Daming Palace, Zhongcui Palace.
The mistress of this palace was originally a concubine of the fifth rank.
But just one day ago, Emperor Jiajing, the ruler of the Ming Dynasty and known as the best person in the world, issued an edict to elevate the status of his concubine Xue Susu to the first rank, that is, noble concubine.
Concubine Rou has now become Concubine Rou.
There was no suspense about who was the most favored woman in the harem of the Ming Dynasty when Xue Susu was promoted to a noble concubine.
But she was born in Qinhuai Huafang, and her status was so low that she should not have enjoyed such an honor.
Many court officials of the Ming Dynasty, especially Qingliu officials, wanted to petition Emperor Jiajing to remove Xue Susu from her position as a noble concubine.
However, the Qingliu officials hesitated for a long time, and finally Xu Jie, the second assistant, made the decision personally... not to play!
"The top priority is to deal with the strict party and not to create extraneous problems."
With just one sentence, Mr. Xu Ge convinced the Qing gossip officials who were ready to make a move.
No one dares to doubt Mr. Xu Ge's wisdom.
But only Xu Jie himself knew that if Emperor Jiajing hadn't been just right and only given Xue Susu the rank of a first-class concubine, he would not have been able to suppress the young and impetuous Qing gossip official with his old bones.
Fortunately, Emperor Jiajing did not let her become the queen.
In Zhongcui Palace.
Xue Susu held a spoon in hand and served the meal she prepared for Emperor Jiajing.
Pearl Jade White Jade Soup, the legendary favorite of Ming Taizu.
The exquisite tribute imperial porcelain bowl contained thick soup. Emperor Jiajing smiled slightly.
"If your concubine is allowed to cook in person, the servants of Zhongcui Palace are really useless, aren't they?"
Xue Susu smiled sweetly, but in her heart she was carefully trying to figure out the meaning of Emperor Jiajing's words.
Every word spoken by the emperor of the most powerful dynasty in the world must have a deep meaning, and she must deal with it carefully.
"The servants in my concubine's palace are all rewards from your majesty. Of course they are suitable for use."
"I wanted to make His Majesty happy, so I secretly asked the imperial kitchen for the recipe for [Pearl Jade White Jade Soup], and learned to make it once for Your Majesty to try."
"If Your Majesty doesn't like it, I just have to accept my punishment."
Who could have imagined?
The delicate and beautiful woman in palace clothes in front of me is actually the painting saint of the Daci Dynasty?
As the saying goes, "It's harder to paint a tiger's bones than to paint its skin. It's difficult to know a person's face but not his heart." This is probably true.
"You are my beloved concubine, how can I be willing to punish you?"
Emperor Jiajing smiled, but even as the soup grew cold, he refused to enjoy it.
"Should we punish the servant?"
When Xue Susu heard this, she still kept a smile on her face, but her heart was ringing with alarm.
She couldn't guess what Emperor Jiajing was thinking.
Not being able to guess is a very dangerous sign!
"Your Majesty...who do you want to punish?" Xue Susu asked carefully.
"I don't recognize many of the servants in my concubine's palace."
Emperor Jiajing pretended to ponder for a moment, but seemed to have made up his mind.
"I remember you have a personal maid named Achang?"
"Just punish her?"
Xue Susu's apricot eyes widened and she stared at Emperor Jiajing!
At this moment, she is just an ordinary person.
All his cultivation in the Mahayana realm is hidden in a self-portrait in his bedroom.
Have you been exposed?
Emperor Jiajing wants a showdown?
Xue Susu secretly complained in her heart!
If Emperor Jiajing were to attack her right now, she wouldn't be able to withstand even half a move, let alone assassinate Emperor Jiajing.
"Am I being deceived?"
"Except for practicing, he almost always stays at my place."
"In these days, the favor given to me has far exceeded that of other concubines in the harem."
"Could it be that I was fooled and all his love was just a disguise, and he only waited for me to let down my guard before taking action?"
"Eldest sister... they are all useless. If we can't complete the mission this time, we won't even be able to save our lives."
Xue Susu never dared to imagine that once Emperor Jiajing took action, she would still have a chance to escape back to the dormitory and release the hidden cultivation of [The Immortal in the Painting].
She closed her eyes and waited for death.
However, it took a long time to wait for the fatal blow.
"Why are you crying, my beloved concubine?"
Emperor Jiajing's majestic voice rarely contained a hint of gentleness and concern.
"I just saw that Achang is not serving my concubine, so I was just joking."
Xue Susu opened her eyes.
As the Holy Lord of the Pure Land, she has lived in dignity for many years.
Once faced with death, he only shed tears because he regretted his ignorance and carelessness.
But I didn't expect that it turned out to be a false alarm?
When their eyes met, Xue Susu only saw the doting smile in Emperor Jiajing's eyes, without any murderous intent.
She felt relieved and hurriedly wiped her tears and said: "I... I lost my temper and made your majesty laugh. Achang had something to do in his hometown, so he asked me to take a leave of absence to return home for a few days, so I was not around to serve him. She will be back in a few days. .”
"oh."
Emperor Jiajing nodded casually.
Judging from his appearance, he is not very interested in a little palace maid, which is quite reasonable.
"My beloved concubine."
"Um?"
"There was a strange man in the Ming Dynasty, Tang Bohu, who was known as the 'Two Saints of Poetry and Painting'. This man entered Taoism through poetry and painting. Needless to say, he was profound in cultivation. His attainments in poetry and painting are rare in ancient times."
"I know that my concubine has excellent talents, especially ink painting. How about I summon him to the palace in a few days to paint a portrait of my concubine?"
Tang Bohu was not a member of the officialdom, but he was well-known in the world of Ming Dynasty. He was regarded as the number one Confucian scholar in the Ming Dynasty.
Emperor Jiajing's proposal seemed to make Xue Susu happy.
However, Xue Susu's face turned pale instantly.
The name "Tang Bohu" seems to touch the past that she least wants to recall in her heart.
"What? My beloved concubine doesn't want to?"
Emperor Jiajing asked while observing Xue Susu's face, which looked very concerned.
"Is there any relationship between my beloved concubine and Tang Bohu?"
This is a reasonable question, but it is also very sensitive.
Xue Susu is the oiran of the Huafang, and it is reasonable for her to have countless people.
But now that she is the emperor's favorite concubine, who dares to mention the past of Huafang?
However, when Emperor Jiajing asked, there was even a hint of weirdness.
"without!"
Xue Susu blurted out.
"No, Your Majesty."
"I have never seen Mr. Tang Yin even when I was painting the boat."
She mentioned Huafang frankly just to show that she had a clear conscience.
This is the truth.
But using the truth to cover up lies is a trick that does not deceive but sells.
Xue Susu suppressed her turbulent and chaotic mood, maintaining a gentle and sweet smile on her face.
"Concubine, all you have to do is follow His Majesty's arrangements."
The night is very deep.
On the dragon bed, Xue Susu seemed to be sleeping.
She was held in Emperor Jiajing's arms like a docile cat.
However, the Holy Master of the painting, with his eyes closed, felt extremely clear in his mind.
Xue Susu only has one thought now: Tang Bohu will enter the palace to meet the saint in two days and have his portrait painted. If Achang can come back tomorrow, he will definitely ask her to intercept and kill Tang Bohu halfway. If you can't come back in time, you'll find another way.
Tang Bohu, the two saints of poetry and painting?
Looking at the entire Ming Dynasty, I am afraid that he is the only person who can see through his identity at a glance.
Because she entered Taoism through painting, Tang Bohu was her guide!
"Heartless person."
"Why do you and I still want to meet each other?"
…
…………
Sitting in Zhongcui Palace for a day, Xue Susu never waited for Achang to come back.
She cannot inquire about the war on the front line. This is not in line with Xue Susu's status as a concubine in the harem and may lead to exposure.
Xue Susu really didn't understand.
A Wanli prince and a Chang.
Two powerful Mahayana warriors set out to conquer Yunzhou, why have they not returned to the court in triumph yet?
Xue Susu at least knew that the commanders of the three kingdoms' coalition forces in Yunzhou City, Zhuge Liang, Guo Jia and Zhou Yu, were only at the level of Hedao realm.
Xue Susu couldn't sit still.
Because, Tang Bohu entered Beijing.
The two saints of poetry and painting arrived in the capital of Ming Dynasty today, causing a huge sensation.
In addition to his profound cultivation and master-level attainments in poetry and painting, Tang Bohu's free and uninhibited character is also a major feature.
That night, all the people in the capital knew that Tang Bohu, the two saints of poetry and painting, stayed overnight on the Yanbo Painting Boat and ordered the new oiran.
A night of romance will add another romance to Tang Bohu's unrestrained life.
The next day, Tang Bohu entered the palace to meet the saint.
Everything is going smooth.
As a celebrity in the Ming Dynasty, Tang Bohu was unanimously welcomed by Party Yan and Party Xu.
Yan Song and Xu Jie both hoped to win over this powerful figure with fans all over the Ming Dynasty.
Emperor Jiajing was also in a good mood, chatting with Tang Bohu about poetry and painting, and praised him endlessly.
"Tang Yin."
"The grassroots are here."
"I once promised Concubine Rou that you would paint a painting for her. I wonder if you are willing?"
"The grassroots are willing!"
Tang Bohu didn't know who Concubine Rou was.
But being able to paint the beloved concubine of Emperor Jiajing was extremely honorable for a savage like him.
Tang Bohu was uninhibited, but he did not despise the powerful.
In fact, he was the type of person who had no choice but to choose to be dissolute because he failed to become an official.
"If I can make Concubine Rou happy, let your majesty reward me. From now on, I can join the court and get rid of my status as an official, which will fulfill my long-cherished wish to become an official!"
Tang Bohu was young and talented. He ranked first in the Suzhou Prefectural Examination at the age of sixteen, and ranked first in the Zhongnan Zhili Township Examination at the age of twenty-eight.
Later, he went to Beijing to take the examination and was imprisoned for his involvement in the Xu Jing Examination Case. He was later deposed as a minor official of the Zhejiang vassal.
Tang Bohu was deeply ashamed and determined not to take office, and now he lives in the world.
During this period, he fell out with his wife.
Tang Bohu divorced his wife and lived alone in Peach Blossom Temple, immersed in poetry and painting until he achieved great success.
Tang Bohu couldn't help but feel emotional about all the past events.
Looking around, I saw the splendor and majesty of the Jinluan Palace, and I longed for it.
"If I get the right time, I will give full play to what I have learned and make great achievements in metal and stone!"
Tang Bohu thought like this and suddenly felt so proud.
"Mr. Tang Yin, please come with me, old slave?"
In my ears, there was a strange voice that was neither male nor female.
Tang Bohu glanced at the other person, recognized him as a eunuch, and secretly despised him.
A dignified man may bow in front of a chariot or horse, or die of old age and wine.
What does it mean to be a slave from the palace?
Lu Fang has served Emperor Jiajing all her life. How sophisticated is her vision? How rich is your experience?
With just a simple eye contact, he knew how much Tang Bohu despised him in his heart.
The old eunuch's face remained calm, but he still smiled and said: "Mr. Tang Yin, please?"
"okay."
Tang Bohu nodded.
He suddenly felt in his heart that he couldn't accompany Emperor Jiajing to discuss national affairs in the Jinluan Palace with important ministers like Yan Song and Xu Jie, but then go to the harem to paint portraits of women?
The work he does seems to be no better than that of the old eunuch?
"well……"
Tang Bohu sighed.
He also admitted that he had been uninhibited and unruly throughout his life and owed countless love debts, which actually greatly reduced his ambition to make progress.
Among the countless women in Tang Bohu's past, there are only a few who are truly qualified to be recorded in his heart.
"Is she okay?"
"After all, I was too cruel when we separated."
"Every time I think of her, I can't help but regret it."
"I heard that she went to the Pure Land of Sanskrit and there was no news after that."
"How many years have passed, and we have never had the chance to see each other again."
"I will enter the palace today to meet the Holy Spirit. Your Majesty may keep me in the palace for important purposes."
"Da Ming and Da Ci are hostile. I just hope that we will not meet on the battlefield."
Tang Bohu had random thoughts and soon came to Zhongcui Palace.
"Mr. Tang Yin, we are here."
Standing in front of Zhongcui Palace, Lu Fangpi reminded him with a smile.
"Sir, you are a man. You must abide by the rules in the harem and do not offend the ladies."
Tang Bohu didn't take it seriously and said to himself, "I want you, an old slave, to teach you how to be a good person?"
"Please don't worry, father-in-law, Tang knows his propriety."
He responded casually and stepped into Zhongcui Palace, but did not notice that Lu Fang stayed outside the palace and stopped following.
As soon as he entered the palace, Tang Bohu felt an inexplicable and strange sense of familiarity.
Long time no see?
Deja vu?
He took a closer look and found that the flowers and plants in Zhongcui Palace were all newly transplanted.
In particular, peach blossoms, which are rare in many categories, are his favorite!
"Bitao, Wulingse, Yaocai, Thousand-petal Peach... Darling, the palace is indeed extraordinary. I have been searching for many peach species for many years without any results, but they are all here?"
After all, Tang Bohu is a man of the world, and his thinking is eccentric and does not know the depth.
He thought to himself: "That queen doesn't know beauty or ugliness, so I'll try to paint her as good-looking as possible. If I can make her happy, I'll ask her to give me some saplings and let me transplant them to Peach Blossom Temple."
When Tang Bohu walked to the main hall of Zhongcui Palace, he still didn't see Concubine Rou.
He was getting impatient.
"The emperor is so courteous to a worthy corporal that he invites me as an honored guest."
"This Concubine Rou is really ignorant. With her reputation as a poet and painter from the Tang Dynasty, she didn't come out to greet her?"
Tang Bohu's face turned a little ugly when he thought about it.
Thanks to the fact that this is the Imperial Palace.
If it were just an ordinary wealthy family, or even a vassal prince, he might have left long ago.
After a long time, a clear and indifferent female voice came from the main hall of Zhongcui Palace.
"...Is it Tang Yin?"
Tang Bohu was stunned when he heard this, thinking that even if he calls her by her first name, this empress is too arrogant.
But he immediately realized something was wrong, because the woman's voice seemed familiar.
Sudden!
Tang Bohu's expression changed drastically!
"you you you……"
Although separated for many years, her voice has always been imprinted in Tang Bohu's mind.
At this moment, the memory was awakened, and Tang Bohu was so surprised that he stuttered.
After a long while, he said in surprise: "Aren't you in the Pure Land of Sanskrit? Why are you here?!"
In the main hall, the woman sighed quietly.
"After all these years, your temperament is still the same."
She was disappointed and resentful.
This man's talent once made her fall in love with him.
But this man's character is really too bad.
Not to mention that compared with Emperor Jiajing, even many civil and military officials of the Ming Dynasty were much more profound and steady than him.
"You are still like this. Fortunately, I asked everyone in the palace to retreat beforehand so as not to hear your nonsense."
Xue Susu walked out of the main hall and stood in front of Tang Bohu.
Her tone suddenly softened: "We haven't seen each other for many years, do you have any regrets at all?"
Tang Bohu was originally frightened and inexplicable.
People from the Daci Dynasty actually hid in the harem of the Ming Dynasty. What was their intention?
But when he heard Xue Susu ask the question, his attention was immediately diverted.
The memories of the past came to mind, and Tang Bohu immediately remembered that he failed in the imperial examination. He regretted that he had indulged in wine and sex, and angered the beauty beside him.
At that time, he left in anger, abandoned the beautiful woman and even regarded her as a disaster.
But as many years passed, he only maintained purity and self-discipline for a few years, and then he made the same mistakes again.
He still lingered in brothels and boats, indulged in sex, and spent most of his life in the world.
"Susu, I..."
