Before the car arrived at the door of the Minister's Mansion, I could already hear the sound of drums and the crackling of firecrackers in the distance. Swallowing Novels www. Liu Zhu helped me open the curtain, and the red lanterns illuminated the street as brightly as in a dream. Far away.
I saw the whole family standing in front of the gate waiting in the distance. My eyes felt hot and I was about to burst into tears, but I could only hold it back in front of people.
Seeing my carriage approaching, the servants and maids at home came to greet me early and stretched out their hands to help me. My father and mother looked happy or sad, with smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes. I just wanted to throw myself into my mother's arms, but...
Seeing everyone kneeling down in unison, they shouted respectfully: "I, Zhen Yuandao, and my family are here to see my young master."
I was stunned for a moment, and then I remembered that I was already the emperor's chosen concubine, and I was just waiting for the imperial edict to be issued in the past two days to confirm my title and rank. In one day, my world had already changed drastically. I felt miserable in my heart.
I couldn't help crying and reached out to help my parents.
Dad quickly waved his hand: "No, little master. This is against the rules." Huanbi quickly handed over a silk handkerchief. I wiped away my tears, tried my best to keep my tone calm and said, "Get up."
Everyone had just stood up and welcomed me in like a star over the moon. At that moment, only our family had a family dinner, and my father wanted to let me take the seat.
I immediately knelt down and said calmly: "My daughter is unfilial. She can no longer support her parents happily, and she still wants her parents to follow the rules. I feel really uneasy."
My parents hurriedly came over to help me. I knelt down and continued: "Please listen to what my daughter has to say. Although my daughter is already a member of the royal family, her filial piety must not be abolished. Please allow her to still use the filial piety before entering the palace."
Serve, otherwise my daughter would rather kneel down than she can afford."
My mother was already in tears, and my father nodded and said with tears in his eyes: "Okay, okay! I, Zhen Yuandao, really did not give birth to this filial daughter in vain." Then he motioned to my two younger sisters, Yuyao and Yurao, to help me up and sit down in turn.
Have dinner next time.
I was upset, and after working hard all day, I had no appetite after all. So I told my parents early to go back to the room to rest.
Liu Zhu and Huanbi had made the bed early in the morning. Although I was tired, I was not sleepy at all. Just as I was changing into my pajamas and trying to sleep casually, my father personally brought a bowl of rock sugar bird's nest soup to see me.
My father called me "Huan'er", and there were tears in my eyes. I sat next to my father, and finally started sobbing with my pillow on my father's arm. My father called me: "My son, what are some words for your father to come so late?"
I want to advise you. Although you are only fifteen years old, you have been big-minded since you were a child. When you were seven years old, you thought your name was not good, and that the word "玉" was commonly found in girls' families. It was tacky and forced.
No. When you grow up, your father will let you do everything. Now that you have to serve in the palace, you can't control your own temper. You must look forward and backward in everything, be cautious, and be as calm as Meizhuang."
I nodded and agreed, "My daughter knows how to be measured and follow the rules in everything she does."
Dad sighed: "I didn't want you to enter the palace. It's just that there is no way to avoid it, so it has to be like this. The harem has always been a place of right and wrong. Moreover, today the emperor of Yunyi Palace has paid a lot of attention to you. I think there will be a lot of right and wrong in the future.
You must be careful and protect yourself.”
I held back my tears and comforted my father: "Don't you always say that your daughter is the 'Zhuge among women' and is smarter than others? Don't worry, dad."
Dad looked worried and said in a worried voice: "Who is not smart if they want to survive in the harem? Dad is worried that because you are stunningly beautiful and talented, you have caught the attention of the emperor before you even enter the palace, and you will inevitably be attracted by the people in the harem.
Jealousy and conspiracy. If you continue to use your talents to fight, I'm afraid you will harm yourself in vain. Remember, if you are not absolutely sure of getting favor, you must restrain your sharpness and hide your strength and bide your time. Dad does not ask you to strive for glory and wealth, but I ask that the apple of my eye can live in peace.
.”
I looked into my father's eyes solemnly and said word by word: "My daughter does not seek to be favored by the Holy One, but she only wishes to live her whole life in the palace without any troubles, so as to save the Zhen family and her own life."
.”
Daddy's eyes were full of love, and he said with pity: "It's a pity that you have to go through the suffering in this harem at such a young age. Daddy really can't bear it."
I raised the back of my hand to wipe away my tears and said in a deep voice: "The matter has come to this, and my daughter has no way out. She can only move forward step by step."
When Dad saw what I said, he felt a little relieved. After thinking for a long time, he asked tentatively: "The person you want to bring to the palace must be a confidant, but also smart and capable. Have you thought about who you want to bring?"
I knew what my father meant and said, "This daughter has already thought about it. She is very smart and meticulous. She wants to take them both into the palace."
Daddy breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's fine. They have grown up with you since childhood. Daddy will feel relieved to accompany you."
I lowered my head and said, "If they stay at home, they will have to marry a young boy in the future. Even if dad is willing, there is no good way out. If he does it too clearly, it will make mom suspicious and the whole family will be uneasy." Dad looked slightly older.
A trace of unspeakable guilt and shame flashed across my face. I couldn't bear it and said softly: "Although I am still a slave if I come to the palace with you, I will be able to point you to a good family if there is a chance in the future."
Dad sighed and said, "I know this. It also depends on her luck."
I said to my father: "Don't worry, dad, she and I are like sisters, and I will not treat her badly."
After sending daddy away, I blew out the candles and filled the room with darkness.
The next morning, Liu Zhu Huanbi helped me get up and wash up. I suddenly remembered something and was about to go out, then I remembered that I was the young master and could not leave the house at will. So I summoned the little maid Bin'er in the room and ordered: "
You go and find out whether An Lingrong, the daughter of Prime Minister Anbihuai of Songyang County, has been elected this year and where she lives. Don't make any noise and tell me when you come back."
She responded and went out. She came back to me in half a day: "Reply to my little master, Miss An has been elected and now lives in the Liuji Inn in Jingbai Hutong, Xicheng. However, I heard that she only came with one aunt to apply for the election, and her money is very tight.
I couldn't even pay the reward money yesterday, so the innkeeper paid it in advance." I frowned, this was really outrageous. How could the elected young master still live in the inn?
And guide my aunt to see how she will gain a foothold in the palace in the future.
I thought for a moment and said to Bin'er: "Go and ask the master to come over."
In just one stick of incense time, dad arrived. Even though I tried my best to stop him, he still saluted me before sitting down at my table. After saluting, he became my doting dad again, chatting and laughing happily.
I said to my father: "Dad, my daughter has something to discuss with you. My daughter met a beautiful girl yesterday and helped her. Now she has been selected as the mistress, but she was born in a humble family and her family is in embarrassment. She is still living in
The inn is really too desolate. My daughter wants to take her over to live with her. I wonder what dad would like?"
Dad smoothed his beard, thought for a moment and said, "Since you like her, there's nothing wrong with her. I just ordered your brother to pick her up."
In the evening, a small sedan was carried to pick up An Lingrong and her aunt. She had asked her servants to clean the Chunjixuan next door, prepare clothes and jewelry, and assigned a few girls to serve them.
After dinner, my brother, with a cheerful face, accompanied Lingrong to Kuai Xuexuan where I lived. When Lingrong saw me, her face was filled with tears, and Yingyingran was about to prostrate herself. I quickly stood up to help her, and said with a smile: "You and my sisters are the same.
Why would a man like me do such a great gift to me?"
Liu Zhu thought quickly and immediately asked Ling Rong: "Master Ling Rong, please sit down with your aunt." Ling Rongfang sat down with her aunt Xiao.
Seeing her brother beside her, Lingrong reluctantly raised her sleeves to wipe away her tears and said: "Lingrong owes much to Sister Zhen's pity, so he has a place in the capital. When he enters the palace in the future, he will not be looked down upon by others. Lingrong really cannot repay this kindness."
"Aunt Xiao is also very grateful.
The elder brother said with a smile: "When I went to the inn just now, the boss thought that the little master Lingrong was a rare commodity, so he refused to let them go. But I punched and kicked him and sent them away."
I pretended to be angry: "In front of the little master Lingrong, how can you say that you are going to fight and kill like this, and use your fists and kicks to scare people!"
Lingrong burst into tears and smiled, half shyly saying: "It doesn't matter. Thanks to Young Master Zhen for helping me!"
I smiled and said, "How about a 'young hero'? Just stop scaring us." Everyone couldn't hold it back and laughed together.
As the night got darker, I sent Lingrong back to his room alone. The moonlight was like water pouring on the corridor. I said to Lingrong sincerely: "Lingrong, live in my house as if you were in your own home. Don't be restrained. Tell me what you need."
I, the girl and old woman, will tell me if I don’t obey, don’t wrong yourself and let them turn the world upside down.” Lingrong was moved in her heart, she held my hand and said: “Lingrong is humble, I don’t know where I got my blessings, only when my sister cares about me can I
Enter the palace with peace of mind. The mausoleum can only repay you with your sincerity, support me with your sister all your life, and accompany you throughout the years in the palace."
I felt warm in my heart, held her hand tightly, and called sincerely: "Good sister."
One day passed. The eunuch of the palace came to announce the edict. My father, my mother, my brother and my two younger sisters went to the main hall to receive the edict. The eunuch announced:
"On August 22, the twelfth year of the Qianyuan year, the General Manager of the Internal Affairs Office copied out from the Jingshi Room, and ordered: Zhen Huan, a fifteen-year-old daughter of Zhen Yuandao, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was named a noble person of the sixth rank, and was given the title of 'Wan'.
Come in on September 15th and admire this."
I couldn't tell whether I was sad or happy, I could only quietly accept the order and thank you.
I also led an older woman in a palace attire. She was very elegant and had a kind look on her face. I knew I was leading my aunt, so I felt blessed and called out, "Aunt."
She was stunned, thinking that I would treat her with such courtesy. She hurriedly knelt down to say hello to me, saying, "My servant Fangruo, please see me, my dear mistress." According to the rules of our court, Auntie Yin has a special status.
During the period of teaching the young master the etiquette in the palace, the young master does not need to kowtow to the concubines, so when they first meet, the young master just kneels down.
My father had already prepared a gift of money to send to the eunuch. My mother was attentive, and considering that the mausoleum was a sojourn and she was inconvenient, she even gave her share to her father-in-law.
The eunuch received the gift and went to Chunjixuan next door to declare:
"On August 22, the twelfth year of Qianyuan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs in charge of the affairs of the country copied out the document from the Jingshifang, with the order: An Lingrong, the fifteen-year-old daughter of Cheng Anbi Huai, the Prime Minister of Songyang County, was given the title of a servant of the seventh grade.
Enter on the 15th day of the lunar month and admire this."
Lingrong and Aunt Xiao cried with joy. Because Lingrong and I lived together, my aunt was also Fangruo.
After announcing the decree, I invited my aunt and the eunuch to have tea. I prepared a good room for my aunt and entertained her with delicious food and drinks.
The people who went to inquire about the news also came back. Because they had just entered the palace, the positions of the selected mistresses were not high, and they were all below the first concubine of the fifth rank. Meizhuang was canonized as a minor concubine of the fifth rank, which is the same as me
Entered the palace on the same day. There were fifteen young masters selected this time, and they entered the palace in three batches. Lingrong, Meizhuang and I were the last batch.
I felt a little relieved. Not only could I enter the palace two days later, but the three of us were familiar with each other and could take care of each other after entering the palace, so that we would not be lonely for a long time.
After the canonization ceremony, Lingrong and I began to live in separate courtyards. Although we still lived in the residence of the Minister of Civil Affairs, Kuaixue Xuan and Chunji Xuan where we lived were separated, and outside were the guards sent by the palace.
Guards, inside are the internal guards, the palace maids serve, and no idle men are allowed to enter. We only teach Aunt Yin to accompany us to learn etiquette, and wait for the day when we enter the palace on September 15th.
After the canonization, the rules were strict. In addition to the personal maids who were brought to the palace to serve me personally, even when my father and brother met me, they had to kneel on the cushions outside the door through the curtain to talk. My mother and sister could also see each other once a day.
, but you must also greet me according to etiquette.
Lingrong and I are both concubines, so we can often go back and forth and learn etiquette together.
It seems that Lingrong is more relaxed than me. The male family members are not around, so he doesn't have to watch his family members kneel down and salute him.
The Zhou Dynasty has always emphasized the relationship between monarch and minister, and the monarch is the guide for the minister. The title "Wan Guiren" symbolizes that I am already the emperor. Although I am just a low-level concubine who is about to enter the palace, my parents, brothers and sisters also have to kneel down to me to say goodbye.
.Every time I see my father kneeling outside the curtain to say hello to me, saying respectfully: "Good luck to you, I wish you happiness, longevity, and health." Then he bends his body to talk to me. I can't bear to see it, and I say no in my heart.
Feeling uncomfortable and sad.
So many times, I had to avoid seeing my father. Yuyao and Yurao greeted my father for me every day, and always told my father to take care of himself.
I get up early every day to listen to Fangruo explaining the rules of the palace with Lingrong. In the afternoon, I get up after taking a nap as usual to practice etiquette, standing, walking, saying hello, eating and other postures. Lingrong and I are very knowledgeable people, and we learned quickly.
When I was free, I listened to Fangruo talk about the palace gossip for a while. Fangruo used to work as a servant beside the Queen Mother. She was courteous and straightforward, and she served the queen very well. Fangruo rarely mentioned the internal affairs of the palace, but the days passed by, and we spent time together day and night.
Although there were only a few words, I had a general understanding of the situation in the palace.
Emperor Xuan Ling is twenty-five this year. He was married twelve years ago to Zhu Rouze, the niece of the current Queen Mother. Although the queen is two years older than the emperor, she is dignified and elegant, and everyone at the time called her queen.
"The queen has a womanly virtue and a beautiful house." 1 She was very affectionate with the emperor and was very popular in the harem. Unexpectedly, the queen died in childbirth five years after the wedding, and even the newborn little prince could not be saved. The emperor
After being sad, she pursued the posthumous title of "Queen Chunyuan". Then she chose the queen's sister, who was also the queen mother's cousin, Zhu Yixiu, to succeed her in the middle palace. Although the current queen is not a national beauty, she is also kind-hearted, and the emperor respects her.
It's just that the emperor is young, and after losing Queen Chunyuan, it is inevitable that he will have many concubines. The most favored one in the palace now is Murong Shilan, the concubine of Mixiu Palace. Legend has it that she is quite charming, and she is very popular with the emperor. There are no concubines in the palace.
Anyone who dares to offend her, not to mention all the concubines, even the queen has to give her two points.
Logically speaking, the empress is the niece of the queen mother. The queen mother would not sit idly by like this because of family ties or the favor of her relatives. The empress dowager in our court is as capable as any man, and the emperor was still young when he first ascended to the throne. He listened to the government from behind the curtain for three years.
For a long time, he seized the imperial power from the regent with lightning speed, killed the regent with his own hands, implicated his party members, and wiped out the regent's influence. Only then did he have the current state of governance. It was only after the regent's party was wiped out.
, the Queen Mother fell seriously ill, thinking that she was exhausted mentally and physically, so she decided to go into seclusion for recuperation. From then on, except for major festivals, she stayed in the Queen Mother Palace and stayed in seclusion, concentrating on Buddhism. She no longer interfered with the affairs of the court and the harem, only focusing on
Everything is left to the disposal of the emperor and empress.
In addition, the concubines in the palace are divided into eight grades and sixteen grades. Meizhuang, Lingrong and others like me and others are just low-level concubines. They are not the main ones in the inner court. They can only be called "little masters" and live in the attic of the palace.
In the courtyard, there is no main hall to live in. Only concubines of the third rank can be called "master" or "empress", and are qualified to become the chief of the inner court, occupy the main hall, and be in charge of the affairs of the palace. Although there are many concubines in the harem,
But since the current queen was canonized as the queen, the position of the four noble and virtuous concubines has been vacant. Aunt Fangruo once said to me sincerely in private, with the talent and appearance of the young master, I have been favored by the holy family.
As the fourth concubine, it was just around the corner to enjoy prosperity. I just smiled and changed the subject with something else.
Since the imperial edict was issued, my mother and Yu Yao have been busy preparing the jewelry and clothing for me to bring into the palace. I can't bring too much to look petty, and I can't bring too little to hold up the scene and be looked down upon by others. I also must
Everything is exquisite and generous. It took a lot of effort to be so picky and busy. After Ling Rong came to live in the family, we were treated the same as me, so naturally we had to prepare for Ling Rong.
Although we are not allowed to see Meizhuang and we are not allowed to meet our family members at will, our relationship with Lingrong is becoming more and more firm. We are inseparable every day, we are like sisters, and we even wear a hosta in turn.
But I was not in a happy mood. I was very anxious and had a sore at the corner of my mouth. I was so anxious that Lingrong and Aunt Xiao made me some folk remedies from home overnight and applied them to me, and then they gradually disappeared.
Note:
1 "A graceful woman has the virtues of a woman, and the beauty reflects the pepper room": People in the Western Jin Dynasty praised Yang Yan, the empress of Sima Yan, Emperor Wu of the Jin Dynasty. Yang Yan: (238-274), the empress of Emperor Wu of the Jin Dynasty, whose courtesy name was Qiongzhi, a native of Huayin, Hongnong.
His father, Yang Wenzong, once served as the minister of Cao Wei. In the tenth year of Taishi's reign, he died of illness in Luoyang at the age of 37. His posthumous title was Queen Wuyuan.