The next day, the palace
The sky is clear and the wind is gentle and gentle.
Because today is the birthday of Empress Dowager Feng, the Changle Palace is decorated with lights and colorful decorations. Many wives of military honors and civil servants have paid their respects to Empress Dowager Feng. As for the princesses and concubines of the royal family, they even lined up under the Queen Mother. Enter the temple under the guidance.
At this moment, Empress Dowager Feng was sitting on a cushioned cloud bed. On the two embroidered piers at the bottom, Empress Song and Concubine Duanrong were sitting on the left, the Korean concubine and her daughter-in-law were on the right, and Jinyang Chang The princess, Princess Xianning, Princess Nanyang and Princess Qinghe and other royal ladies sat aside one after another, and a group of imperial wives and other female family members took their seats one after another.
At this moment, the female official said softly: "The Queen, Princess Chu, Princess Qi, and Prince Beijing are here to celebrate the Queen Mother's birthday."
Not long after, Princess Zhen Qing of Chu, Princess Xiang of Qi County, and Prince Zhen Xue of Beijing County, each wearing a rich dress, entered the palace accompanied by female officials and nuns.
"My granddaughter-in-law has met the Queen Mother, and I wish her a happy Christmas." Princess Chu Zhen Qing gave her a blessed gift. Her lotus-colored long dress could hardly hold the round and straight millstone, and her mother-in-law held Chu by her side. The king's son also called his grandmother in a waxy voice.
Princess Zhen Xue of Beijing was dressed in a light red dress, her lush hair was tied up with a jade hairpin, her face was beautiful, and her eyebrows were slender. She also led her daughter Shui Xin. Zhen Xue put on a little makeup today. , that flawless face, originally had a gentle and soft temperament, but at this moment, it is full of beauty, still and very beautiful, and a little more charming, which exactly complements and complements the festive atmosphere today.
When the two princesses of the Zhen family entered the palace, they almost attracted the attention of many Madam Gaoming. The spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums were so beautiful.
As Zhen Xue saluted Queen Mother Feng, a little girl named Shui Xin also said Nunuuo to Queen Mother Feng and bowed. Looking at the little girl carved in pink and jade, who looked like a porcelain doll, Empress Dowager Feng felt a bit of pity and said, "Xinxin, come here."
Empress Song called Princess Xianning and asked the three princesses to take their seats behind the screen. She chuckled and said, "Yiliu and Princess Qijun are also here. Let's have a nice chat between your sisters."
Zhen Qing smiled and said, "Daughter-in-law, thank you, Queen Mother." After saying that, she pulled Zhen Xue into the royal family.
On the other side, Queen Mother Feng pulled little Lolita Shui Xin to talk, turned to look at Queen Song, and asked: "Queen, why didn't you see the emperor just now?"
The eldest princess of Jinyang was sitting at the bottom. She was talking to the little princess Li Chanyue. After hearing this, she raised her eyes and looked at Empress Song. Empress Song smiled and said softly: "Queen Mother, Your Majesty is still accepting the thousand-year congratulations from the ministers and the clan."
Because he adhered to Empress Dowager Feng's policy of keeping things simple, Emperor Chongping did not want to make any extravagant arrangements. As far as the outer court was concerned, it was to have hundreds of officials present congratulations and then host a banquet. Enter the palace to celebrate Empress Dowager Feng.
Empress Dowager Feng nodded, with a kind smile on her face, and said softly: "The emperor has to be busy. Uncle Yong Ning will come with you later, right?"
"Everyone is still in Hanyuan Hall at this moment." Empress Song smiled softly with her eyebrows. As a daughter-in-law, in front of her mother-in-law, she could only play a small role in front of her mother-in-law.
Empress Dowager Feng glanced at Princess Xianning who was sitting next to Concubine Duanrong, and then said to Empress Song: "To be honest, I haven't seen this Uncle Yongning properly yet."
I heard some rumors in the palace that Xianning and Li'er's daughter Chanyue were going to marry such a young man Wu Xun. I couldn't help but be a little curious. What kind of person could the emperor value so much?
The eldest princess of Jinyang, who had a gorgeous bun, a beautiful face, a red phoenix pattern, and a plain low-cut dress, said with a smile: "The queen mother forgot that during the Chinese New Year, and the last time I went to the Supreme Emperor's place to find her. The emperor's brother is here to report something, and the queen mother has already met Uncle Yongning?"
Queen Mother Feng smiled and said: "Oh, yes, I remembered it."
Gao Zhongping's wife, Mrs. Zhou, looked at Princess Xianning who was serving beside Empress Dowager Feng, her eyes flickered, and she felt indignation welling up in her heart.
Previously, the queen politely declined the marriage proposal. She thought she had other plans for Xianning. Unexpectedly, Yong'er said the day before yesterday that she was actually married to Bo Jiaheng of Yongning.
But Uncle Yongning is already a married man.
Is it ridiculous?
Thinking of this, I couldn't help but glance at Qin Keqing, who was sitting next to Mrs. Rongguo, wearing a jade crown and a first-grade imperial uniform.
At this moment, among the royal ladies, Princess Nan'an, Princess Nan'an County, and Princess Wei Yan Yiliu came to Jia Mu and Mrs. Wang, smiled, and said after greetings: "Sister, I haven't seen you for a while. Okay, how are you doing, sister?"
Although Mother Jia gradually disliked Concubine Nan'an, she was a mature woman after all. She smiled and said, "It's good, she's doing very well now." Concubine Nan'an exchanged a few pleasantries, turned to look at Mrs. Wang beside her, and said lightly He smiled and said, "Why haven't you seen your eldest daughter? Didn't you come here with Princess Jinyang?"
Mrs. Wang's face changed slightly, and resentment flashed through her heart. This old pious woman was thinking about which pot she would not open and lift.
Mother Jia's smile faded a bit and she continued, "Girl, I have something to do today."
Princess Nan'an chuckled and said, "It would be great if you came. Didn't she play well with the two princesses of the Zhen family since childhood?" Mrs. Wang: "...."
"Your Majesty has arrived." While there was a lot of discussion about the decree in the palace, the nun outside the palace called loudly.
Not long after, Emperor Chongping and Jia Heng entered the palace together. Not far behind him, the three kings of Qi, Chu and Wei came slowly beside Chongping according to their age.
Emperor Chongping saluted the Queen Mother Feng, while Jia Heng and the three kings of Qi, Chu and Wei saluted the Queen Mother, "My grandson has seen the Queen Mother, and I wish the Queen Mother a long life."
"Let's all get back together." Empress Dowager Feng looked at the three kings below with a somewhat kind look. Then she looked at Jia Heng beside Emperor Chongping and looked at the boy in the python suit.
The young man in the python suit is tall and handsome, and he is bowing his hands in front of him. His face is calm, making it easy for people to ignore his age. Empress Dowager Feng looked at him for a moment and nodded with satisfaction. Judging from the appearance of Uncle Yong Ning, he was also very handsome. No wonder Xian Ning fell in love with him.
The only disadvantage was that she had a family, and sometimes she didn't quite understand the emperor's thoughts.
Emperor Chongping said: "The Queen Mother and all the officials presented congratulatory lists to the Queen Mother, and the ministers picked a few copies and brought them to the Queen Mother for review."
Empress Dowager Feng waved to several nuns to take the congratulatory form, read it down, nodded, and said: "I said this is good. The country is troubled now, so this is good. Otherwise, we will live once a year, and we will be tossing up and down. I’m uneasy, but inside and outside the palace, I don’t know how many people are cursing me, an old woman.”
Empress Song quickly smiled and said, "My mother's kindness is well known to the whole world. How can such people dare to curse randomly? Even God will not be able to see her."
Several other concubines accompanying him also agreed.
And today's scene will obviously be recorded by historians as an example of Empress Dowager Feng's virtuous reputation.
Empress Dowager Feng just sighed a little and no longer mentioned the matter. She looked at Jia Heng with kindness on her old face and asked: "Uncle Yongning, when you led the troops to Henan, did you go to Luoyang? Over there in Luoyang How is your son doing?"
Jia Heng looked at the gray-haired Empress Dowager Feng. Judging from her facial features, she vaguely resembled the outline of Jinyang, and said: "Luoyang is the capital of the Eastern Han Dynasty. It is densely populated, bustling and noisy. I heard that the Empress Dowager is from Luoyang." ?」
"I'm from Luoyang, and I haven't been back for many years." Queen Mother Feng said, sighing, "I don't know if I can go back again in this life."
Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said, "If the Queen wants to go back, it's not far away. You can go to Luoyang by boat."
"Hey, look again, wasn't there just chaos in Henan?" Empress Dowager Feng said with emotion, then looked at Jia Heng and asked, "Uncle Yong Ning, is the situation in Henan okay?"
Jia Heng said, "We have completely settled down now." Empress Dowager Feng nodded and said, "That's good."
When everyone saw Jia Heng talking to Empress Dowager Feng, those who knew the inside story, such as Empress Song and Concubine Duanrong, thought it was a grandmother inspecting her grandson-in-law.
The eldest princess of Jinyang picked up the tea cup on the small table beside her, raised her bright and clear phoenix eyes, and the figure of the young man appeared in the clear shadow, and there was something indescribable in her heart.
How great would it be to go back more than ten years and bring him here to meet his mother?
It's just that fifteen years ago, this person was still a swaddled baby, so I can't say,
Queen mother, is this your future son-in-law? At this time, Jinyang felt an indescribable strangeness in his heart.
Li Chanyue, the princess of Qinghe County, looked at her mother, leaned into the ear of the eldest princess of Jinyang, and asked: "Mother, the Queen Mother won't talk about my cousin later, will she?"
The eldest princess of Jinyang rolled her eyes at her daughter angrily and said, "Do you think everyone is as stupid as you?" If it weren't for Chan Yue, how could there be so many moths now?
Li Chanyue Zangxing Yunyue lowered her eyes, curled her lips, lowered her head, and twisted her handkerchief in her hands. She felt a little unconvinced in her heart. Is she so stupid?
Princess Chu Zhen Qing looked sharply at the young man with a solemn demeanor under her eyebrows. She clenched her handkerchief tightly, her heart filled with shame, anger and hatred.
This man looks like a human being. Who would have thought that this man is a complete bastard?
Zhen Xue also raised her eyes slightly and took a peek at the calm young man. She saw that the young man was wearing a python suit and a wingless crown with a mountain character on his head. He had a clear face, with eyebrows as sharp as swords and a face like a crown of jade. Compared to The prince's temperament is elegant and somewhat heroic indeed.
Well, why are Jia Ziyu and the prince compared?
In fact, for the young woman Huaxin, Jia Heng is a man in the true sense of the word. She is so affectionate that she is deeply impressed.
Empress Dowager Feng nodded with kind eyes and said, "I heard from the letter sent by my nephew from Kaifeng that you were fighting floods in Henan and have been living on the river embankment."
Jia Heng said softly: "The situation was urgent at that time, and it was the duty of a humble minister to go through fire and water for the sake of national affairs."
Empress Dowager Feng looked at the young man with gentle eyes and said warmly: "You are worthy of being the Qiancheng of the country. The emperor did not misjudge you. You will continue to serve the country in the future, just like Ning and Rong, and establish achievements that will be admired and praised by future generations."
The emperor was not mistaken in recruiting him as his son-in-law. Apart from the fact that he already had a family, he was indeed a leader among the younger generation in Shenjing. Jia Heng quickly said humbly: "The Queen Mother is too praiseworthy."
The Empress Dowager summoned him to talk to him, in fact, not just for Xianning, but also to win over and show kindness, because Chen Han was now in a state of decline, and his military power was particularly important. In order to seize the opportunity, the Empress Dowager met him on his birthday. A few words of encouragement to show kindness.
Of course, the main reason is that he is still young. After three generations, he is like looking at his junior, and he looks more and more intimate and kind.
Across the angled screen, Qin Keqing listened to the clear voice of her husband's conversation with Queen Mother Feng. Her eyes flashed under her beautiful eyebrows and she couldn't help but look at the tall girl sitting next to Queen Song.
At this moment, the princess's face was filled with joy, her clear eyes were clear, and she looked almost unwaveringly at... her husband, that was her husband.
This Xianning princess followed her husband to Henan. After returning, she suddenly became what she is now. Concubine Nan'an smiled at Jia Mu beside her and said, "Sister Heng, brother Heng is becoming more and more extraordinary now."
"It's because of the Emperor's grace that His Majesty gave them a chance." Jia Mu smiled and whispered.
Princess Wei Yan Yiliu glanced at the young man, her heroic brows filled with thoughts. Is this the Jia Ziyu whom the prince often mentioned at home?
Mrs. Wang listened to the conversation between Jia Heng and Queen Mother Feng, frowning, clenching the Buddhist beads in her hand, her face was indifferent, and her thoughts were inexplicable.
Prince Qi, Prince Chu, and Prince Wei were talking and looking at the young man. Prince Qi's fat, white face had a cold expression, and his small mung bean-sized eyes shone with a cold light.
At this time, the married woman and Princess Xiudun were sitting in the row. Shui Xin, who was next to Princess Zhen Xue of Beijing, took Qin Keqing's hand and said softly: "Godmother, why aren't Aunt Yun and the others here?"
Qin Keqing smiled and said, "They are at home."
As he said that, he raised his eyes to look at Zhen Xue, and saw a beautiful woman in a gorgeous dress, with rosy cheeks and a radiant complexion. Her every frown and smile were bright and moving, but the panic and worry of the past few days were completely absent from her brows and eyes, and she said softly : "Sister Zhen's complexion has improved a lot recently. How is Prince Beijing's affairs going?"
Zhen Xue, who has a face as beautiful as snow, was stared at by the beauty across from her. She felt a little weak and said softly: "Your Majesty, I think you should be more confident now that you are confident."
Zhen Qing's beautiful face was full of smiles, and she said:
"Sister, thank you to Zi Yu for letting him worry so much. My sister should really thank Zi Yu."
He thought to himself that it was all thanks to Jia Ziyu that my sister was nourished and watered like a withered peony. Sister, there is no difference between once and countless times, right?
Zhen Xue's beautiful eyebrows frowned, and her beautiful eyes showed a hint of confusion. Immediately, her beautiful face looked embarrassed and annoyed, and glanced at her sister. What should she say in front of his wife at this time?
Qin Keqing nodded her head, not doubting it. There was a faint smile on her hibiscus jade face, which was as gorgeous as the two concubines of the Zhen family. She said softly: "My husband and Prince Beijing are ministers in the same palace. The two of them are busy." These are all important matters for the military and state, and it is right for my husband to worry about them."
When Zhen Qing came over and got in front of Qin Keqing, it was natural for those Madam Gaoming to see her, which was precisely Zhen Qing's purpose. Concubine Nan'an was talking to Jia Mu. When she saw this, her expression changed, and she couldn't help but feel worried.
The Zhen family and the Jia family were close friends for a long time. They originally thought that Jia Heng's son was a disowned relative, but they didn't expect their relationship to be so close now.
"My godfather is talking to the Queen Mother now." Shui Xin raised her face as pink as snow and said in a waxy voice, "Mother, when you get back, can you let your godfather tell me a story?"
Hearing this, Zhen Xue rubbed the bangs on Shui Xin's forehead and said angrily: "Your godfather is busy with important matters in the court right now, so how can he have time to tell you stories."
Qin Keqing smiled and said: "Princess, since Xinxin likes to listen to stories, just come over to the house when you are free tomorrow." Zhen Xue quickly declined: "That's so embarrassing, children are playful by nature, so they can do whatever they want. Her temperament?"
"Since I recognized Xinxin as my goddaughter, my husband has not met Xinxin yet, so he should have met her," Qin Keqing said.
Looking at Qin Keqing who had "led the wolf into the house", Zhen Qingfeng's eyes flashed with understanding, she smiled and said, "Sister, that's right, Xinxin likes to play with their little girl, just take Xinxin there tomorrow."
Seeing that Zhen Xue still had some doubts, Zhen Qing chuckled and said, "I have nothing to do tomorrow, so I will go there with my sister."
That bastard did such a bastard thing to her. After a few days, he had to make some compensation. Not to mention other things, the prince had to be able to use his skills in the Donglu war in the future.
Jia Heng had a brief conversation with Queen Mother Feng and did not stay much longer. Instead, he left Changle Palace with King Wei and King Liang and headed to Xihe Palace where the clan nobles and civil and military ministers were having a banquet.
A birthday banquet broke up in the evening. First, the ladies of each family returned to the mansion in carriages, and then the ministers in the front hall also left the palace one after another.
Jia Heng was left behind by Emperor Chongping to give him a few words of advice on his trip to Yangzhou and then left the palace.
"Uncle Yongning." Just as Jia Heng walked out along the palace road with high walls, the female official's voice came from behind, and it was Zhixia, the female official of Xianning.
Jia Heng looked back and saw a slender hand opening the curtain of the carriage, revealing a face with willow eyebrows and starry eyes, a cold and pure face.
Jia Heng came close, smiled and said, "Xianning."
Princess Xianning said softly: "Sir, get in the car, we will go to the house later."
Jia Heng nodded and saw that there was no one around. He opened the curtain and boarded the carriage. The space inside the carriage was spacious, with ice mirrors placed on all sides. A copper basin was installed underneath to hold melted water, which was poured outside. Be cooler.
Jia Heng looked at Princess Xianning and whispered: "Xianning, when you get home, you can persuade her. She has been living in the world for many years, and she has no idea what she has experienced. Let her go to the eldest princess's house and let your aunt persuade her. "
An appointment had been made before for Xianning to go to Ningguo Mansion to persuade Chen Xiao, but Xianning was not allowed to know about the crown prince's heir. Princess Xianning nodded, rested her head on Jia Heng's shoulder, held Jia Heng's hand, and said softly: "Sir, I will go and persuade her later."
After thinking for a while, his clear eyes filled with inexplicable meaning, he said: "Sir, I just saw that Sister Qin and Mrs. Rong Guotai have gone back."
Jia Heng's face was slightly dull and he said softly: "It's time to go back."
Princess Xianning turned her pretty face over and looked at the Qing
Juan turned his face and said softly: "I will meet Sister Qin when I get to Ningguo Mansion later. What do you think, sir? You can't just pass her door and not see her. It would be disrespectful to her."
We have to meet the Qin family eventually. Even if we can't be as close as sisters, there shouldn't be any discord. Jia Heng said warmly: "Zhi'er, let's wait until we get to the house to talk."
In view of some of Xianning's temperaments... Well, why did Xianning get asked to persuade Chen Xiao before?
Princess Xianning looked at the young man with a calm face and far-sighted eyes, and whispered: "Sir, don't worry. Sister Qin entered the door first. I am the latter, and I always regard her as my elder sister."
I also felt a little bit amused in my heart. Is there a time when my husband is afraid? As he spoke, he came closer and murmured: "Sir?"
Jia Heng was stunned for a moment and turned to look around, only to see the girl approaching her lips, feeling a little helpless.
Since Xianning dared to play the game of pole dancing under the table in front of Jin Yang, who knows what other tricks he might do after meeting Ke Qing?
But now I don't care about this, I gently touch Xianning's shoulder and guide the boat that is lost in the sea.
Ningguo Mansion, in the evening, in the courtyard where the kitchen is located, in a simple and elegantly decorated wing, Chen Xiao is sitting on a bamboo mat, holding a cattail leaf fan in his hand and fanning it gently. On the table is a sliced tooth. watermelon.
The girl lowered her head and ate the watermelon, while she kept reviewing it in her mind.
I was replaying the previous fights in my mind, hoping to regain my place in the next fight. At this moment, a nun outside called out: "Master, you are here."
"Well, where is Chef Xiao?" "She's in the house."
The brief conversation was vaguely heard. Chen Xiao's cold eyes flashed. He put down the watermelon in his hand and quickly picked up a handkerchief to wipe his mouth so that he could do it later. But just when he got up, he saw that the young man had already entered the house.
Chen Xiaorong looked cold and asked: Uncle Heng, what else do you want to see me for? "
Then, a tall and bright figure flashed into view, and the pretty face looked familiar, and he couldn't help but feel stunned. "Sister Xiao?" Princess Xianning called out after she entered the room and saw Chen Xiao in a coarse cloth dress.
Chen Xiao twisted her beautiful eyebrows, her cold eyes were in a trance, and many memories seemed to surge up in her heart. The girl who used to be behind him to teach martial arts is now slim and slim, and her appearance is almost not that big. Change, calling: "Sister Zhi'er?"
Princess Xianning walked a few steps quickly, grabbed Chen Xiao's hand, her face was full of joy, and called out: "Sister Xiao, it is you, where have you been these years?"
Chen Xiao couldn't help but glance at Jia Heng, but saw the young man wink at him, his face paused slightly, and something strange felt in his heart.
Am I familiar with you? This raises eyebrows.
But he also roughly understood the meaning of Jia Heng's eyes. There were some things that Xianning still couldn't let Xian Ning know.
Seeing the happy cousins reunited with their old friends, Jia Heng smiled and said softly, "You guys talk first, and I'll go take a look outside."
After Jia Heng left, Princess Xianning talked to Chen Xiao about their separation and asked, "Sister Xiao, why are you in your husband's house?"
Chen Xiao said softly: "By chance, I saw that Ningguo Mansion was recruiting people, so I came in without the money." Naturally, he couldn't talk to Xianning about the search for the crown prince's heir.
Princess Xianning looked at the beautiful girl, sighed softly in her heart, and said softly: "Sister, haven't you felt relieved after all these years?"
Chen Xiao looked at the girl opposite and said, "Relieved for what?"
Princess Xianning considered her words carefully and said softly: "Sister Xiao, although I don't know the details of what happened back then, my father would never do that."
Chen Xiao was silent for a moment and said, "Sister Zhi'er, let's not bring up the grudges of the previous generation anymore."
