He supported his chin with one hand and gently stroked it with the other. It was three points warmer than the finest mutton-fat white jade, but it was covered in a faint pink. Lu Shen was surprised to see it and thought to himself: "This is the rouge color written in the poem."
Lin Rong asked him to torture her at night. She was extremely tired. She forced herself to scrub her body once and then fell asleep. She felt a severe itching on her back. She thought it was Kingfisher or Fengxiao calling her to get up, and said vaguely. : "Stop making trouble, I will sleep for a while. I will be exhausted as soon as he comes back."
Why do you mean he was exhausted as soon as he came back? How tired can he be? Pretentious and hateful!
Lu Shen didn't bother her. He took the balm on the dressing table and gently massaged it for her. After a while, the red marks faded a lot, and the woman could be heard humming comfortably like a kitten.
He only hummed twice, but showed no intention of waking up. Lu Shen hooked his index finger on a strand of black hair of the woman, wrapped it around a few times, and then slowly let go. He was having a great time.
He took off his clothes again, lay on the bed, rolled up a book to read with one hand, and gently pinched the woman's small and exquisite earlobe with the other. It wasn't until midnight that I felt a little sleepy.
Lin Rong had always had trouble sleeping, so he added some soothing herbs to the prescription of Bizi Decoction. After finishing the meal, he drank a large bowl and fell asleep more deeply.
Just sleeping too deeply is not good either.
She vaguely felt that she was trapped in a dark and narrow wooden box. She slapped the wall of the box hard, but there was only an empty echo, and only the sound of dripping water came from the distance.
I don’t know how long it took, but my senior brother sighed slightly in my ears, and he seemed to be talking to someone next to him: "I wonder where Lin Lin went? Can I see her again?"
A child asked: "Who is Lin Lin?"
The senior brother was silent for a long time and replied: "Maybe he is my only relative in the world!"
Lin Rong shouted with all her strength, but no sound came out. She wanted to tell her senior brother that I am right next to you and not far from you. But he couldn't say a word. Even though the footsteps of his senior brother gradually faded away, the whole person returned to the silent darkness.
It was raining continuously outside, and Lin Rong woke up suddenly, with tears streaming down her face. She suddenly felt nothingness, and a deep sense of world-weariness came to her heart. Is living so important? If you really can't go back and live here for the rest of your life, can you really accept it?
Unfortunately, this sense of emptiness and world-weariness only lasted for a moment before Lu Shen broke it. His mellow voice came from the top of Lin Rong's head: "What's wrong?"
Seeing that Lin Rong didn't answer, Lu Shen hugged her jade back in his arms and let out a soft hum between his Adam's apple.
Lin Rong could only speak perfunctorily, and the voice sounded like he had cried: "It's okay, I had a nightmare."
Lu Shen's understanding of nightmares and crying was something only an ignorant child would do. He remained silent for a moment, gently touched the woman's back, and said two words dryly: "Go to sleep." !”
Lin Rong didn't know why, but as if something intimate had happened on the bed, she suddenly had a keen sense of Lu Shen's emotions, and intuitively felt that he was very easy to talk to at this time. She wiped her tears, turned around and asked: " I want to go to the Juying Garden to see chrysanthemums tomorrow, is that okay?"
Appreciating chrysanthemums? If the flowers in Juying Garden are as good as the pots I brought back, why should they be used elsewhere?
Lu Shen objected: "Not tomorrow!"
Xuanzhou has been completely pacified, and we are about to go to Qingzhou, which will be a busy period of time again. It was easy for her to steal half a day of free time tomorrow, but she had to go out to a banquet. I also feel a little dissatisfied. A woman who lives in a woman's family always puts her husband first, but instead thinks about other things.
Lin Rong added softly: "I accepted the invitation a few days ago, and I have specially picked out my clothes and jewelry. I will definitely go to send people to reply. Suddenly I couldn't say anything anymore, as if I was playing tricks on others. Those female relatives were taboo on me. Coming from Jiangzhou, I wonder if anyone will invite me in the future?"
The beauty exhaled like orchids, and the fragrance of her daughter floated to Lu Shen's nose, and then gradually dissipated. He sighed silently and said, "Let's talk tomorrow!"
Chapter 38
Let's talk about it tomorrow, what the hell?
Lin Rong was stunned and didn't really want to speak. He turned around and pulled Hong Ling to cover her up, but Lu Shen followed him. Their skin was touching, and they looked like they were lying with their necks crossed.
After such a peaceful night's sleep, no matter how late Lu Shen slept, he would definitely get up at the fourth watch.
Lin Rong had no choice but to get up and change his clothes. He vaguely remembered what he said last night and asked: "The Lord said last night that he would go to the Juying Garden for a banquet. I wonder if I can go?" Lu Shen's face was serious when he was not smiling. It was very different from the one in the bed curtains. He just gave a faint hum and left without saying either agreement or disagreement.
Lin Rong stood there, secretly hating someone? I also thought that I had to leave today anyway, and I had to go to the Juying Garden outside the city whether I was allowed to go or not.
After sleeping for a while, I returned to my cage. I was thinking about going to Juyingyuan, but I couldn't sleep very well. I got up to wash up, picked up my chopsticks, ate some side dishes and ate two mouthfuls of bird's nest porridge, and then I saw Hang over there. Qing led a dozen maids, each holding a brocade box, down the corridor.
Lin Rong put down his chopsticks, smiled at Hang Qing, and said, "Why are you here so early today? You should sleep more."
Hang Qing bowed, sat down on a low stool, and asked, "It's okay, I'm used to getting up early. Today's meals are all cooked by the chef sent from Jiangzhou. I wonder what Madam thinks?"
Lin Rong nodded: "Very good." Hearing her report one by one about the general affairs of the house in detail, he interrupted: "You can just take care of these yourself, there is no need to go back and forth with me."
Hang Qing smiled and nodded, and asked people to bring in the row of brocade boxes: "These are newly brought in from various prefectures and counties, and some are old collections of Chenliu Palace. This morning, the king sent someone to say, Ask for it to be sent to Madam. If anyone likes it, keep it for use. If you don’t like it, please give it to others."
The kingfishers and phoenix flutes were opened one by one, and they saw a box full of pearl hairpins, jade rings, treasures and antiques, silks and satins, and even thumb-sized pearls. The two girls laughed: "These beads are just right for making pearl shirts." .”
Lin Rong opened it and was not very happy. After looking at it for a while, he closed the box and cursed in his heart: It looked more like selling himself.
He didn't think much of it. He ordered Jade Bird and Fengxiao to put it away and said, "Those Zhu Chai and other things, you can choose one or two if you like them." He picked out a plum blossom jade hairpin and handed it to Hang Qing: " I see that you usually dress plainly, and this hairpin suits you just right."
Feng Xiao took it. Although the plum blossom hosta looked plain, its water quality was very good. How could it be given to others casually like this?
Not only the girls serving in the house, but also the old ladies outside were given a few pearls. When the time was almost up, Lin Rong ordered the second door to prepare the carriage: "Let's get ready to go to Juyingyuan. We're late. No. It's a bad etiquette, even the sun at noon is more poisonous.
When they got on the carriage, Feng Xiao whispered in Lin Rong's ear: "Yesterday, the county master fell asleep. I don't know why. I saw Junhou giving a lecture to Miss Hangqing and a man outside. Say, Miss Hangqing went to the execution hall to receive twenty sticks?"
Lin Rong was absent-minded, opened the curtain and saw people coming and going. However, in March, there was a scene of wealth. He said lightly: "No wonder she seemed to have some difficulty walking just now."
Feng Xiao said: "Twenty sticks. If the beating is severe, I'm afraid I won't be able to get out of bed for a month or two."
After hearing this, Lin Rong felt more and more that Lu Shen was cold-blooded. Even the maid who had been with him for many years often beat him with a stick like this. I was glad for a moment that I was very knowledgeable during these days, otherwise I would be even worse than Hang Qing at this time.
She asked: "I want you to go to another hospital to deliver a letter to some mothers and tell them to wait at the ferry today. As soon as I get the letter, I will ask someone to deliver it to the ferry. Is it done?"
Kingfisher replied: "I sent someone to go before dawn. The messenger came back and said that the mothers had packed up and were waiting in the cabin at the ferry. Before leaving, I sent someone to have a look. The two hundred sergeants, mothers, and There are quite a few little girls waiting at the ferry."
After a while, we arrived at the Juying Garden. Before we got close, we just saw the white walls and green tiles in front of us. A large field of sweet-scented osmanthus was planted along the lake. The flowers were not in full bloom. They only looked like flower bones. There was a smell in the air. If there is the fragrance of osmanthus, it is like nothing.
As soon as we crossed the bridge, several ladies were waiting at the door.
Lin Rong got off the carriage and everyone saluted. Seeing that Mrs. An was there, they hurriedly helped her up: "Old Mrs. An has broken my heart. I just want to sit in the hall. Why come out?"
Mrs. An, leaning on a cane, welcomed Lin Rong into the garden and smiled: "Please, madam."
At this time, chrysanthemum appreciation was also quite famous. There were chrysanthemums everywhere. Lin Rong entered the courtyard and saw that the tables, cups, plates, gongs and other utensils above the banquet were all in the style of chrysanthemums. Even the wine was chrysanthemum wine. The waiters on the left and right The girl's clothes are all embroidered with chrysanthemum patterns, and she wears a hairpin with chrysanthemum patterns on her head.
Lin Rong was invited to sit down and drank a glass of chrysanthemum wine before the banquet. He said curiously: "I have always heard of the famous chrysanthemum garden in this garden. Since I received the post the day before yesterday, I have been thinking about it day and night, thinking about opening my eyes. I came today and saw it everywhere. Among the chrysanthemum-shaped utensils, clothing, and dishes, how come there is no real chrysanthemum?"
The female relatives all laughed and said, "What's true, today is a chrysanthemum appreciation feast, but why can't we see chrysanthemums alone?"
The host stood up and made three confessions before leading everyone to a clearing. There were three large mansions in the middle, with front pavilions and rear pavilions. After a closer look, they saw that they were made of reed leaves.
The master opened his mouth and ordered his maid to open the Xiang curtain. They saw that the vast building was surrounded by layers of chrysanthemums, which were almost as high as three stories. The flowers were as big as porcelain pots and the branches and leaves were luxuriant. Everyone was amazed: "This is really a chrysanthemum mountain." ." ① (① Adapted from "Tao An's Dream Memories·Volume 6·Juhai")
For a while, there was endless praise, and everyone went into the open pavilion to admire the chrysanthemums. Lin Rong only stood for a moment before he got tired and went to the attic next to him to change clothes.
Lin Rong is the wife of a prince, so even if she is changing clothes, her master does not dare to neglect her and will follow her in person. Lin Rong declined: "I am a person who always likes to be quiet. I don't want to change my clothes. I just stand in a secluded place over there for a while to sober up. I will be back in a quarter of an hour. You don't have to give me away. You guys are too polite and you are shouting. I'm tired."
When she said this, her tone was firm, and the host had no choice but to agree, pointing to a path nearby and saying: "Madam, this path is secluded, and there are more than a dozen datura flowers planted along the way. Tongue, you might as well take a stroll.”
Lin Rong nodded lightly, took Kingfisher and Fengxiao along the path to the outside of the courtyard, and told the two maids: "I suddenly remembered something. I want to ask some mothers to go to the ferry in person."
Kingfisher and Fengxiao were both very surprised: "Master, if you have any orders, just ask us girls to deliver the message. Why do we need to go in person?"
Lin Rong said: "At this time, I cannot ask you to convey confidential matters back and forth."
After hearing this, Feng Cuiqin had no choice but to serve Lin Rong and go out of the courtyard. When she passed a fork in the road, she unexpectedly saw a white figure rushing out from the mandala bushes, and she was startled.
Although Feng Xiao is a girl from the inner courtyard, she has some three-legged cat skills. She immediately kicked her and cursed: "Where did this little thief come from, dare to come here to attack the noble?"
The man was dressed in white and had a petite figure. After being kicked by Feng Xiao, he immediately fell to the ground and couldn't get up for a long time. He was so painful that he spoke intermittently: "Forgive me, Madam Junhou. The guilty woman... did not mean to disturb..."
Lin Rong heard this voice very familiar and asked: "Are you the grandma of Xiahou Mansion?"
When the woman saw that Lin Rong still remembered her, she forced herself to kneel down and kowtowed three times with such force that her forehead suddenly became bloody: "The sinful woman risked her life to come here today. Please save me, the sinful woman." Our two children, they are less than four months old and they can’t even speak. They are the Xiahou clan. They are committing treason and are guilty of crimes that cannot be punished, but they did not do anything to these two babies.”
She raised her head, blood flowing down her cheeks, her hair disheveled, looking both terrifying and pitiful. Step by step, she knelt down to Lin Rong's skirt: "That day, Madam said that she would give the guilty woman a son and a daughter. Name, Madam Mercy, save them.”
Lin Rong was shocked as she cried blood. He took a handkerchief and pressed it on the wound on her forehead: "Get up first."
Kingfisher frowned, fearing that his master would be soft-hearted: "Mrs. Xiahou, no matter how difficult it is for you, you shouldn't embarrass our master with external political affairs?"
While supporting Lin Rong, he took a step back and said, "You'd better go back, our master can't control this matter!"
Madam Xiahou shed tears of blood and kept kowtowing: "That day Madam entered the inner room, the sinful woman's son and daughter were crying non-stop. Seeing Madam's golden face, their cries turned into laughter. They were all destined to be with Madam. Madam, you also saw that I have passed them and held them. Such a soft and small baby will be implicated and executed before he can learn a word. Please have mercy, madam. Please have mercy, madam."
Lin Rong was afraid that if she kowtowed like this, she would bleed to death sooner or later, so she quickly stopped: "Get up first..."
Just as he was talking about a group of female relatives coming over, Mrs. An hurriedly ordered someone to help Mrs. Xiahou down to have a rest. She said at the same time: "Pull her down quickly, why did you let her sneak in?" At the same time, she said: "What an oversight. , Madam was frightened."
Someone nearby explained to Lin Rong: "After the Xiahou clan ransacked their homes and imprisoned them, the monarch showed mercy and allowed the female relatives who returned to their parents' families to avoid death. It's just that Mrs. Xiahou was stimulated and her mind was not clear."
Lin Rong nodded slightly, feeling unbearable, but said, she is from here, she is suffering from here, I can't protect myself, there is nothing I can do, thinking about going to the ferry, declined the old lady, and was about to say goodbye and leave.
Then I saw someone coming hurriedly on the path over there. It was a little girl who stayed outside the courtyard to guard the carriage. Fu Shen reported: "Madam, the prince returned from the military camp and passed by this place. He heard that the lady was attending a banquet here, so he took her back to the house on the way."
After listening to the girl's report, everyone laughed, but Lin Rong had a pale face and his heart sank to the bottom. He reluctantly said goodbye to everyone and slowly left the garden. He saw Lu Shen's bodyguard waiting for him. Beside the carriage.
Shen Yan lowered his hands and said hello: "Madam."
Lin Rong nodded casually, knowing that he would not be able to leave today, so he held King Jingqin's hand and got into the carriage sadly.
Lu Shen heard the sound of the car curtain, put down the book in his hand, tapped the seat of the car with his finger, and said: "Go back home!"
It was completely impossible to leave now. Lin Rong sat aside in despair, not interested in dealing with him. He picked up a book, flipped through it, and said casually: "The prince stopped by to pick me up today. It's really scary."
Chapter 39
Lu Shen saw that the little girl refused to look at him and her face was obviously angry. He thought about it for a moment and realized that she must have hurt her again on the bed last night. He poured out a small porcelain bottle from his sleeve and said, "This is The newly prepared medicine was circulated in the Luoyang Palace, so I immediately asked someone to bring it to you. You can try it and see how it works."
Lin Rong had no hope for the medical level at this time. He even took cinnabar and mercury. How dare he use this kind of medicine casually? He shook his head: "I don't use this medicine..."
Lu Shen thought she was shy and forcefully hugged her waist, unbuttoned her clothes and skirt, and ignored Lin Rong's efforts to personally apply the medicine for her. What he said was that he was the only man in the prime of life who could apply the medicine. He had just prescribed meat and meat, and he had warm, fragrant and soft jade in his arms. How could he control it?
Regardless of Lin Rong's protests, she asked her to put her slender hands on the wall of the car and pinch the slender waist of the willow, and started to act wildly with the sound of squeaking ruts.
Not to mention the maids and women outside the carriage, even the accompanying guards were not far away. What's more, there was a driver driving in front. Lin Rong did not dare to make a sound. He frowned and bit his jade finger lightly, looking at the car blankly. I don’t know how long it took for the jade tassels hanging on the wall for blessing to disappear before the rain stopped.
The journey from Juying Garden to Jieduzhi's residence was not far, only a quarter of an hour. Lin Rong went out for a banquet at noon, thinking about going to the dock, but sat for a while, without a stick of incense before or after. Rushing back at this time, logically speaking, it is not yet noon and the heat is in full swing.
As the carriage drove all the way to the inner courtyard, people outside gave a warning. Seeing that Lu Shen had not given any orders, they dispersed and waited from a distance. When Lin Rong had packed up, Lu Shen opened the carriage curtain and hugged him. It was already dusk when she came out.
Lin Rong was extremely tired and fell asleep on the bed, not knowing how long it would take. Lu Shen was very satisfied. He sat on the edge of the bed for a while, took off the flower hairpin and phoenix-title tassel hairpin from the woman's hair one by one, threw them aside, and spread her hair on his lap. He hooked a strand of it with his index finger and played with it slowly.
The woman closed her eyes and whispered softly. Lu Shen suddenly looked up and saw that her eyes were black and blue. He stretched out his hand and massaged her scalp for a while, then he left the yard and went to the study.
During the day, Lin Rong looked at the miserable condition of Mrs. Xiahou's face covered with blood. She didn't know whether it was something she felt in her heart or something, but she didn't sleep well. She had intermittent dreams, always dreaming of the two babies at the banquet that day. He chuckled at her and stretched out two fat lotus-like hands for Lin Rong to hug.
Or a woman gently sang a nursery rhyme: "The fifth day of the fifth lunar month is the Dragon Boat Festival. There are moxa sticks on the door and the house is full of fragrance. Eat rice dumplings and dip them in sugar. The dragon boat launches into the water and is filled with joy..." ②
The song came from nowhere, sometimes near and sometimes far away, causing Lin Rong to wake up suddenly.
Since Lin Rong traveled through time, she had trouble sleeping eight out of ten days. It was normal for her to wake up from random dreams like this. She was originally a staunch materialist, but such frequent random dreams made her feel a little trance-like.
