When I got up early the next morning to dress up, Huanbi helped me comb my hair into a bun. She picked a pearl lotus flower from the wooden tray filled with jewelry and shook it. The long pieces of broken jade and pearls were inlaid into blooming lotus flowers.

The topaz is the stamen, and the green crystal is the leaves. It is extremely delicate. Huanbi Fang wants to tie it into a bun for me. I have already bowed my head and said, "Bu Yao is only for concubines and above. The last time the emperor gave it to me, it was special."

Giving favors. Swallowing novels www. Today is neither a festival nor a banquet. It is too ostentatious. Although the emperor loves me, he cannot overstep too much. "

Huanbi had no choice but to put it down, picked up a silver hairpin with butterfly flower hanging tassels, and pinned it on, saying: "Miss, you are too careful. The emperor does not care as much for An Meiren as Miss Anmei, and Anmei's family is always full of flowers and jewels."

I noticed Huanbi's expression in the mirror and said with a smile: "No matter how much jewels and jewels an An Mei has on her head, she has not exceeded her duty. Occasionally, the jewelery may be more ornate, but it doesn't matter." After saying this, I slightly restrained my smile and said, "This

Don't say any more, because those who like to gossip will think that I don't want Anmei to be favored."

Huanbi said "Yes", but after thinking about it she was not convinced and whispered: "She is not the most beautiful, nor is her family background good. Why does the emperor like her so much just because of her good singing voice?"

I traced my eyebrows in the mirror like a willow and said slowly: "Cheng En has nothing to do with appearance or family background. It only depends on whether the emperor likes it. Otherwise, it will be in vain." After speaking, I glanced at her and said, "Why do you always speak so rashly today?

It's lost. Caution and propriety are your strengths. Keep it well and don't lose it."

Huanbi lowered her head and pursed her lips with a smile, and said no more. "The emperor has already told me to come over and have breakfast with the lady. The lady should also dress up more brightly."

I looked back at her and saw that she was wearing a cherry-colored soft Luo Pipa coat, lined with snow-white silk, a light-colored pearlescent pink dress, a pair of matte green shoes slightly exposed, and her hair was dotted with blue dots.

The rice pearls and silver flowers, paired with a pair of broken jade and gold earrings, perfectly bring out the soft black hair and handsome face. In addition to being delicate, it is even more charming. After a closer look, I found something wrong, so I deliberately ignored it and didn't remind it.

He smiled calmly and said: "You are dressed very brightly today."

Huanbi just smiled: "Have you forgotten, Miss? Today is the day when Miss enters the palace for one year, so I dress more festively." He added: "These clothes were newly made by Miss for me last month, and they fit very well.

.”

Only then did I suddenly remember that it had been a year since I entered the palace. Time passed really fast. In the blink of an eye, I had gone from an unknown nobleman to the emperor's favorite concubine.

Time flowed by like water from my fingers. I gained the favor of the emperor, and also gained countless sharp thoughts, which grew like a sharp edge in my heart. The peaceful and uncontested state of mind was something I had long lost.

He sighed almost silently.

Liu Zhu said from the side: "It's strange that the emperor came to accompany the young lady to have breakfast early in the morning. It turns out that it is the day when the young lady enters the palace for a year. I'm afraid that lunch and dinner will have to be eaten at our place."

I said: "It's just a meal. I'm just afraid..."

"What are you afraid of, young lady?" Liu Zhu asked.

"Nothing." I didn't want to say any more, so I just said, "Go and see how the side dishes in the small kitchen are doing. I told them to make them exquisite and delicious."

While he was talking, Xuan Ling had already walked in and said: "I have just gone to court. I am also hungry. Today we have some good pickled civets. I have already sent them to your small kitchen and asked them to match them."

Porridge, let’s eat it together.”

Jin Xi then led the people to clear the table, and then served Xuan Ling to drink a bowl of fresh soy milk, and then I sat down with him. At that time, the small kitchen brought thin rice porridge, eight kinds of side dishes, assorted vegetables, braised chicken breast, etc.

Quail, crispy pickled cucumbers, rouged foie gras, fried spring rolls, smoked radish, pickled civet, plum blossom tofu, fried wolfberry sprouts with oil and salt, and four other snacks, which filled the table.

Xuan Ling looked at the dishes and said, "It's very delicate and makes you appetizing just by looking at it."

I smiled quietly: "As long as the emperor likes it."

Seeing that he was in a good mood and had a good appetite, and the dishes on the table were very colorful, he smiled and said, "The emperor seems to be in a good mood. Is there any happy event?"

He was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said: "The war in the southwest has been successful one after another. King Runan led his army to retake Anzhao and merged with the six states. Murong's family contributed a lot."

There was originally a pleasant smile on the corner of his mouth, but when he smelled this, his heart gradually felt a little chilly. He vaguely felt that what he was going to say was more than just that, and it must be related to Concubine Hua. So he raised the half-eaten bowl of porridge with a look of joy and said

"Your Majesty is wise and wise in planning. I am really happy. I congratulate you with porridge instead of wine." After saying this, he took a spoonful of porridge and drank it, and smiled brightly at him.

He held my hand and couldn't help laughing: "Does this little devil think he can escape drinking like this?"

I greeted him with a faint smile and whispered: "Your Majesty, you are not allowed to force others to do anything."

After laughing for a while, he actually talked about what he wanted to say. Before speaking, he deliberately paid attention to my expression. A trace of unbearability and guilt flashed across his beautiful eyes, "Now that I have returned to Ziao City, I have just been busy again."

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, everything is complicated, and I'm afraid the Queen is exhausted. I want Concubine Hua to help me a little, what do you think?" His words were soft and slow, as if he was afraid of shocking me, but he kept thrusting.

I went into my heart, gently, but fiercely and sharply.

I was slightly startled, as if I couldn't believe that it had only been a few days since the incident involving Emperor Wen Yi, and that he, knowing full well that Concubine Hua was unable to avoid suspicion, actually came to me and said that he would resume her duties as co-manager of the Sixth Palace.

It's not that I can't understand his painstaking efforts in state affairs, it's just that his thoughts are too chilling.

He wanted to find a trace of displeasure and anger on my plain face. I tried my best to restrain this expression from appearing on my cheeks. I just smiled, as if I was listening to his words carefully. I thought to myself,

Even I was so displeased and shocked. I wonder what the queen felt when she heard this.

I glanced sharply at his face, and in an instant I turned my face, breathed evenly, suppressed the tears and shock and anger, and then smiled at him and said, "What do you mean, the Queen?"

Xuan Ling's tone was a little stagnant, "I haven't told the queen yet. Let me ask you first."

I smiled lightly and said, "The emperor is considerate of your empress, so there is nothing wrong with her."

He hurriedly said: "Concubine Hua is indeed impatient sometimes. I originally wanted to be with you, but you have not been in the palace for a long time and your qualifications are still young. Concubine Duan is sick and weak, so Concubine Hua can still help me a little."

Xuan Ling's eyes were focused gently, with a little apology.

There was still a smile on his face, and he tactfully concealed the turbulent grievances and resentments. I pursed my lips and thought for a moment, then slowly said: "The emperor's intention is good, and the empress will have no objection if you think about it. It's just that the emperor has not thought about Murong.

As soon as the front line was victorious, the emperor immediately restored Concubine Hua's right to assist the Sixth Palace. Those who knew naturally said that the emperor cared about good generals and heroes, but those who didn't know probably ignored the emperor's wise command and only said that the emperor relied on the Murong family to win the battle, so

I can't wait to use Concubine Hua as a win over." He is proud and arrogant. The emperor is most afraid of others saying that he is useless, and he is even more afraid that his ministers' achievements will shock the emperor. Although the force of this needle is strong, it is expected to be useful. I carefully observed his

His expression changed and he continued: "It's just the same thing, King Runan

Having achieved such great achievements, he must be overjoyed at this moment. King Runan is inextricably linked to the Murong clan. If the emperor authorizes Concubine Hua at this moment, I am afraid that King Runan will get carried away and it will be detrimental to the war."

His eyes were slightly closed, his face was as calm as water, and there was a hint of turmoil in it. He hit the nail on the head, and I knew he had heard these words. He knelt down and said with tears: "I was confused for a moment, and I actually discussed the government affairs arbitrarily. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.

"As I said that, I bowed my head to the ground. As soon as I knelt down, the house full of female inmates were so frightened that they knelt down on the floor.

The "tick-tick-tock" sound of copper leaks is like hitting my heart, and I can listen to the time passing by my ears little by little. It's silent.

He helped me up and said, "It doesn't matter. I have already promised you to discuss politics." Then he sighed, "I'm afraid no one in this palace except you would dare to analyze the pros and cons with me so straightforwardly."

I brought tears to my eyes at the right time, but I was stubborn and refused to fall. I was about to fall, and said: "What I said today is not because I am jealous of Concubine Hua. I hope that the emperor can weigh the pros and cons and postpone the reinstatement of the concubine.

The rights of the six palaces are firstly based on fairness, secondly they do not harm the emperor's power, and thirdly, they can be enshrined during the festivals, then it can be justified and the six palaces can celebrate together."

I have already calculated clearly that the festival must be a big festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival has passed, and the next step is New Year's Eve. It is not appropriate to seal the New Year, so I have to wait until the Lantern Festival. Who knows what the situation will be like then, so I can avoid this first, and then

Plan slowly.

Xuan Ling looked at me with a slight wave of warmth in his eyes. He thought about it carefully for a moment and said: "It's hard for you to think so carefully. That's fine. It's just a thank you to the Queen."

I said: "Your Majesty, there is no need to worry about the Queen. The Queen is also familiar with the affairs of the Sixth Palace, and she has the help of a female historian, so there won't be any mistakes. Your Majesty, don't worry." Seeing him agree with "Hmm", I tested him again.

Said: "Actually, when Shen Chang was Hui's concubine, the emperor was still interested in her and intended for her to learn the affairs of the Sixth Palace so that she could help the queen with all the trivial matters in the future. It's just a pity now..."

Xuan Ling seemed a little unhappy when he mentioned her, and just said: "Let her meditate and cultivate her virtue."

I couldn't go on. Seeing that he hadn't moved his chopsticks after talking for a long time, I was about to tell Pei'er to get another cup of almond tea. Unexpectedly, Huanbi's eyes were quick and she already held a cup of tea in front of Xuan Ling and said softly:

"Your Majesty, please use it."

Surprised, her heart suddenly became cold, and she stepped forward. Huanbi's hands looked even whiter against the celadon tea cup.

It’s just that a red dress and green shoes are too tacky.”

Huanbi was greatly embarrassed when she heard this. She looked blankly for a moment and said with a blushing face: "My name is Huanbi, so I wear a pair of green shoes."

I knew in my heart that Huanbi wanted to attract Xuan Ling's attention, so I chose colored clothes to wear, and specially matched them with green shoes to attract Xuan Ling's attention. Instead, I forgot about the taboo of matching red and green colors. Wei Wei was pleased with herself, so she said gently:

"That's all. I chose a new piece of lake blue silk yesterday. You can use it to make a new outfit to replace this red skirt." Then he said to everyone: "The food in the small kitchen is good today, you can share it too."

Come and eat."

Everyone thanked her, and Huanbi blushed and bowed and retreated. Xuan Ling did not look at her again and only said: "You are kind to my servants."

"It's hard for them to be slaves and maids in the palace. If I don't treat them well, it will be really pitiful. Once the slaves feel resentful, the things the masters tell them will not be done well, and it will be of no use to others or themselves.

What a benefit." I smiled and expressed my true intention: "Besides, it's just a piece of satin. Huanbi is my concubine's maid, and I will find a good match for her in the future. What does the emperor think?"

Xuan Ling said: "You can just take care of your maids. It's hard for you to be so considerate to them." He smiled and looked at me and said: "Seeing that you are so tolerant and know how to control your subordinates, I really should let you help manage the Sixth Palace. .”

I just kept a decent smile and said: "I have little qualifications, how can I convince the public? Your Majesty is joking." After speaking, I spat in a low voice and whispered in his ear: "Being considerate to them sounds disgusting. Isn't this concubine not considerate enough to the emperor?" As he said this, he felt slightly sad in his heart, and forced a smile and said: "Concubine Hua's mother-in-law, the Murong family, has merit, so the emperor would like to spend more time with her."

But he said: "It's hard to stay with you. The war is over, and there are still many things to be arranged. I'm afraid I won't be able to leave the imperial study room these days."

He felt a little relieved and said: "Your Majesty is working hard on state affairs, so you must take care of yourself."

It was a hard meal, and the rouge foie gras felt bitter and tasteless in the mouth, but you couldn't lose your composure in front of Xuan Ling, otherwise you wouldn't be able to act thoughtfully even if you were planning something, and you couldn't make a small mistake out of anger. Da. He only showed a virtuous and gentle look, served him food, and joked with him. Only then did he realize how hard it was to be "virtuous" in the palace, and he couldn't even say a single bit of pain to preserve this reputation. , can't be revealed. While sighing, I can't help but admire the queen's skills. It seems that Hua Concubine has the advantage in the relationship with Concubine Hua, but no matter she wins or loses, she almost never shows it on her face, and always looks calm. And Underneath this calmness, what kind of sorrow and sorrow are eroded and firmed into indifferent grace in the cold moonlight day after day...

Just as I was thinking about it, Xuan Ling put a few fried wolfberry sprouts in oil and salt into my bowl, and said with a gentle smile: "This tastes good, you should try it too."

I thanked him with a smile, and looked at these wolfberry sprouts fried in oil and salt. My heart was turned upside down for a moment, as if I had knocked over the five-flavor bottle. It was as if I was the wolfberry sprouts fried in oil and salt, and I felt so unspeakably uncomfortable. Stir-fried, salted, and tossed several times to absorb the flavor, it was placed in this finely carved celadon bowl with lotus petals and patterns of birds, animals, flowers, and grasses, making it look like it was in its proper place.

After finally finishing his breakfast, Li Changlai reported that the cabinet ministers had been waiting for the prime minister in the imperial study room of Yiyuan Hall for a long time. Seeing him leaving in a hurry, he returned to Yingxin Hall with a sullen face and slowly entered the Xili Room.

Jin Xi knew that I was unhappy, so she dismissed everyone, brought a cup of tea and said softly: "My dear master, drink some tea and feel better..."

I gritted my teeth slightly and made a gesture to throw the tea bowl to the ground. After thinking about it, I finally restrained myself and put the tea bowl heavily on the table, causing the tea to splash out. I said angrily: "Very good. One by one. They’re all going to bully me!”

Jin Xi smiled and said, "I don't blame the young master for being angry. Not long after the incident with Emperor Wen Yi, the emperor will restore Concubine Hua's right to co-manage the Sixth Palace. This is too chilling."

I took a deep breath, feeling desolate in my heart with deep grievances and anger, but there was also a sense of sadness and clarity: The emperor's family is like this, so why should I expect anything from him.

I kept silent and was just lost in thought. The gold armor worn on the ring finger and little finger of my right hand scratched the pear wood tabletop with a "chi-la-chila" sound, leaving a faint white mark. Suddenly, I knocked on the tabletop with a "du" and said coldly. : "I can't blame the emperor for how he handled this matter. Concubine Hua has a strong family background and military exploits, so she should not be underestimated. I have dealt with it now, but I am afraid that the old matter will be brought up again in the future." I said bitterly, "Now You dare to accuse me of poisoning the Emperor Ji. In the future, if you have the power to co-manage the Sixth Palace, I don’t know what the situation will be like, I’m afraid you will die without a burial place.”

Jin Xi lowered his eyes and looked at his toes and said: "The more we win in the southwest war, the more this matter will be raised. This will happen sooner or later. The young master must prepare early in order to be prepared." Jin Xi replied respectfully:
To be continued...