine? However, there was no wine on every table.
Wine. A grand banquet like this in the North is held once or twice a year. Which one is not a time for drinking amber wine?
There is no feast without wine.
Yi Hun frowned: "What did the people in the imperial kitchen do? Where's the wine?"
King Rencheng also said loudly: "Where is the wine?"
The prince was very surprised. He looked up and saw that his father had already taken Fang Fei to his seat. The two of them shared a table and there was no wine.
He was about to ask the imperial chef how he could be so rude, but he heard his father say loudly: "Dear ladies, I am treating you to a banquet today. Let's change it a little bit. Instead of drinking alcohol, we will drink soup..."
He took the lead in picking up a jade bowl, which contained delicious hot soup.
The ministers were in an uproar.
Your Majesty, what kind of whim is this? Why don’t you drink anymore?
"Dear sirs, I have personally experienced the sufferings of the people during this military expedition. The support of the imperial court's one million troops has made the people of the northern country very taxed. Take the 300,000 people on the front line of the Southern Dynasty as an example, which will consume 300,000 people on the inner side of our Great Wall.
Taxes for 10,000 registered labor force for a whole year. These do not include
The construction of the palace and other labor. When there was a natural disaster, the Northern Kingdom was left without food and the people were in dire straits. The old ministers must still remember the disaster decades ago. Almost half of the people in the Northern Kingdom fled to the Southern Dynasties. Later,
, thanks to the golden apple of Bei Wudang who came to the rescue, we were able to overcome the difficulty. Now
Today, everyone is prosperous and wealthy, but do you know how much food is consumed to make wine? How much will the national treasury be depleted when everyone is eating, drinking and having fun? In view of this, I have ordered that starting today, a large-scale abstinence from alcohol will be implemented across the country.
Abolish some brewing workshops to save food and serve as front lines
.Only 1/3 of the original brewing scale should be kept; except for sacrifices and feasts, no drinking is allowed; ministers in the court are not allowed to get drunk wantonly; especially the princes and grandsons should abstain from drinking to set an example for the country; if there is any disobedience
, the lighter punishment may be a one-year salary fine; if you do not change after repeated admonitions, your title and fiefdom will be deposed..."
Everyone was shocked. His Majesty raised food and grass for the army and advocated frugality, which is understandable. However, he issued such a strict prohibition on alcohol, and it was mainly targeted at the royal family.
To put it bluntly, members of the royal family are not allowed to drink alcohol, especially princes and grandsons.
The prince was also very surprised. What was his father doing? Why did he set such a strange rule and tell the world about it?
Luo Jia picked up the soup bowl and said loudly: "Nowadays, the power of the Northern Kingdom is getting stronger and stronger, but we are still far from being the masters of the Central Plains. Dear friends, you should be diligent and thrifty, and act in the interests of the country. When the Southern Dynasty is eliminated and the world is unified, I will come again.
Have a drink with all my dear friends!"
After he finished speaking, he picked up the bowl and drank it all in one gulp.
All the ministers also took their bowls and drank them all in one gulp.
Fang Fei also drank the soup in her bowl, raised her head, and met the smile in His Majesty's eyes. She blinked quietly. This Majesty, who had such a high-sounding prohibition on alcohol, really belongs to him.
Looking down, he inadvertently saw the prince again, but saw a look of doubt flashing in his eyes. Moreover, his entire face looked quite haggard.
She suddenly realized that after she came back, the prince had been avoiding her eyes from beginning to end. Although he acted so calmly, she was the only one to see that he was so deeply uncomfortable.
Suddenly remembering that he was kicked out of the palace, he chased outside the city gate and took the box: "Fang Fei...this is your medical fee..."
At that time, she thought that she had completely eliminated all the bad feelings with the prince and had real inner communication. It turned out, wasn't it?
She sighed secretly, is it true that the palace is not a place suitable for feeling with the heart?
The prince looked at Empress Feng casually, and saw that she was sitting next to his father, and her movements were all in compliance with the rules. In a faint way, she really seemed to have a demeanor of being a concubine to the world.
But, why did her eyes never glance towards him?
Can such a deep hurt really be healed like this?
From beginning to end, he never looked at her again. He didn't know whether her return to the palace was good or bad for her and himself.
After lunch, Luojia immediately went to court to deal with urgent official matters.
Fangfei then returned to Lizheng Hall alone.
At this time, it was almost evening, and the sun had already set. She looked at the eight palace maids following her, and then vaguely said: She is really the queen!
What is the first step to become a queen?
Stand in the main hall.
Fang Fei stood at the door, feeling like she was in another world.
The colorful flags are fluttering, but old friends remain the same.
Hongyun and Hongxia were very happy all the way. The empress came back and took over the Sixth Palace, and they were certainly honored. The rest of the Lizheng Hall remained unchanged, only some flowers and plants were added, which was considered a happy occasion.
The palace people are still the same, all of them kneeling with smiles on their faces: "See you, your Majesty, see your Majesty..."
"Get up quickly, no courtesy for everyone."
Fang Fei looked at this long-lost place, feeling a trace of panic in her heart.
The maid outside announced: "The maid of the Crown Princess has requested to see you as she wished."
"Come in."
She was slightly surprised, how could the Crown Princess send someone to see her?
Ruyi, she has seen him before and is very familiar with him. He used to serve her with Banyan Tree.
Ruyi knelt down and said with a face full of joy: "Slave, please see your Majesty. The Crown Princess ordered Ruyi to send some supplements to your Majesty."
Hongyun handed the box over and Fangfei opened it. In addition to some nourishing wild ginseng and the like, there was a thin booklet underneath, with only a circle drawn on it.
She was shocked, she recognized it. This circle was his favorite mark when she was with him in the Prince's Mansion, spending time together day and night, and drawing and writing.
She suppressed her excitement and said with a smile: "The Crown Princess is really enthusiastic. Ruyi, please go back and say that I understand."
"Yes, empress."
Ruyi stepped back, and Fang Fei stepped back to the left and right. The thin volumes of paper, in short, were a "Queen's Book" summarized by the adviser of the Prince's Mansion. One move after another, it was simply a beginner's book on how to teach her to be a queen.
Collection.
She closed the book, her eyes moist.
I once thought that the prince had changed and he was so cold. It turned out that he had already prepared for it. He definitely knew that he would come back. He was afraid that he would rush and fight again, so he actually prepared such a thing in advance. He had been worried about himself.
I was afraid that I would be kicked out again within a few days.
She wiped away her tears quietly, not daring to let anyone see it. Then, she tore off the circled title page, leaving only the thin booklet, and went to the dressing room as a habit.
The room was spotless. That was where her private money was stored. Even several cabinets were still locked. That was where she stored secret things. Even His Majesty was not allowed to open them.
The keys were placed in a drawer. She kept them all.
He stretched out his hand and found that the key was indeed inside, motionless. Apparently His Majesty had never opened those drawers.
She took the key, opened it, and placed the booklet on the bottom of the bookcase.
Looking around again, the labeled jewelry lay intact inside; in fact, she rarely looked at jewelry and had no idea how many pieces there were. There were too many and too few, so she had no impression at all.
Outside the door, Hongyun whispered: "Mother, they are here..."
"Who's coming?"
"The concubines in the harem...and Zhang Jieyu and the others..."
"I understand. Hongyun, come in."
"Yes, empress."
Fang Fei looked around, and Hong Yun was shocked. Could it be that the empress discovered that those scattered jewels were missing? His Majesty ordered that no one should tell the empress. Neither she nor Hong Xia had told her.
"Hongyun, please put away these jewels. By the way, how many ladies are here in total?"
"Eighteen people are here."
This is the entire harem of His Majesty. In addition, there are seven or eight concubines who were sent to the fiefdom. They all have sons and it is basically impossible to return to the palace. The rest are either those who gave birth to daughters or left-wing concubines.
Young and beautiful ones like Concubine Shu and Zhang Jieyu.
"Okay, you divide the scattered jewelry and put one in each box."
Hongyun asked curiously: "Empress, didn't His Majesty prepare a gift for you when we came back?"
"I want that share, and I want this one too."
"yes."
Hongxia also came in to help, and the two of them got ready very quickly.
"Empress, is this a gift for them?"
"Um."
Hongyun stuck out her tongue and said, "Mother, do you think Zhang Jieyu will give it too? You can teach Zhang Jieyu a lesson, she was so arrogant before."
She scolded: "Don't talk nonsense."
Hongyun didn't dare to say anything more.
"Mother, will you go out to meet them now?"
Of course! Originally, according to her temperament, she would not meet him, but after reading the "treasure book" sent by the prince and knowing his good intentions, she decided to meet her. She thought to herself in her heart, could it be that everyone
Do you think that after returning to the palace, within three to five months, you will be driven away again?
The main thing is, Zhang Jieyu, does she think so too?
Hongyun and Hongxia happily opened the way in front, followed by eight palace maids behind them, and beside them, two palace maids each held magic frames.
"The Queen is here!"
Outside, there was immediately a sound of people kneeling down.
"See the Queen..."
"See the Queen..."
Those who knelt down were not just palace maids. The dark area was filled with harem women and their families. Your Majesty’s three palaces and six courtyards were all here. Ten or twenty concubines were kneeling in front of them according to their status. They were all fat and thin, old and young.
wait.
Fang Fei had attended His Majesty's family banquet, but only once. That time, she was so flustered that she could not see clearly as this time. And her mood was also different.
This time, as the master!
His Majesty didn't even come with her, and I don't know whether it was intentional or not! All he instilled in her along the way was: "Queen, you are the master of the harem. From now on, the affairs of the harem will be left to you! You are responsible for half of the harem.
Don’t be careless!”
What does half of the country mean?
Her eyes curiously swept across the group of women who were "co-husbands" with her.
These concubines also looked at her quietly.
Feng Zhaoyi's first appearance was in the Golden Book of Golden Treasures. At that time, she was already vaguely like a queen; however, this time, she was the legitimate queen: the Golden Book of Golden Treasures, the Queen's Imperial Book, and the Queen's Satin
, phoenix seal, are all placed in front of you.
She wears a formal red dress, twelve phoenix patterns, complicated and magnificent handicrafts, a gorgeous and gorgeous phoenix crown, and even the ring on her hand, which is a shining ruby.
Zhang Jieyu knew best how His Majesty was furious and heartbroken when Zhao Li and Yi Xin returned the ring. From that moment on, she knew that she and that little fat ball were the two of you in His Majesty's heart.
Totally incomparable!
This is the first time that all the concubines have seen your majesty’s queen. Although your majesty is already over 40 years old and has many children, he has never been married. Legally speaking, he is still a diamond prince. Now,
Just newlyweds!
Fang Fei suddenly felt very funny.
When you think about it, when a man has many women and many children - he is still a real diamond king, do you think, how funny is this?
But of course Fang Fei didn't laugh! Instead, she felt an invisible sadness.
She felt depressed. Looking at such a large group of women - staring eagerly at a man with her - it was difficult to tell whether she was sorry for them or they were sorry for herself!
Although, now, I am finally His Majesty’s legal and true wife!
In other words, I ended His Majesty's precious "Diamond King" career.
Those are all His Majesty's concubines - nothing more!
She didn't even look at Zhang Jieyu and others; instead, she looked at the row of low-ranking middle-aged women behind her. They were in their thirties and forties, and they were His Majesty's true peers.
, time passed, and suddenly, the daughters they gave birth to for His Majesty all got married and had children.
Therefore, they are naturally a thing of the past.
Moreover, they are all women from the northern country. It is unknown what their charm was like when they were young. However, they are tall and rough now, and of course they cannot arouse any interest in His Majesty.
These are women who are twice as powerful as their mothers and entered the palace very early. But now, they can only kneel at the feet of a young woman and obey orders.
That depressing feeling is even more intense: If I could choose! I would never compete with this group of women for a man like this!
no way!
However, how can you control everything by yourself?
Time actually only passed the moment when they looked at each other, not very long. However, the dull depression made people feel tortured every minute.
Zhang Jieyu and Zuo Shufei were kneeling at the front.
Both of them lowered their heads. Concubine Zuo Shu was obviously very uneasy, but Zhang Jieyu was very calm and respectful. At this time, it was impossible not to stay down and be petty.
Fangfei looked at these two women, especially Zhang Jieyu.
Her tone was also light: "You all get up."
"Thank you, empress."
The concubines stood up.
However, Zhang Jieyu was kneeling on the ground, motionless and kowtowing her head. Concubine Zuo Shu was about to get up quietly, but seeing Zhang Jieyu kneeling, she had no choice but to kneel down again.
Fang Fei said lightly: "Why can't you two kneel down?"
Zhang Jieyu started to cry: "I beg you to forgive me..."
But Concubine Zuo Shu could not say any words of forgiveness, she just knelt down unwillingly. What mistake had she made? Is there anything worthy of being forgiven?
She looked up angrily, only to see the queen just looking at Zhang Jieyu: "Oh? Zhang Jieyu, what is your crime? Concubine Zuo Shu, please get back on your feet first."
Concubine Zuo Shu stood up bravely and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty." She breathed a sigh of relief. Of course she remembered the past grudges. When the queen was in trouble, she had ridiculed her. Did she want to settle the score with the queen?
However, it is certainly a good thing if you can stop kneeling first.
Only Zhang Jieyu was still kneeling on the ground, cursing secretly in her heart. The queen clearly asked Concubine Zuo Shu to stand up, but did not ask her to get back down. Who wants to keep kneeling down and worshiping her, this damn fat ball?
The eyes of the concubines all fell on her, as if they were watching a good show. When Zhang Jieyu and Xiao Lian were in the palace, they could get wind and rain. Although she was a little low-key, she was not as good as Xiao Lian.
Lian is so arrogant and arrogant, but who doesn't know that she is the real driving force behind the scenes?
How often did you think that Feng Zhaoyi would make a comeback as the queen?