After nearly ten years of listening behind the curtain, the Queen Mother returned to the emperor and retired to the Qingning Palace for more than twenty years. During these years, she lived in seclusion, and at most she summoned some familiar wives and daughters. The only time she left the palace was when the emperor ten years ago
The Great Ci'en Temple built under the decree was completed, and the emperor personally invited her to offer incense. The grand scene of the carriages and horses on that occasion is still talked about in the old capital.
Today, the Queen Mother did not ride in the two-xiang jade chariot used for the most formal travels, nor did she ride in the carriage that was used to burn incense when she went to Daci'en Temple that day, nor did she ride on the chariot with palace people holding walking and sitting barriers on her left and right. Instead, she just sat on the carriage.
She picked up a carriage that was very simple for her. Only the carriage was covered with a relatively luxurious red gauze and gold carriage, and was then escorted by a group of plainclothes soldiers from the Rui Cavalry Battalion.
If the concierges of Duke Zhao's Mansion were not all well-trained, one would have known that this group of people had special origins just by looking at the battle. Otherwise, it would undoubtedly make people groan a lot if a guest actually came just after the wedding banquet had already started.
Because the concierge reported that it was probably a female family member of a certain clan, Zhu An, the concierge, hurriedly came out in person. When he saw Yuquan getting out of the car first, he immediately beamed with joy.
Although the minister of Qingning Palace does not go out often, he has occasionally come to Zhao Guogong's residence in recent years to meet with the Queen Mother or Zhu Jing on behalf of the Queen Mother. Of course, he also presented gifts. Therefore, Zhu An thought as soon as he saw her,
The Queen Mother sent her to watch the ceremony today, and there might be an extra reward. However, when he went up to inquire about it, he was dumbfounded when he learned that the Queen Mother was in the car.
It was a serious matter. He learned that the Queen Mother was going to Qing'an Hall to see the Madam. He quickly ordered people to inform the two young masters Zhu Jing, Zhu Tingfang and Zhu Er. He also ordered people to go to Qing'an Hall early to inform the Madam and those who might be there.
The madam and the eldest lady respectfully opened the middle door and let the carriages and horses in.
After all, even if the Queen Mother does not want to make public, she still cannot skip the courtesy she deserves.
Although they took a road that was safe for carriages and horses to avoid the wedding banquet area, there were really too many guests coming and going that day. Even though most of them had never seen the Queen Mother, Zhu An was still afraid that something would go wrong, so he sent
His son went there in person and summoned all the guards who were scattered everywhere for defense.
Even though someone had been sent to deliver the message early, when the Queen Mother arrived at Qing'an Hall, the group of female guests who had been here did not disperse. After all, there were many male guests in the front yard, and there were also many female guests in the back yard. Although the Queen Mother was a little surprised and suspicious of her,
The Queen Mother's biological sister came in person, but since the Queen Mother didn't order all the people to avoid it, she couldn't go too far.
Faced with the unprecedented situation of the Empress Dowager visiting in person, the top foreign wives such as Princess Jiangdu, Mrs. Qin and Mrs. Chu were initially caught off guard. When they actually faced the Empress Dowager and paid homage to her, no one showed up.
Showing a little bit of strangeness, saying hello and complimenting, it is warm but not complicated.
However, Mrs. Wu, who was specially invited to Qing'antang today by Mrs. Tai to accompany her, was no longer so calm.
She was not originally a member of this circle of ladies. If Jiuniang hadn't accompanied her personally and blocked any overt and covert attacks for her, she would have wanted to run away from the banquet a long time ago. But at this time, the Queen Mother said
As soon as she arrived and saluted with everyone, she felt uneasy all over her body. It would be an exaggeration to say that it was like a thorn in her back.
Thinking back to the time when the three children were born on the same day, she only knew that one of them was the daughter of Duke Zhao, and the other seemed to be the daughter of a relative of Duke Zhao's family. The two could not be distinguished due to the negligence of the old woman. When she finally got married from Zhang Shou last year,
When I learned that the other pregnant woman turned out to be Concubine Yu in the palace, and one of the two girls was Princess Yongping, I was really frightened.
She thought that what she was worried about at that time was that the two families had doubts about the birth result, so she wanted to take away Zhang Shou, the only boy among the three, and the only heir of the mother who died in childbirth. But then she thought about it, the Queen Mother in the palace did not have a child at that time.
Because as long as the three children’s life experiences are really suspicious, it is already very open and fair.
The dramas she saw, including civet cats for princes and all kinds of palace fights, were simply horrifying. Even now, looking at the series of events after the queen was deposed, Wu felt that she and Zhang Shou were really
It's very lucky.
Therefore, she just wanted to keep a low profile so as not to let the Queen Mother have any ideas, but she did not expect that after the Queen Mother took her seat, she would be very indifferent to other people's greetings and compliments. In the end, she used it as an excuse to go see the bride and let her family know.
She had no one to accompany her, but in the end she was pulled by Jiuniang in a daze, and they accompanied the most noble old woman in the world out of Qing'an Hall.
It wasn't until she was hit by the cold wind that she felt a chill on her forehead, and she suddenly woke up. Especially when she looked down and saw that she was actually supporting the Queen Mother's left arm, she simply doubted how she could agree to it just now.
At this time, she happened to hear the Queen Mother talking to herself.
"Ms. Wu, you are a very lucky person."
Wu didn't know how to answer the Queen Mother's words. She stayed there for a long time. She finally felt blessed: "The deceased lady entrusted her only son to a commoner's wife, so the blessings of a commoner's wife are all her legacy."
.A common woman never thought about this day, but now that it has happened, her only hope is that she and the eldest lady can grow old together and have a full family of children and grandchildren."
"Oh? Just growing old together and having a family full of children and grandchildren is enough? Don't you hope that Zhang's longevity will rise to the top and his official career will be prosperous?"
After being slightly startled, Wu didn't quite understand whether the Queen Mother's question was a good intention or a malicious one, so she simply said bluntly: "The officialdom is dangerous. If Ah Shou hadn't inadvertently crashed into the officialdom as soon as he arrived in the capital, the common woman would have hoped that he would be a mediocre person.
Live your life indifferently. Zhao Guogong's palace is already rich and prosperous, and I think he will protect his son-in-law."
Seeing Jiuniang, she immediately smiled. Although the Queen Mother did not really like this stubborn nephew-in-law in the past, she still couldn't help but asked: "Jiuniang, why are you laughing? I think Mrs. Wu is too rich to be content, but she still feels that
Is my question too utilitarian?"
Others were cautious in front of the Queen Mother, but Jiuniang had long known the Queen Mother's attitude towards her, so she didn't care about the somewhat harsh rhetorical questions and didn't flinch at all.
She blinked at Mrs. Wu, indicating that she didn't need to be frightened or worried, but she said calmly: "I think Mrs. Wu has the same idea as me. Xiaofu Ji'an is fine, as long as Yingying
It's enough to like Ah Shou. The Duke of Zhao's palace doesn't need his son-in-law to work hard on his official career. It's just... that child Ah Shou can't do it."
"Of course, it's not that he can't do it without playing tricks, but he is a person who can be dazzling even if he doesn't play tricks."
She didn't pay attention to the slight change in the Queen Mother's face at this time, and said to herself: "It is said that the trees are beautiful in the forest, and the wind will destroy them, but some trees find it difficult to hide themselves in a low-key manner, pretending to be just an ordinary tree.
Tree. He was born to stand above others. Even if he is unwilling to fight with others, he will be coveted by others because he is too good."
At this point, she smiled: "I'm not just talking about A Shou, but also Yingying."
Wu faintly heard that Jiuniang's words seemed to mean to refute the Queen Mother, and she couldn't help but break into a cold sweat. Therefore, when she heard that Jiuniang said that these words could also be applied to Yingying, she was relieved and hurriedly helped.
: "Yingying is beautiful and generous. She never follows what others say and is the most independent-minded. Ah Shou has always said that the so-called peerless and independent girl should be like her."
She just said this in a hurry, but she didn't expect that the Queen Mother and Jiuniang all looked at her. She was sweating on her back for a moment, and it took a long time before she stammered: "A Shou seems to be easy-going and leisurely, but in fact he is
His eyes are higher than his head. He often said that fame and wealth don't matter, as long as he can do something beneficial to the people of the world. But in this long life, it is difficult to find a close friend."
"So, a commoner woman always feels that if he really meets a girl who knows each other well, it is a rarer thing than having a successful career. Because that means that he can say anything to her as he pleases.
You can discuss it with her without any scruples and use your strength in one place."
This was all a few days ago. Mrs. Wu occasionally heard Zhang Shou telling Ah Liu not to be single. Moreover, he used Zhu Ying as an example to let Ah Liu stay in the jungle of countless women in the world.
Zhong searched carefully... At this time, she didn't care about so much, and moved everything to the Queen Mother and Jiuniang, just hoping to turn the topic to Zhu Ying.
Because Wu heard from the Queen Mother more than once and even from others that the Queen Mother liked Zhu Ying very much.
Sure enough, she could see the Queen Mother's face clearly showing some joy, and Jiu Niang also smiled softly and said softly: "There is no need to die if you can compare with your eyes. I only envy mandarin ducks but not immortals. Ah.
Shou is indeed very kind to Yingying. You know, I have always been worried about the kind of husband Yingying needs to be able to tolerate a girl with such a bright personality. Fortunately, I have Shou."
Although the Queen Mother did not want to hear this from Wu, she still breathed a sigh of relief when she heard such words from this folk woman who Zhu Ying would have to respect as a serious mother-in-law in the future. Zhu Ying was so proud and strong
If a girl with such a bad temperament really had to be tied up in the back house by some vulgar husband and have her wings suddenly broken, she would feel regretful just thinking about it.
After all, even if she were the Queen Mother, she would not be able to interfere in other people's housework.
Along the way, the Queen Mother did not ask any more questions, nor did she pretend to be relaxed and chatting about everyday matters, and seemed relatively silent. However, for Jiuniang, who usually did not talk much, and Wu, who was already trembling with fear, this was actually
It seemed even more relaxed. Since Yuquan, Mother Li sent by the Dowager, and other servants followed behind, naturally no one would disturb him.
Therefore, when this group of people quietly arrived at Xuanji Courtyard where Zhu Tingfang's new house was located, the servant girl guarding the door was startled. When she recognized Jiuniang, she hurriedly gave way, but she was completely panicked.
He didn't notice the Queen Mother and Mrs. Wu, and just thought it was his wife who came to see her future eldest daughter-in-law in person.
When Empress Dowager Jiuniang and Wu's group came to the main door, they met several women of different ages who hurriedly came out of the door.
The leading woman was in her early forties, with a forehead full of pearls. At first glance, she seemed to be a high-class married woman. However, the Queen Mother was used to seeing married women both inside and outside, and she could tell at a glance that the gold ornaments on her imperial crown were only superficial, and were not.
Silver is exposed in a few places, which is obviously silver-gilded, and the small Zhuqingyun crown has also shown its age.
In other words, Dingdaitian is only a fifth-grade woman. Because of the fourth-grade and above, all the crowns of this title can be decorated with gold ornaments.
The three women following her, the one in the front was probably in her early twenties, dressed as a young woman, with a long face and a tall stature, and her face was full of anger at this time. The two behind were girls with twins who had not yet combed their buns. At first glance,
, seemed a little angry, but more embarrassed. And that's not all, Zhu Ying's clear and familiar yelling actually came after them.
"It's really fast! You put on the airs of your aunt as soon as you come, and you want to escape even if you can't convince me. Is this the elder you just kept saying that you need my respect? I have been taken care of by my grandmother and father since I was a child.
I always go to pay homage to my aunt during every year and festival. Although I have never met her, my grandmother often tells my eldest and second brothers my stories about my aunt."
"Not only my grandmother, but also the elderly servants in the family all said that my aunt is strong and tenacious, and that she is a heroine. She went to the battlefield in critical moments. Grandma and my father both respect her!"
"You said that when she was alive, she often gave you alms, which is probably true. But everyone in the family said that my aunt often said that it is better to rely on oneself than to blame the world, to help the poor rather than to help the poor, and never to support others.
Lazy man. I hate my relatives who don’t work hard but are focused on fighting the autumn wind. I hate it even more when someone criticizes me in the name of my relatives!"
"Which aunt would go to the new house to pick on the nephew's wife at the wedding of her direct cousin? Which cousin would go to the new house at the wedding of her first cousin to criticize and ridicule her cousin? Who is the one who has no rules?
!My sister-in-law’s father, Uncle Weinan, was awarded a title by the late Emperor Ruizhong’s grandfather. Isn’t it more noble than you, a mere fifth-rank official?”
"We, the Zhu family of the Duke of Zhao, have helped you a lot over the years, right? But how did he repay that uncle? The local officials were incompetent once and were unfairly sentenced to prison. After stumbling and stumbling to reach the fifth rank of magistrate of the state, they still colluded with the local wealthy family.
, forced a good citizen to become a bandit, and was directly dismissed from his post, but my aunt still had the nerve to wear this official uniform and come to our Zhu family to show off!"
"My family didn't get married to you, so it's really not because the aunt died early. It's because you have no future!"
The Queen Mother didn't know that Zhu Ying was usually too lazy to argue with others, so she often used strength to defeat cleverness and was too lazy to quarrel, so she just beat her up. But today she saw her being so eloquent on her eldest brother's wedding day, trying to get rid of the so-called aunt's family. She felt fresh.
At the same time, I couldn't help but think of Mrs. Deng, the former Mrs. Zhao Guo and the biological mother of brothers Zhu Tingfang and Zhu Tingjie.
She was indeed a very strong woman, especially not long after she got married when the late emperor Ruizhong started to rebel. So she rushed back and forth to assist the madam, and also helped comfort her in the rear. However, that was also during that period.
It hurt his body, so by the time Zhu Jing had his first son, Zhu Tingfang, it was already several years after the couple got married.
However, the Queen Mother's reminiscence only lasted a very short time, because when the women who came out of the house saw their group, they not only did not retreat and give way, but the oldest one, who according to Zhu Ying's tone, must be Zhu Tingfang's aunt.
The man yelled even more aggressively: "Get out of the way, I'm going to Qing'an Hall to see Mrs. Tai for judgment! How can there be such a truth in the world when wealth and rank don't recognize relatives?"