Chapter 47 Forty-three red plums

At that time, the person who was called according to Chadana Yan was Hongmei, the second son of the late Minister of the Taizheng, Hongmei, and the eldest brother of the late Wei Mendu Kashiwagi.This person has been gifted and intelligent since childhood, and has an elegant temperament.As the age grows, the official position rises day by day, the future is great, the glory is overwhelming, and the holy family is extremely grand.This Hongmei Da Nayan has two wives, the first married one has passed away, and the current one is the daughter of the later Minister of the Taizheng, Hu Hei, who was the son-in-law who was reluctant to part with the real wood pillar in the past.At first, her grandfather-like Prince Buqing married her to Prince Yingbingbuqing.After the death of Prince Yingbingbuqing, Hongmei had an affair with her.It's been a long time, and I don't care about world criticism, so I treat her as my stepmother.Hongmei's ex-wife gave birth to only two daughters and no son, so she felt lonely.Praying to the gods and Buddhas, his stepwife Makizhu gave birth to a son.Zhen Muzhu also has a daughter born to her ex-husband, Prince Yingbuqing, who is with her as a memorial to her ex-husband.

Four years have passed between the events written in this chapter and the previous chapter "Prince Xi".At this time, Mr. Xun was twenty-four years old, and Prince Xi was twenty-five years old. That is, the boy who sang the horse music "Gaosha" in the tenth chapter "Yang Tong".See p. 250 of the previous volume. After Mustuhei married the jade garland, his ex-wife brought his daughter Zhen Muzhu back to her natal home, see page 602 of the second volume. Prince Yingbuqing is Genji's younger brother, and this is the first time we have seen this person's death.

Hongmei Da Nayan loves her children equally regardless of their closeness.However, among the maids around each of them, there are a few people with poor conduct, and they often have quarrels with each other.Fortunately, Mrs. Makizhu is magnanimous, forthright, and good at mediating and resolving.Even if there are things that are not good for yourself, you can take it calmly and be good at comforting yourself.Therefore, there is no family ugliness, and I have been living in peace.The three female gentlemen are about the same age, and they have gradually grown up, and all of them have passed the dress style.Da Nayan built several seven-frame wide and vast mansions. The south hall was for the eldest daughter, the west hall was for the second daughter, and the east hall was for the daughter born to Prince Yingbuqing.In ordinary people's minds, Prince Yingbingbuqing has passed away, and it must be very painful for this young lady to have no father.However, her father and grandfather left her a lot of property and treasures, so the internal pomp and daily life are noble and elegant, and the situation is good.

It was widely rumored that Hongmei Da Nayan's family was raising three daughters with care, so many people came to propose marriage one after another.The emperor and crown prince also expressed their interest.Hongmei thought: "Nowadays Empress Mingshi is the only one favored, what kind of person can stand shoulder to shoulder with her? But if you don't seek a high position for this, and prefer to be a low-level palace official, it is meaningless. The crown prince is for Xi The daughter of Minister Wuyou's family has a monopoly, and it is very difficult to compete with her. However, even if you are so timid, if you don't send her to the palace if you have a daughter with outstanding talents, wouldn't you be living up to her beauty?" He stood down With this determination, he rationed the eldest daughter to the crown prince.At this time, the eldest daughter is seventeen or eighteen years old, with a graceful appearance and very cute.

The second daughter's appearance is also very delicate and elegant, and her scrutiny is better than that of sister Nai. She is a peerless beauty.Hongmei Da Nayan thought: "It would be a pity if this girl was assigned to an ordinary person. If the prince Xie Bingbuqing came to propose marriage, it would be possible." , often calling him to come and play with him.This young man is clever and enlightened, one can infer from the corners of his eyes that he has a great future ahead.Once, Prince Xi said to him, "Go back and tell Danayan: I am not satisfied just to see you as a younger brother." A long-cherished wish can come true.Then he said to people: "A woman with both talent and beauty, instead of entering the palace and being subordinated to others, it is better to marry this prince. This prince is so beautiful! I can get my wish, take good care of this son-in-law, and my life span will be long." Let’s extend it.” But we must first make preparations for the eldest daughter to marry the crown prince.He prayed in his heart: "May the God of Haruhi protect and protect the Empress, so that the Empress will be born in our generation. Then, the late father's Taizheng Minister will live with hatred for the failure of the Honghui Palace's female emperor, and his spirit in heaven can also be comforted." The daughter-in-law entered the palace as a princess.It is rumored in the world that the crown prince loves this concubine very much.But she was not familiar with life in the palace, and she had no capable caregivers around her, so she was accompanied by her stepmother, Mrs. Makizhu, into the palace.Zhen Muzhu loves this young lady very much and takes care of her meticulously.

Kasuga Myojin is the god of the royal Fujiwara clan. The former Taizheng minister sent his daughter (the younger sister of Hongmei) to the palace of Lengquanyuan as the queen of Honghui Palace, hoping to become a queen.But Genji promoted Empress Akio.The female emperor of Honghui Palace failed, and the minister of the Taizheng died with hatred.See page 447 of the second volume. After the eldest daughter of the South Hall entered the palace, the Da Nayan mansion suddenly became deserted.Especially the second daughter in the west hall, who has always been with her sister, feels very lonely now.The daughter-in-law in the east hall, the son-in-law born to Zhen Muzhu's ex-husband, is also very close to these two son-in-laws.The three of them often sleep together at night and learn various arts together.Regarding matters such as playing, playing, singing and dancing, the two young masters learned from the young master of the East Hall, as if they were her masters.This young lady in the East Hall was extremely shy by nature, and she rarely looked at her mother face to face. Her shyness was really ridiculous.However, his appearance is not inferior to others, and his charming appearance is far better than others.Hongmei Da Nayan thought: "I arranged this one to enter the palace, and the other to get married. I just keep busy with my daughter. I am really sorry for this young lady." Then she said to her mother Zhen Muzhu: "If you have this girl's marriage If you have made up your mind, tell me quickly. I will treat her the same as my own daughter." Zhen Muzhu replied: "I have never thought about this kind of thing. If I barely achieve it, I feel sorry for her. I can only listen to her. Destiny. During my lifetime, I will definitely take care of her. It's just that if I die, she is very pitiful, which makes me worry. But at that time, she can become a nun, so that she will not be ridiculed by others, and she can live her life in peace. .” Then she shed tears.He also talked about the virtuous temperament of this young lady.Hongmei Da Nayan is equally dear to these three daughters, and has no thick and thin.But so far, he has never seen this young lady from the East Hall, so he really wants to see her appearance.He often resents: "She just keeps avoiding me, it's so boring." He wants to sneak a peek when people are not prepared, maybe he can see one side.Unexpectedly, I can't even see the silhouette.Once he was sitting outside the curtain of the female childe, and said to her: "When your mother is not at home, I should take care of you for her. I am not happy that you are so alienated from me." The female childe answered briefly inside the curtain, The voice was elegant and tactful, one could imagine that she must also be very beautiful, she was a very pitiful and lovely woman.He has always been convinced that his daughter is superior to others, and is often proud of it.At this time, he thought: "My two daughters may not be able to catch up with this person, right? From this point of view, the world is too big and annoying. I thought my two daughters were outstanding, but I don't know that there are stronger than them in the world." People." He was more eager for this one, and said to her: "In the past few months, I have been very busy for some reason, and I haven't listened to Sixian for a long time. Your second sister is learning the pipa in the west hall. Maybe she wants to You must be proficient in this way. But the pipa is a musical instrument that seems to be incomprehensible, and the sound is really ugly. If you can teach it, I hope you will teach her carefully. I have never specialized in a certain musical instrument, but in the heyday of the past, I often learned Participate in the orchestral meeting. Thanks to this, I can distinguish the good and bad techniques of any instrument performance. Although you have never performed in public, every time I hear your pipa sound, I always feel the same as before. Years are similar. Minister Yugiriyou is the only person in the world who has inherited the true biography of the late Master Rokujo-in. Gennaka Nayan and Prince Xi Bingbuqing are truly blessed people who will not let the ancients do anything. They are especially enthusiastic about music. However, the technique of plucking is a bit weak, after all, it can’t catch up with the right minister. Only your pipa, the technique is very similar to his. Together with pipa, the left hand must be proficient in pressing the strings. There is a sense of coquettishness, but it is interesting. Come on, you play a piece. Maids! Bring the pipa!" Most of the maids did not avoid him, only a few youngest and higher-born people refused to be called When he saw it, he retreated blindly into the inner room.Hongmei Da Nayan said: "Even the maid is alienating me, how boring!" He was angry.

That is, Lieutenant General Xun. At this time, the young master will enter the palace.He came to see his father first, and he was dressed on duty, with drooping childish hair, which was much more beautiful than when he was formally dressed.Da Nayan thought it was very cute, so he asked him to bring a message to his daughter who lives in Lijing Palace: "You said to the eldest sister: I asked you to come here to pay my respects, I can't enter the palace tonight because I'm not in good health. He laughed again and said, "Practice the flute before you go. The emperor will call you to play in front of the imperial court from time to time. Your flute is not yet proficient, so I'm sorry." So he asked him to play the double tune.The little boy played very nicely.Da Nayan said: "Your flute is gradually getting better, all because you often play with others here. Now let's play a piece with my sister." He urged the girl in the curtain to play the pipa.The young lady was in a panic, so she lightly plucked the strings with her fingers and played a little.Dai Nayan whistled to the music in a dull but familiar voice.Suddenly seeing a red plum blossom near the eaves of the east corridor, he said, "the flowers in front of the court are very lovely. Prince Xi Bingbuqing is in the palace today. Take a branch and give it to him." You are a bosom friend." Then he said: "Alas, when Guangyuanshi was honored as the general of the guards and had a great power, I was a boy of your age, and I often followed around. I will never forget this scene. This Prince Xi Bingbuqing is also highly praised by the world, and his appearance is indeed worthy of praise, but I always feel that he is not as good as Guangyuan. Maybe it is because I have always believed that Guangyuan is unparalleled in the world. I don’t have a deep relationship with him, but When I think about it, I feel so sad. What's more, those who are close to him, who have been abandoned by him in this world, probably hate that I have lived too long." Speaking of this, I think about the past.Apart from being sad, I don't feel very happy.At about this time, he couldn't help himself, and immediately ordered someone to take a branch of red plum and send it to the young master.Said: "There is nothing to do now. The memory of this beloved Guangyuan is only the prince now. After Sakyamuni passed away, his disciple Ananda radiated light, and the masters with profound morals and deeds were suspicious of him." It is the resurrection of Sakyamuni. I want to comfort the nostalgia, and I also want to annoy this prince." So he wrote a poem and presented it as a gift, and the poem said:

"Dongfeng intends to send a message, In order to repay the red plums and wait for the early warblers. " Write it on a piece of red paper with a lively pen, put it in the pocket paper of the young master, and urge him to send it immediately.The young prince's childlike innocence is also very close to Prince Xi, and he immediately entered the palace. An ancient song: "Except for the envoy, who can enjoy the heart? Plum blossoms are fragrant and beautiful, but you are a bosom friend." See "Ancient and Modern Waka Collection". See page 250 of the previous volume.

Prince Xi is exiting from Empress Akashi's upper chamber, and will return to his own lodging.Many people in the hall sent him out, and the young master was also crowded inside.Prince Xi saw him and asked, "Why did you quit so early yesterday? When did you come in today?" The young prince replied, "I quit too early yesterday, and regretted it later. I heard that you are still in the palace today. Come quickly." The child's voice was very kind and sweet.Prince Xi said: "Not only in the palace, but also my Ertiao courtyard is very interesting, you should come here often. There are many friends gathered there." Others saw that Prince Xi was talking to him alone, but no one approached him. Go, and then they dispersed.At this moment, the surrounding area was very quiet, and the prince said to the young prince again: "Recently, the crown prince doesn't call you very much. Didn't he often call you in before? Your elder sister has stolen your favor, so it's outrageous." The young prince replied Said: "Constantly asking me to go in, I am suffering to death. If I come to you,..." He stopped talking.Prince Xi said: "Your sister looks down on me and doesn't take me to heart. This is a matter of course, but it is hard for me to bear. The sister in the east hall of your house has been in the same royal family as me since the past. You replace me Quietly ask her: Does she love me?" Seeing the opportunity came, the young master presented the branch of red plum and the poem.Prince Xi smiled and thought: "It would be even better if it was the reply poem I received after courtship."This branch of red plum is really lovely, the posture of the branch, the appearance of the greenhouse, as well as the aroma and color are all unusual.He said: "The red plum blossoms in the garden are only bright in color. When it comes to fragrance, they are not as good as the white plums. Only this red plum blooms very well. It is really full of color and fragrance." This person used to love plum blossoms, but now Do what he likes and make him praise him endlessly.Later he said to the young master: "You are going to be on duty in the palace tonight, so you can stay with me." He took him to his room and closed the door.The little prince didn't go to see the crown prince.The fragrance of Prince Xi's body is rich and fragrant, even flowers can't compare with it.The little prince was sleeping next to him, his childlike innocence was extremely joyful, and he felt that this person was really lovely.Prince Xi asked him: "Why doesn't the owner of this flower serve the crown prince?" The young prince replied: "I don't know. I heard from my father that she should serve someone who is close to me." Prince Xi once heard people say: Hongmei Da Nayan wanted to marry his second daughter son to him.But what he longed for was the female son of the East Hall who was born to Prince Yingbingbuqing.But it is inconvenient to say it directly in the answer poem.When the young master left the next day, he calmly wrote an answer poem and asked him to take it back.The poem says:

"If the early warbler loves plum fragrance, Thank you Dongfeng for reporting. " He took care of him again and said: "Next time, you don't have to bother the old man anymore. You can just quietly convey it to the sister in the East Hall." Refers to the female son of the East Hall. Refers to the prince. Zaoying is better than Prince Xi, Mei is better than the second daughter, and Dongfeng is better than Hongmei.The poetic meaning is: "If I love the second daughter and son, thank you for your letter." From then on, the young master also paid more attention to Sister Dongting and got close to her.In the past, he and his second sister from the same mother often met each other, just like siblings.But in the child's mind, he felt that Dongting's elder sister was very steady and kind, and hoped that she would marry a good brother-in-law.Now that the eldest sister has married the crown prince and enjoys the glory and wealth, but the elder sister in the east hall is ignored. He is deeply dissatisfied and feels sorry for her.He thought: at least let her marry this prince Xi.So his father asked him to send plum blossoms, and he was very happy.However, this letter is an answer poem and should be sent to my father.Hongmei Danayan read the poem and said: "It's so boring to say these words! This prince's lust for women is too much, and he knows that we don't approve of him, so he tried his best to restrain his evil thoughts in front of Minister Xiwuyou and us, pretending to be It's really ridiculous to be serious. A frivolous person who barely pretends to be an honest person may make people look down on him instead." He commented on the prince behind his back.Today he sent the little prince into the palace again, and taught him to bring a letter, which contained a poem:

"If the plum blossom wins the prince's sleeve, The name is higher when it is dyed with strange fragrance. Too romantic, please forgive me. "This attitude is very serious. Prince Xi thought: "It seems that he really wants to marry the second daughter to me. "I couldn't help being excited. Then I answered Shiyun: "Looking for fragrance is like staying in a bush of flowers, I'm afraid that people will laugh and be fascinated. " The answer to the poem was still insincere, Hongmei Da Nayan read it, and felt very unhappy. Later Mrs. Zhen Muzhu withdrew from the palace and talked to Dana about the situation in the palace, and told him: "The young master went to the palace to stay overnight in the palace the day before yesterday, and came to the East Palace the next morning. His body smelled very strong. Others thought he was It was originally like this, but the crown prince could tell. He said to him: "You must be with Prince Xi Bingbu, no wonder you have to come to me." Did you bring it? I don’t see any movement.” Hongmei Da Nayan replied; “I brought it with a letter. This prince loves plum blossoms. The red plum blossoms in front of the eaves over there are just in full bloom. Just look at them yourself. It's such a pity, so I broke off a branch and asked him to give it to the prince. The fragrance of the clothes on this person is indeed unusual. The court ladies don't have such a fragrance. And the source said that it is not for the love of romance. But there is a fragrance on the body, which is incomparable in the world. It's so strange. I don't know how to cultivate blessings in the previous life, so I can get this good reward in this life, which is really enviable. They are also called flowers. Because the plum blossom is born with a different nature, so The fragrance is very lovely. It is true that Prince Xi loves plum blossoms." He used flowers as a comparison to discuss Prince Xi. The lady in the east hall is old, well-informed and reasonable, and she understands everything she sees and hears.However, the lifelong event of marriage is never considered.Men in the world must have the heart to follow others. For daughters with fathers, they tried their best to propose marriage, so the two female sons' homes were very prosperous and lively.As for the young lady in the east hall, the gate is silent and often closed and locked.Prince Xi heard about this situation and thought that this young lady was the right one, so he thought carefully and tried to woo her.He often pulls the young master by his side and quietly asks him to deliver letters to the young master in the east hall.But Da Nayan wholeheartedly wanted to marry the second daughter to Prince Xi, and was always spying on Prince Xi's intentions, hoping that he would make a move to propose marriage.Mrs. Zhen Muzhu felt pitiful when she saw this situation, and said: "Da Nayan made a mistake. He has no interest in the second daughter, and it is all useless for you to waste your time." The eldest daughter of the East Hall did not reply to the prince.The prince Xi became more and more unwilling to admit defeat, and only pursued it reluctantly.Mrs. Zhen Muzhu often thought: "Why not? I look at the character of Prince Xi, and I really hope that he will be my son-in-law. I think he will be very happy in the future." But the female son of the East Hall thinks: Prince Xi is a very greedy person. People, there are many women who have adultery.He also has a deep love for the daughter of the Eighth Prince's family, and often goes to Uji to meet her.It is very unreliable to go east and west like this, and you must not allow it easily.Therefore, he sincerely refused his courtship.But Mrs. Zhen Muzhu felt very sorry for him, and sometimes she did not hesitate to go out of her way to write back letters to him secretly on behalf of her daughter. The Eighth Prince is the eighth son of Emperor Tonghu.