On the fifth day of November, the emperor's and empress's palace patrol finally returned to the city. The wide road suddenly became bustling with people. Except for the road leading to the inner palace of the imperial city, there was not a single person. Waiting for the mighty procession to proceed
After leaving Miyagi City, things returned to normal.
A few days later, the army from the Western Expedition also returned to the court, and the people were naturally very lively again.
But this time, the saint did not reward the main generals Xue Fangji and Li Chi. Instead, he gave several deputy generals generous titles. Among them, the deputy general Su Zilie returned and was named the pioneer officer of the Eastern Expedition to Silla. He was treated with great favor. All these things, behind the scenes
The intention is unavoidable and people can't help but think about it. In addition, the aftermath of Yong Wang's incident has not been resolved, so the Xue family is not as lively as before, and it feels a bit desolate.
Qingrong also had some experience of this, but in comparison, it was the news that Siniang returned safely that made her more concerned. The queen came back after many days, and Mrs. Wei was going to the palace, so it was hard for her to remember it.
Sister Qingrong took the initiative to invite Qingrong into the palace, and Qingrong was naturally happy to do so.
As before, Qingrong went to the Zhengyi Hall to meet the queen first.
Counting the days, it was almost half a year since I last saw her. In addition, during this period of time, the big and small things that happened in the court were really not peaceful... Qingrong was still a little uneasy when he saw the queen again.
Qingrong was summoned into the palace, and the queen sat on a high chair. As Qingrong had guessed before, the queen came back from this trip a little different than before... Her demeanor was more magnanimous, and her eyes were more calm and majestic.
There seems to be an aura of complacency and the overall situation is stable, which makes people dare not look closely.
Qingrong bowed respectfully, and the queen smiled and said, "Get up. It's been a long time since I last saw you, and you've become more and more reserved."
Mrs. Wei smiled and said: "You have too many rules here. Whoever comes here has to be respectful? You don't even dare to show off."
The queen glanced at her and said with a smile: "Now these words can only come from your mouth."
"After all, Madam and Your Highness are sisters who have such a deep love that others would envy them." Qingrong pursed her lips and smiled, but no, not many people dared to speak like this in front of the Queen these days.
The queen's expression became more relaxed at this time, and she said: "The saint mentioned that a hunt will be held in the Royal Forbidden Garden in a few days, and your family's general will be among the entourage. You must also attend the meeting."
Qingrong was a little surprised. At this time, the saint could still think of Xue Shaolai? She saluted and said: "Thank you for your grace, your highness, saint. I dare not neglect you."
The queen smiled and said, "It's just an ordinary hunt. Most of the people accompanying us this time are people you have some dealings with on weekdays. You don't need to be so nervous."
Qingrong's heart moved and she smiled: "Yes."
After talking for a while, Mrs. Wei reminded: "Sanniang is thinking about her sisters. She couldn't hide her joy when she heard that she was going to the palace. You can't stop talking to others for a long time."
The queen looked at her and said with a smile: "I don't mind you, so go early." She seemed to have thought of something, her eyes were deep, but she didn't say anything to Qingrong. Qingrong bowed and left first.
Qingran had not seen her sister for a long time. When she learned that she was coming, she was so excited that she went to the entrance of the palace to wait. When Qingrong's figure came closer, she saw that familiar face, her
I just felt a little more at ease in my heart.
Siniang called out: "Sister!" She walked out quickly, so excited that she almost couldn't hold back her tears.
Qingrong's face was full of smiles. She held Siniang's hand and looked around, feeling a little sad. Her eyes were full of pity, "I have grown taller and lost weight."
Si Niang shook her head and said with a smile: "It's cold outside, and I'm afraid of the cold. Let's not talk outside. Concubine Xian misses my sister too."
Qingrong nodded, agreed with a smile, and entered the inner hall with her.
Incense was burning in the hall, and a warm basin was set up. The warmth came to my face, and it was like a completely different world from the cold wind blowing outside.
Liu Yuniang has not changed much. Although she is pregnant now, it has not been revealed yet. She looks the same as usual. However, her face is a little pale and she looks much weaker than before. Not long after talking to Qingrong,
Feeling weak, she smiled apologetically at Qingrong, "After we talked, I was a little tired and my body couldn't bear it, so I let Si Niang chat with you. Don't blame me."
Qingrong naturally agreed and said worriedly: "What did Concubine Xian say? Of course Concubine Xian's health is important. I won't disturb Concubine Xian's rest."
Siniang took her down to the place where she usually lived. After the servants left, only the two sisters were left in the room.
"Looking at Concubine Xian's current condition, I wonder if she can bear it." Qingrong also saw how hard it was for Mrs. Qin to get pregnant. She is doing fine now, but she is afraid that it will be even more difficult in the future.
Si Niang also sighed, and now her demeanor has lost its youthfulness and is a bit more calm, "The previous time, Concubine Xian was injured, and she has not gotten better these days, so her health is naturally worse now.
But the imperial doctor said that as long as he keeps healthy, he may be able to recover slowly."
Qingrong nodded and said, "The clouds have dispersed and the moon is rising. Can Concubine Xian tell you when she will leave the palace?"
Si Niang lowered her eyes and said nothing.
Qingrong felt something was wrong and asked: "What's wrong? Is it Concubine Xian...or His Highness doesn't intend to let you leave the palace early?"
"None of them." Siniang shook her head, "It's me, sister. I want to stay in the palace and wait for Concubine Xian's child to be born safely, then I can go home with peace of mind."
In fact, she had made plans before she came back. Liu Yuniang was currently weak, which was really worrying. In addition, Qingrong... She had also heard about it from the queen. Knowing the current situation of the Xue family, she
Although there is nothing wrong with staying in the palace, there is nothing you can do to help my sister if you leave the palace.
Qingrong frowned and looked at her with some worry, "But you know, my father and mother miss you, and what kind of good place is this palace? In the past, you had nothing to do, but now you have a choice, you must do it
Be careful. Tell me, what are your plans?"
Si Niang raised her head and looked out the window, feeling complicated for a moment. If she told her the reason, her sister would definitely not agree. She considered it and said: "I understand, but I don't want to be someone who only makes people worry and always drags you down... What's more,
I don’t want to leave the palace to get married yet.”
"Why is this happening? Talk to sister."
Si Niang was a little embarrassed to say it, but after a moment, she mustered up the courage to say: "Actually, I already have someone I like... He is an upright gentleman. He has helped me many times and treated me sincerely. He has never added insult to injury or looked at me coldly." Her tone at this time.
There was a hint of joy and joy in her eyes, and her eyebrows were so soft that even she herself was not aware of it.
Qingrong couldn't hide the surprise in her eyes. She saw Siniang showing a wry smile, shaking her head and saying, "But there is a huge difference between me and him... It's impossible. But I don't want to give in to others and feel wronged."
"What about him? Is he interested in you?"
Siniang nodded, with a sad face, "But I don't want him to miss his future because of me, and I also advise him to forget this... it's good for both of us."
Seeing her like this, Qingrong shook her head, "Who is he?"
Siniang whispered: "Sister, you should know him...he is Cui Chenyu, the second son of the Cui family of the Wenyi County government."
It's him!
Qingrong had naturally heard of it. He and Xue Shao had some friendship. According to their seniority, he was the nephew of Xue Shao's third aunt Cui, and the clan brother of Cui Ningqian, the husband of Pei Ling. He was born in a family with five surnames, a son of an aristocratic family, and was the Duke of Xijue County...
What's more, his reputation is not good, and his relationship with his tribe is also very complicated. In any case, he is not a suitable husband. When did these two people get together?
Qingrong sighed softly, it would not be a bad thing if Si Niang gave up this idea, but seeing that she looked so sad and sad, Qingrong naturally couldn't bear it. She had so many mixed feelings at the moment that she didn't know how to speak.
Seeing that Qingrong was silent, Siniang laughed at herself, "Sister, you think I'm just dreaming? In fact, I understand, so... I have no delusions about it."
She has always loved this sister and did not want her to be disappointed. Qingrong held her hand and said warmly: "You are not married and he is wronged. The matter has not yet been decided. Besides, what is a delusion? If you get it, it is not a delusion.
If you say it's nonsense, it's just an excuse for those who don't have it. You can analyze the pros and cons, but you also need to know that although you can't keep your hopes in vain, you shouldn't belittle yourself."
"Sister..." Siniang's heart moved and she raised her eyes to look at Qingrong.
"Does he hold any position now?"
"Liang Lang."
Qing Rong knew clearly. No wonder she wanted to stay in the palace. This Cui Chenyu was actually a close official of the emperor. I was afraid that the two of them would meet in the palace. She muttered: "I understand your intention, but staying in the palace is only for a short time."
Yes, what happens after Concubine Xian gives birth? Have you ever thought about what will happen then?"
Si Niang was speechless for a moment, but there was no wavering in her eyes.
Qingrong asked, "Is it because of other reasons?"
Si Niang lowered her eyes under her gaze, recalling all the events in the palace before, "There are some things... you don't know, sister, but once the fire in the court burns out now, it's hard to say who will suffer next. You are now
Xue’s wife.”
Qingrong didn't understand the meaning of these words. It was because of herself that she wanted to persuade her again.
Unexpectedly, Siniang said again: "I have reported this matter to Concubine Xian and Your Highness... I hope my sister and my mother-in-law can forgive me for making an unauthorized decision this time."
"You..." Qingrong frowned. After a while, she sighed helplessly and nodded: "I understand. Since you have decided to do this, what else can I say? I will tell my parents. As for other things...
Don’t think too much about it.”
A smile broke out on Siniang's face, she nodded and said, "Thank you very much, sister."
The two talked for a long time, and when they saw that it was almost time, Qingrong bid farewell to the Concubine Xian and the Queen, and then left the palace with Mrs. Wei.
Although Qingrong had heard of Cui Chenyu, she had never met him, and she had a rough idea of his affairs. To say that she was optimistic about his and Siniang's affairs, that was not enough. See how Pei Ling's mother lived in the Cui family.
I know that the elders of the Cui family are not easy to get along with, but Qingrong selfishly does not want Siniang to go through this muddy water, but this is what Siniang hopes for...