In the evening, Jinxi brought people into the palace to change the dinner meals, and personally waited on me to take a bath. This was not her responsibility, and had always been taken care of by Jingqing, Pin'er, and Pei'er.
I knew she must have something to say to me, so I moved away from the others, leaving her alone.
Jin Xi gently wiped my body with rose petals and said softly: "There is news from Aunt Fangruo, saying that the young master of Meizhuang is getting better. He is no longer crying all day long and not getting enough food as he was in the past few days. He is gradually getting better."
Let’s calm down and eat some food.”
I breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That puts me at ease - I'm just afraid she won't be able to think about it."
Jin Xi consoled him: "The young master of Meizhuang has always been a temperamental person, so he must not be like this."
"I don't know." Suddenly he remembered something, and reached out to pick up the clothes and stood up, "No one has tampered with her diet, right? What if she was poisoned and said she committed suicide out of fear of crime, but there is really no evidence to prove her death.
Got it!"
Jin Xi hurriedly said: "Young Master, you are worrying too much. The servants guarding the Young Master of Meizhuang will naturally be careful about this matter. If anything happens to the Young Master of Meizhuang, they will be the only ones who cannot run away."
It made sense after thinking about it, so she felt a little relieved and sat down to take a bath again. Jin Xi said: "This slave has been looking at me coldly for more than half a year, and the young master actually cares more for the young master of Meizhuang than for himself. Originally, the young master of Meizhuang
The Lord is pregnant, and the Emperor has been neglecting you for several days. The ladies in the palace are all waiting to see your jokes with her, but who knows that you are even more affectionate towards the Young Master of Meizhuang, as if you are pregnant."
I said with emotion: "The young master of Meizhuang and I have been friends since we were young. From the boudoir to the deep palace, we have been together, how can anyone else compare to us? In this palace, apart from Ling Rong, it is me and her.
We can only get through it if our left and right arms support each other. She is in such a bad state today, how can I not be heartbroken and anxious."
Jinxi seemed to be deeply touched and said to me: "The young master feels the same way about the young master of Meizhuang, and the young master of Meizhuang also feels the same way about the young master. This is what the young master of Meizhuang tried his best to get Aunt Fangruo to give it to him.
, it must be handed over to the little master."
I hurriedly took it over and took a look. On a small roll of tissue paper, there were only a few words written on it: cherish yourself and help others.
As soon as I finished reading it, tears fell from my eyes and the paper got a little wet.
There was naturally no pen and ink around Meizhuang Jingzu Yu Runtang, so I don't know where she had gone to find this roll of paper. There was no pen and ink, but the eight characters were actually written with blood. She thought she had bitten her finger.
My heart is extremely sad. Meizhuang, oh Meizhuang, you can't protect yourself, but you still want to take care of me. Thinking that I am alone and helpless, you want me to help Lingrong ascend to the throne.
After I finished reading the pieces of paper, I quickly balled them up into a ball and asked Jin Xi to put them in the incense burner and burn them.
I can't help but hesitate in my heart. Why don't I know that Lingrong is the only person around me who I can trust and support. However, after nearly a year in the palace, Lingrong seems to have lingering feelings for my brother. Not only does he avoid being with Xuan Ling at all times,
We met each other and tried not to attract his attention even though we met each other. How could I have the heart to force her to get close to a man I didn’t like?
After bathing, he changed into clean clothes. Seeing that it was already getting late, he took Jinxi to see the mausoleum, and asked Liuzhu and Huanbi to follow them with some fruit silk satin.
Lingrong's residence was placed in a secluded courtyard near Yifu Pavilion. In addition to her personal servants Baojuan and Juqing, she was also served by two maids Cui'er and Xi'er who had been assigned to her by Meizhuang earlier.
Before entering the courtyard, there was already the sound of quarreling. But it was Cui'er's voice: "Young master, you can just live in peace, why bother us slaves? If you can follow Chang Shen and enjoy the whole day, The good thing is, it would be even better if you can follow Zhen Jieyu, not to mention that Jieyu is a popular person in front of the emperor, and she will also benefit from being his slaves."
I quickly signaled to Jin Xi and the others not to go in yet, and stood quietly at the door listening.
Xi'er also said: "Don't blame us slaves for complaining. We have never had a day's work with you, and we have suffered a lot."
Lingrong said in a soft voice: "It turns out that I am not a good master, so you have been wronged for nothing."
Ju Qing thought she was angry and said: "You have a good temper, little master. If you let them make trouble, your eyes will become less and less focused on you, little master."
Cui'er said disdainfully: "My master didn't say anything. You are the same person as us, so why should I let you speak?"
Xi'er sneered and said, "Young master, you think you are your master? I wonder if you will be lucky enough to have someone call your concubine 'master' in this life!"
Lingrong knew that he had made a mistake and was blocked and couldn't say a word. He just blushed and sat on the porch. Juqing couldn't bear it and started to argue with them.
I felt angry when I heard it, and I couldn't help but snorted coldly and stepped in the door.
Everyone was startled when they saw it was me coming in. Cui'er and Xi'er hurriedly stopped talking and rushed to say hello. They smiled apologetically and stepped forward to take the things from Liu Zhu and Huanbi's hands.
I stretched out my hand to stop him and said, "It's not a sin to help you two." He said without looking at them, just smiled and said to Juqing: "Good girl, you know how to protect the master. Huanbi, take some silver to reward her." "
Ju Qing hurriedly thanked the reward. Cui'er and Xi'er's faces turned red and white, and they had to stand aside with their hands retracted.
I said: "Didn't you say you want to be a slave by my side? Being a slave by my side is not easy. Your little master is so kind-hearted that he only indulges you. I don't have such a good temper, and I will never tolerate such a bastard like you." I don’t have eyes for the little master’s slaves.” My face sank and I said coldly: “Jin Xi, take them to the Criminal Punishment Department and tell the person in charge that these two slaves can no longer be used. Watch them and beat them twenty times in person. Staff, and then sent to the Huanyi Bureau as slaves." When they heard this, they were so frightened that they knelt on the ground and begged desperately for mercy, crying with tears streaming down their faces. I ignored them and only said to Jin Xi: "When I get back to the queen, Go to the House of Internal Affairs and select two suitable servants to serve the young master Lingrong." He said and took Lingrong's hand and went in together.
I have always been very angry with the palace people and their faces. Today I turned against me and even Jin Xi was shocked. She ignored their cries and begged for mercy and hurriedly drove them away.
Ling Rong and He went into the room and sat down together. Ling Rong said with a guilty look on his face: "Ling Rong is useless, I just told my sister to watch a joke."
I said: "You have such a good temper, let them take care of it. Didn't I tell you earlier that if there is anything wrong with the palace maid, please come and tell me. Sister Mei could take care of you originally, but now I do the same." "
Lingrong whispered: "These are troubled times right now. Sister Mei is in trouble, and she is very worried. How can Lingrong be so ignorant and bother her with these little things?"
I patted her hand and said: "You and I are sisters, there is nothing we can't say." Seeing her always looking ashamed, I couldn't bear it, so I changed the subject and said, "I saw you eating that lychee two days ago. It's very sweet, and I asked someone to bring some more today. Can you try to see if it's as good as last time?" Then he pointed at the melon in Liu Zhu's hand and said, "This is the new melon from Tubo, specially brought to you. ."
There were tears in Lingrong's eyes, "My sister has treated me like this, Lingrong really..."
I quickly held down her hand and pretended to be angry: "I'm going to say those words again."
He asked Liu Zhu to cut the honeydew melon and use some together.
Ling Rong's house was a little small, and it felt extremely hot in the afternoon sun. After talking for a while, his vest became a little sweaty.
I really found it difficult to say what Meizhuang told me, and I hesitated for a long time but couldn't open my mouth.
I accidentally saw an unfinished embroidery piece she put on the table. I picked it up and looked at it. It was a pattern of "Butterfly Love Flower". The needlework was exquisite, the stitches were fine, and the embroidery was lifelike. Lingrong saw me looking at it with gusto.
, couldn't help but blush, and stretched out his hand to take it back.
I smiled and said, "Lingrong's needlework has improved again." After looking at it for a while, I said, "Your skills are really good. Can you embroider one for me to make a sachet?"
Lingrong smiled sweetly and said: "Of course. Sister, do you also want to embroider a 'Die Lian Hua'?"
I pursed my lips and thought for a while, then suddenly smiled and said: "I don't want any 'Die Lianhua'. Dies love flowers, but do flowers also love butterflies? This is not good."
Lingrong was startled, and then smiled and said: "That's right. I will embroider a winged bird and a branch for my sister to wish the emperor and sister a happy marriage."
I looked at her with a slight smile: "Lingrong only wants me to be in love with the emperor, but doesn't she want to be in love with the emperor?"
Lingrong was startled, then lowered his head and said, "What did sister say?"
I dismissed the people around me, straightened my expression and said, "I want to ask you what to do?" I paused: "What happened to you that day in Fuli Hall?"
Lingrong tried her best to avoid my gaze and whispered: "It's nothing."
I glanced at her, breathed a sigh of relief and said with a pleasant expression: "You think I was just dancing that day and didn't hear you. You sang really well, but you didn't even sing 50% of your usual skills - Ling Rong, was that intentional?
"
Lingrong's head was buried even lower, and she became more and more pitiful. I couldn't bear to talk about her. It was obvious that she was afraid of being favored by the emperor, so she deliberately didn't sing with all her heart. But for what reason was she unwilling to do her best?
Sing, I'm afraid no one knows it better than me.
I sighed: "Lingrong, how could I not understand what you are thinking?" My eyes rested on her for a moment. Lingrong had a delicate figure, white to transparent skin, and a pair of beautiful eyes like a frightened deer.
Her gentle, watery eyes filtered out strands from behind her long eyelashes, which made people's hearts flutter. I couldn't help but sigh, as expected, I felt pity for her! Although she wasn't stunningly beautiful, it was enough to make people feel pity and emotion.
Lingrong became uncomfortable when I looked at her. She unconsciously touched her cheek with her hand and asked half-consciously, "Why are you looking at me like this, sister?"
I reached out and picked up her embroidery piece, put it on the table and smoothed it carefully, "Do you really want to pass the time with embroidery all day long? Even those slaves dare to laugh at you?"
Ling Rong twisted the handkerchief in his fingers, formed a knot, and untied it. After a while, he twisted the handkerchief into another knot. He just twisted his fingers there and lowered his head in silence. After a long while, he squeezed out one sentence: "Ling Rong
Poor luck."
"On days like this," I raised my head to look at the small attic and said quietly, "Tangli would be much better if I didn't have to be sick that day."
I stood up, slowly straightened the messy gold tassels on my hairpin, held Huanbi's hand and walked out. When I walked to the door of the ceremony, I turned back to Lingrong and said, "It's late at night and the wind is strong. Come in quickly. No need to send me away."
Already."
Lingrong said: "Sister, be careful on the road."
I nodded, suddenly recalled something, and said with a bright smile: "A few days ago, my brother sent me a letter from the border, saying that he could come back to visit relatives during the Lantern Festival next year."
Seeing Lingrong's eyes suddenly lit up, like a pool of spring water, and his face unconsciously had a gentle look of a daughter's.
I knew in my heart that she still had feelings for my brother, and I sighed sadly in my heart, Lingrong, don't blame me for being cruel. Your caring about your brother like this is really of no benefit to you in your life. If you harden your heart, it will show on your face.
Full of joyful smile: "Dad said that my brother will definitely get married to him when he comes back this time. We have an eldest daughter-in-law, so she takes care of everything. It can be considered a happy event for my Zhen family."
When Lingrong heard this, his body swayed slightly, and the light in his eyes instantly dimmed, like red-hot coals quenching into the water, causing white smoke to curl up.
After all, I can't bear it. I'm afraid she really likes her brother like this. But if she doesn't do this, Lingrong will always have some lucky hope for her brother, and she can't stop it. The so-called strong man's wrist is cut off, which is really not possible.
Not so.
In just a moment, Lingrong had stretched out his hand to firmly hold the wall, with his expression as usual and a faint smile like pear blossoms blown away by the wind: "This is a happy event. Mr. Zhen's wife must be a lady from a famous family, with both virtue and appearance. Lingrong
I would like to congratulate my sister first."
Summer is late, and a scorching sun is shining directly on the zenith, making the golden glazed tiles in the distance seem to be dripping with fire. The Yifu Pavilion is hidden in the shade of green trees, with thick shade like flowers, and the north window
The jade-like cool breeze brings a moment of soothing coolness, allowing people in the heat to temporarily take a breather.
Xuan Ling stayed at the Yifu Pavilion last night. The sleepiness and fatigue of the night were not yet gone. In the morning, he accompanied the queen and spoke a long speech. When he came back, he felt very tired. When he saw Jinxi bringing someone in to change the ice, he came in again.
Unable to bear it, she lay on Concubine Yang's couch with her clothes crooked and fell asleep.
It was a sweet sleep. I don’t know how long I slept, but I vaguely heard someone sobbing softly next to me.
After sleeping for a long time, my head ached, and I barely opened my eyes, but Lingrong was sobbing, her eyes were swollen like peaches, and the silk in her hand was all wet with tears. It was completely different from the past.
He struggled to get up and asked, "What's going on?" He was frightened, thinking that something had happened while he was in confinement in Meizhuang.
Lingrong sobbed unspeakably, she could only shed tears.
I was worried, and Jin Xi said at the side: "Little Master Lingrong's father is in prison."
I looked at Lingrong and said, "It's so good. What's going on?"
Lingrong finally stopped crying and recounted the matter with sobs. It turned out that Xuan Ling was deploying troops in the southwest, and Songyang County Magistrate Geng Wenqing was ordered to transport silver grain. Unexpectedly, he encountered a stray enemy soldier on the way.
The military rations were robbed, and Geng Wenqing escaped from the battle and took a lot of money with him. Xuan Ling Long Yan was furious, and Geng Wenqing was sentenced to execution. He was sent to prison together with the county magistrate and chief clerk of Songyang County, and his life and death hung in the balance.
Xuan Ling had a thought.
Lingrong covered his face and said: "It's okay for Geng Wenqing to escape before the battle. Now he deserves to be sentenced to death, but his father will also be implicated. That's not all. I'm afraid that in the emperor's anger, not only will the house be confiscated, but my father's life will also be in danger.
Lingrong cried again: "Dad has always been cautious and only seeks to protect himself. He really doesn't dare to get involved in Geng Wenqing's affairs."
I hurriedly comforted: "The matter has not been decided yet, so don't cry in a hurry. It's important to think of a solution."
When Lingrong heard this, his brows knitted together, and he said with tears in his eyes: "Military affairs are a major matter, but my father is involved in this matter. I'm afraid it's more serious than bad. Lingrong's words are so low-key, how can we do anything about it."
I knew that Lingrong wanted me to plead with Xuan Ling. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed for a moment, and frowned and said, "I know what you mean. But this is a political matter, and concubines in the harem are not allowed to interfere in politics. You know that."
Seeing that I was helpless, Lingrong couldn't help crying. I thought about it, got up and ordered Jinxi to pass the sedan chair, and then called Liuzhu. Huanbi came in to change my clothes and make up. I took Lingrong's hand and said: "
But the only solution now is to ask the queen first."
Lingrong stopped crying quickly, with a look of hope on her face, and nodded gratefully.
It was hot at noon, and even though I was walking in the shade under the palace wall, I couldn't help but sweat profusely.
The concubine saw that the queen must be neat and tidy, so she straightened her clothes, hair and hair before entering Fengyi Palace, and wiped away the sweat with silk before asking the palace maid to report. It was Jianqiu who came out to reply, and said with a smile to Lingrong Fu and me.
: "It's unfortunate that the two young masters are here. Your Majesty is out."
I wondered: "Don't you always take a nap at this time?"
Jian Qiu pursed her lips and smiled and said: "My Majesty went to the Shuilv Nanxun Palace to see the Emperor. Why did the young master come here? My Majesty went to see the Emperor for the same reason." He added, "I don't know when I will come back.
You two young masters, please wait in the side hall first. Tea has been prepared for a long time."
I said with a smile: "The Queen knows things like a god, so I have Miss Lao Jianqiu."
Jianqiu led Lingrong and I to the side hall. I thought to myself that the queen had received the news so quickly, and she had calculated that Lingrong and I would come to beg her, so she went to Xuanling to plead with her first. She was really considerate.
, it’s impressive.
I suddenly understood that although the queen was not favored by Xuan Ling, she was able to succeed to the throne and hold the phoenix seal on her hand probably not just because the queen mother was her aunt and the former queen was her biological sister. Concubine Hua was always angry.
Ao, although the empress is modest, she still stands firm and firmly occupies the phoenix throne. It must be related to her careful handling of things, being one step ahead of others and being willing to be kind to others. The original plan was to eliminate Concubine Li and overwhelm Concubine Hua, although she did not discuss it with the empress in advance.
She made a plan, but in an emergency, she can still cooperate with the people who are beneficial to her, and she can do it with ease. She has already joined forces with us invisibly. Looking back on this episode, I can't help but feel a little more awe for the Queen who usually seems to be kind and cowardly.
Feelings of admiration.
We waited for two hours. Finally, the queen returned. Lingrong and I knelt down and saluted. She asked us to get up, and then asked us to sit down for a while. She paused for a sip of tea and then said slowly: "I have tried my best on this matter.
There is really nothing we can do. Hearing that the emperor's tone seemed to be angry, I did not dare to persuade him, so I could only tell the emperor what was important. The emperor only said that it was related to the government and nothing else."
Lingrong and I looked at each other. Since even the queen had come back with such a weak and weak nail, it was even more difficult for her to ask Xuan Ling for mercy.
Lingrong felt sad in her heart and took a piece of silk to wipe the corners of her eyes.
The queen sighed as she spoke, rubbed her forehead tiredly and said: "Nowadays, political affairs are complicated, and the emperor is also very worried. No matter what the harem asks for, it will only make the emperor more troubled. In this situation, firstly, it depends on you, An.
The second thing about my father's luck is that I have to wait and see if there is any room for improvement from the emperor."
Lingrong couldn't hear half of the tears rolling down like broken beads. Because he couldn't lose his manners in front of the queen, he tried his best to control himself and couldn't help sobbing. He reluctantly knelt down and said: "Lingrong thanks the queen for her care and consideration. She must remember her kindness." ."
The queen stretched out her hand to support the mausoleum, and sighed: "Everyone has a time when misfortune comes and life is in trouble. As the master of the harem, I am also a sister serving the emperor like you, so naturally it is the time when I can help you. It’s also a good thing to do to help you.”
Regardless of whether the matter is successful or not, as a queen, she is willing to plead for a humble and unfavored concubine without worrying about her ancestors. She has sold us a huge favor. What's more, the queen is so humble and condescending. I couldn't help but be moved by Gui's thoughtful words. I felt in my heart that this deep palace was cold and lonely, and there was a turbulent undercurrent. Fortunately, there was such a queen who was willing to consider others, and I felt a little warmer.
Ling Rong was even more flattered and could not express his emotions.
The queen looked at me kindly and said: "Zhen Jieyu has always been sensible and can share the worries of this palace. I need to comfort An Xuan on this matter. Do you understand?"
I respectfully said "yes" and saluted the queen: "In the past, Shen Changzai was fortunately interceded by the queen, and Shen Changzai was saved from death. I have not thanked the queen properly for this matter. It is really my fault that I was negligent." .The Queen is so caring today, I feel the same way and I don’t know how to repay the Queen’s kindness.”
The queen was smiling: "Jieyu is smart and considerate. Nowadays, there are frequent turmoils in the harem, and I am in poor health and overwhelmed. If Jieyu can know the direction of my heart, she will naturally be able to share my labor and relieve my worries." As he spoke, he glanced at Jianqiu beside him.
Jian Qiu walked to the phoenix throne and took the nearby gold-plated crane-shaped Boshan incense burner. The queen lifted up the mountain-shaped spire and took a look. She shook her head and said, "In such a hot weather, the ashes in this incense burner are heavy." What’s the point of rekindling it again?”
The queen doesn't like burning incense, and it's hot summer, so she suddenly brought up the matter of ashes. She has deep meaning. Now I understand what troubles the queen the most in the palace. I can't help but sigh that no matter how peaceful a person is, there will be times when the burning eyebrows cannot be restrained.
I stood up and said, "Since it's hot, the resurgence of the incense ashes is really annoying." As I spoke, I opened the tea cup in my hand, slowly poured the remaining tea into the Boshan stove, and closed the stove lid again. I smiled. Looking at the queen, he said: "I am in the harem because of the queen's grace. It is my job to be able to relieve the queen's worries. As the saying goes, 'The wise work hard', I am humble and can only work hard. To repay the queen."
The fragrant green smoke in the Boshan furnace overflowed from the holes in the cover and surged up. The queen squinted her eyes slightly, covered her mouth and watched as two or three wisps of faint green smoke dispersed, and finally disappeared, showing a satisfied expression. Smile: "You really did not disappoint me."
I slowly bent my knees and went down: "The moon and stars were sparse, the black magpie flew south, and after circling the tree three times, I finally found a branch to cling to."
The queen's gentle face was shining unrealistically in the afternoon sun, "Actually, there has always been only one tree in the harem, but the flowers have become more and more charming. As long as you can clearly see which tree is the tree and which flower is the flower."
I bowed my head in silence, shocked inside. If I had been a little moved by the Queen's kindness and warmth just now, it was all gone now. Any so-called favor will not be given to you in vain, you must pay a price in exchange.
The weather is really hot, and there is a faint sweat seeping out of my vest. But now I am alone and surrounded by powerful enemies. Even with Xuan Ling's favor, I still need to find a big tree that can block the wind and rain. I am strong.
He straightened his back, maintained the most appropriate smile, and said calmly: "Thank you, Queen, for your advice. I will keep this in mind."
Seeing Lingrong looking at me and the queen with confusion and confusion, she sighed silently and walked out together.
After bidding farewell to Lingrong, she whispered to Jin Xi: "She should know soon that the queen went to see the emperor to plead for An Bihuai, right?"
Jin Xi said: "At this time, there is no one who cares more about the Queen than Concubine Hua."
I said: "Her eyes and ears are clear, and her movements are fast. Guess what Concubine Hua is doing now?"
"It must be that the Queen is going against the grain and wants to ask the Emperor to deal with An Bihuai sternly."
He chuckled softly and said, "Thank you very much for her."
Jin Xi was slightly confused: "Why did the young master say this?"
"Thank you for her hard work. This way, I can worry less."