Chapter 8 Chapter Eight: Light Smoke and Flowing Water Painting the Screen

In the sleeping hall, it is as warm as spring.The charcoal stoves at the four corners glow faintly.Seeing Mo Lan coming in lightly, Mo Zhu looked down at the little prince.She actually pulled Molan aside: "Miss hasn't eaten properly in the past month, what should I do?" Mo Lan sighed: "Miss has something on her mind..." Even if Mo Lan didn't say any more, Mo Zhu could understand what she meant, and said sadly: "I don't understand what happened to the Emperor, wasn't it good before? Ye I stayed overnight at Zhaoyang Palace. But I haven’t been here for more than a month now, can you be free from worries?” But for some reason, she seldom set foot in Zhaoyang Palace again.Now even if the emperor wanted to see the little prince, he would at most order someone to pick him up and stay for about half an hour.

Mo Lan said in a low voice: "It is still rumored in the palace that the emperor will accept a new concubine once the empress dowager's funeral is over." Mo Zhu's eyes widened: "Didn't you just say a while ago that the emperor is not going to accept a concubine?" ?” Mo Lan smiled bitterly: "But the emperor will accept a concubine one day!" It's just a matter of time, so how can the young lady be in a good mood?Thinking back to the scene just a few years ago, it was also a snowy day, and the young lady and they were still guessing words and knocking walnuts around the stove together.Mo Zhu always loses, and when he loses too much, he plays tricks and eats her share.

When I left the dormitory, I saw the young lady reading a book on the brocade couch.He hurriedly winked and ordered someone to change the warm and cold tea.Ruan Wushuang closed the book and said, "There's no need to change it, just take it out." Mo Lan smiled and said: "Miss, when I passed by Jijing Palace yesterday, I saw that the plum blossoms were blooming well there, why don't we go there and have a look later." She seemed to be a little interested and asked: "Red plum?" Seeing that she was a little moved, Mo Lan took the newly brewed tea and cakes from the maid, brought them up, put them on the side of the couch, and said, "You didn't move at noon, so eat some snacks first. This is what Mo Zhu specially ordered Yu She made it in the kitchen, she specially picked plum petals from the garden of Jingjing Palace."

Ruan Wushuang still didn't have much appetite, but he couldn't bear to deny the two of them, so he picked one up with ivory chopsticks, and it was very fragrant.Mo Lan said: "There are many varieties in the garden, pink plum, red plum, green calyx plum, big red plum, jade butterfly plum... I see, there are more varieties than the previous palace." Her chopsticks slightly After a meal, I remembered that the two had dinner at Hanxinzhai last year. At that time, plum blossoms were in full bloom, and there was a beautiful scene. Seeing that she hadn't even finished eating one, Mo Lan stopped, and asked, "Why, isn't the chef's cooking delicious?" In the past, when the plum blossoms were in full bloom, the young lady loved to pick petals with them and make plum cakes.She shook her head and smiled: "Is everything arranged for the day after tomorrow?"

The day after tomorrow, the prime minister's wife came to see the lady, and the whole Zhaoyang Palace has already been properly prepared.Once you enter the palace gate, it's as deep as the sea!Even for a first-class lady like Madam, it is extremely difficult to meet Miss once.She and Mo Lan were looking forward to Madam's arrival, to talk to Miss and relieve their boredom. Mrs. Ruan followed the maid and approached Zhaoyang Hall, Mo Lan and Mo Zhu were already waiting at the door.Seeing her, she hurriedly saluted: "Hi Ma'am!" Mrs. Ruan was dressed in Mrs. Yipin's attire, with a crimson sable fur cloak over her.

As soon as I entered the hall, I just felt warm and comfortable.Mo Lan stepped forward to untie the cloak for her, and Mo Zhu led her into the inner hall.Wushuang was waiting for her to come, when she saw Mrs. Ruan, she hurriedly went up to her, couldn't help but said, "Mother." Mrs. Ruan said: "Wushuang." Then she held her daughter's hand tightly and looked at it carefully: "Why are you so thin recently?" The chin has no flesh, it is pointed, and I feel sorry for it.Wearing a plum red luan pattern woven silver thread dress, it looks even more white as snow.

After talking for a long time, Mrs. Ruan remembered that she hadn't saluted yet.He hurriedly pushed his daughter to the seat: "The wife must salute the empress." This has been a rule since ancient times. Ruan Wushuang just refused to let her go: "Mother, there are only a few of us here, so there's no need." His parents are old and he can't serve them, which is considered unfilial.How could he have the heart to ask them to kneel three times and kowtow nine times every time they saw them? Mrs. Ruan laughed, "What a silly child. This is a law of etiquette and cannot be revoked. In this palace, you are the queen, and you should kowtow to the queen for your mother. Otherwise, if it spreads, others will think that our Ruan family You don't know etiquette!"

After saluting, Mo Lan and Mo Zhu arranged for a maid to serve tea and snacks.Mrs. Ruan took the tea bowl with silver and green branches from her daughter, took a sip of hot tea, looked left and right, and asked, "Why don't you see His Royal Highness?" Ruan Wushuang smiled slightly, picked some preserved fruits and handed them over: "Still sleeping." Turning his head, he told Mo Zhu, "Go and see if Cheng Xuan is awake, and if he wakes up, come and hug him." Mo Zhu: "Yes." Turning around and entering the inner bed. The mother looked fine, but after asking, she found out that the second sister-in-law was pregnant again, and it has been more than two months.The Ruan family has always been small in number, the eldest brother has been married for many years, and there is only one son, Shi'er.The second sister-in-law gave birth to a daughter a few years ago and never got pregnant again. Now that she scored twice, her parents must be happy.It also happened to relieve the pain of my aunt's death a little bit.

Ruan Wushuang suddenly remembered something, and waved Mo Lan away from her.Asked: "Mom, last time I asked you to arrange for Nanny Sun to return to her hometown for the elderly, how did the arrangement go?" Mrs. Ruan replied: "It has been arranged. A few days ago, I asked someone to prepare more than two thousand taels of silver. Prepare a carriage and take her back to her hometown to reunite with her children and grandchildren." Sun NaiNiang has been serving around since Wushuang was born, and now it has been nearly twenty years, and it is time to enjoy the blessings. Wushuang nodded: "Nurse has also hurt me for so many years. If it is convenient for my mother, I will send someone to ask about it during the holidays. If there is any omission, I can arrange for someone to make up for it." Madam Ruan nodded with a smile: "It should be in this way."

The nanny helped her hide the past that day.About her, only Su Quanhong and the nanny knew about her.For one thing, there are so many rules in the palace, and there are nearly a hundred nurses, I really can't bear to let her salute before and after.Secondly, the palace has never been a peaceful place, there are many people talking about it, and there are many interests, she always feels that it is more appropriate for the nanny to go back to her hometown. While talking, Mo Zhu brought the child over, she was tender and cute, her black jade eyes were rolling around, as if she was recognizing someone.Mrs. Ruan hugged her and closed her eyes with a smile: "Our little prince is really handsome." After looking at it for a long time, she raised her head and said to Wu Shuang: "There are more children like you." Ruan Wushuang never liked to hear this topic, But my mother is different from others.She also leaned over to take a closer look.

Mrs. Ruan smiled and said: "It's good for a son to be like a mother. As the saying goes: A son is like a mother, gold hits a wall, and the future is limitless! Doesn't this answer the sentence? Our little prince is the youngest since the founding of our dynasty Where is the prince!" He said, and kissed Chengxuan on the forehead, "If your father was here, he would hold on to him and refuse to let go. Recently your second sister-in-law is pregnant, and your father's brows have been furrowed for days. .” Mrs. Ruan sighed, and continued: "Speaking of your father, he is also old. The queen mother just passed away a few days ago, and his hair turned gray a lot. It's no wonder he is the queen mother's younger sister, and he is very old. It was a long way off. After the queen mother left, he was also disheartened, saying that he wanted to resign..." He paused slowly. Wushuang glanced at her mother, only to see that she looked a little unnatural, and pulled her mother's sleeve: "What else did father say?" Madam Ruan glanced at her, and said: "Your father said that everything was arranged before the queen mother left. Chengxuan's position as prince is certain, and your position as queen is also more secure. He only worries that you will be favored since childhood." I'm used to it, I just feel sorry for you. Besides, he is old and doesn't want to work hard anymore." Seeing that her daughter was silent, Mrs. Ruan continued: "He told you to understand the general situation. Whether it is good or bad is your own choice." Ruan Wushuang replied: "Yes, my daughter knows." It seems that within half a year, the emperor will definitely have a full harem.In fact, this is something that will happen sooner or later.Now that the harem is so empty, how many courtiers would be eager to recommend beautiful women to enter the palace.From now on, the harem might also become a battlefield.It's just that she wants to fight, or sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, that's her own choice. She put down the book and ordered: "Move the lamp." Mo Lan said with a smile: "It's only one watch, don't miss read a little longer?" Ruan Wushuang said indifferently: "No, please wait for me to change my clothes." A few days ago, she often went to midnight just after reading a book or playing chess. Although she didn't want to admit it, she knew that she was just waiting for him. It's just today, after today she doesn't want to wait any longer.She already understood that he was deliberately indifferent to her, although she didn't know the reason and had no way of knowing.But aren't all emperors like this?Tianwei's power is unpredictable, even if she once hugged and slept with him, she is just one of the many women after him.The only difference is that she has the status of queen. The octagonal candlesticks of blue and white peony flowers have been lit with red candles, which are scattered in all directions.Coupled with the eight-treasure palace lantern with a bright yellow gauze cover, the entire Chengqian Palace is illuminated like daytime. Baili Haozhe put down the memorial.Seeing this, Shi Quan hurriedly handed over hot tea.Baili Haozhe held it in his hand and only rubbed it repeatedly. The glazed porcelain surface covered with green branches was as smooth as jade, with the temperature of tea slightly showing. No matter how busy he was, he could clearly remember how long he hadn't seen her, and it had been a full month and twenty days.The last time we met was the day of Ruan Yujin's funeral. She was completely white, and even the only hairpin on her head was a magnolia carved from white jade, which was in full bloom near her ears.But no matter how white her face was, it was as pale as gray without a trace of blood. It was only at that moment that he deeply realized that she was Ruan Yujin's niece, and no matter how long the days passed, even if the world changed color and the world turned upside down, the blood relationship between them would not be changed. Originally, Uncle Shen's plan was to get rid of Ruan Yujin after getting rid of her, but he was reluctant.In just over a year, he couldn't do anything anymore.No matter how much Uncle Shen tried to persuade him, he still couldn't do anything.As long as he thinks of that picture, there will be a clear pain in his heart.The ten fingers in Zhaoyang Palace were entangled that day, it seemed that it was not only his hands that were entangled, but also his heart! Gui Taifu submitted the memorial just now, and once again mentioned to him that after the three-month filial piety period of the Empress Dowager expires, some courtiers will be changed and the harem will be enriched.It has been more than 20 years since Grand Tutor Gui taught him to read and write, and everything he does is to help him ascend to the throne.Now that he has ascended the Great Treasure, he began to make suggestions on how to make himself sit more firmly.It's really hard to work hard for him! In fact, a few months ago, Grand Tutor Gui had united with several courtiers to submit a memorial, but at that time she had just given birth to the emperor's son, and her body was still weak, so he was always reluctant to give up, so he kept procrastinating.In addition, Ruan Yujin's power in the palace was not small at that time, so it was not appropriate to make big moves.He then suppressed the memorial.Now is indeed the time. Shi Quanyi bowed and stood beside him, only to see the emperor raised the imperial pen, ready to give instructions on the memorial.But the word "quasi" has been written for a long time and I still haven't finished it.He raised his head and took a peek at the emperor's expression, for some reason, his brows were tightly frowned, with a hint of coldness. The weather is getting hotter.Zhaoyang Hall is extremely spacious and bright, and the windows of Duobaoge are open.The green trees and red flowers under the eaves are blown by the wind with a few hints of faint fragrance, slowly hitting. Ruan Wushuang sat in front of the bronze mirror, watching Mo Lan help her insert Chaoyang Jiufeng's Feibu Yao, gold beads and jade pieces, and Cuihua Yao Yao.This is the highest reward that the women in the harem vie for - the symbol of the queen.She smiled slightly, and the woman in the mirror also showed a happy smile, seemingly real and fake, she raised her head and said to Mo Lan, "That's all." Mo Lan showed her the hairpin and said, "This one looks better!" Mo Zhu also nodded in agreement.Ruan Wushuang shook his head, and the string of beads and tassels hanging down also swayed, "No need!" Today is the day when the emperor chooses a concubine, but she is dispensable as a queen.Since it is dispensable, it doesn't matter whether you dress up beautifully or not. The location of concubine selection is arranged in Linhua Hall, not far from Zhaoyang Hall or near.She got off Fengluan, and the maids and servants of Linhua Palace knelt down and said, "Good luck, empress." "The empress is here!" He even felt a little irritated. There were already many women kneeling in the hall, and it was densely packed.Standing in front of the phoenix seat, she gently waved her apricot-yellow wide sleeves that had been dragged to the ground, and said, "Let's get flat!" "Thank you, empress." The emperor has not arrived yet.That's right, it's not the time yet, and the Concubine Selection Ceremony hasn't really started yet.Mo Zhu put a bright yellow soft cushion on her seat, and helped her to sit down slowly. The whole hall was very quiet, she almost doubted that she could hear the sound of the needle falling on the ground clearly.These candidate women were all selected through layers of screening.He is tall, short, fat and thin, with deportment and behavior, and even all the arts of calligraphy, poetry and painting have been tested one by one.The degree of harshness is far beyond what ordinary people can imagine. The servant's shrill voice came from afar: "The emperor is here!" All the people in the hall, except her, knelt together in unison.I saw him coming from afar, and the long and flowing apricot-yellow robe was embroidered with golden dragon coil patterns of colorful silk threads, the black was jet black, the green was emerald green, and the gold was gold.The sun is shining outside the hall. In the light of the transition from spring to summer, the colorful dragon patterns reflect a slight golden light, as if a golden dragon is cruising in the blue waves. She lowered her head slowly and saluted gracefully. The wide-sleeved double-silk blouse that was swayed to the ground was like spring water under the moonlight, flowing faintly on the white marble floor: "Greetings, Your Majesty!" From his angle, he could only see the delicate pearl and jade tassels swaying in her bun, with a misty look.He froze for a few seconds, but he had already reacted in an instant: "Queen, flatten your body." The hands under the dragon robe moved slightly, but he still held back.Turning around, facing the main hall, said in a low voice: "Let's all get flat!" The first person whose name was called was Yan Dongbi, the daughter of Yan Shangshu of the Ministry of Justice, with pink cheeks and rosy cheeks, and a graceful figure.Baili Haozhe didn't respond, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught Ruan Wushuang, and saw that she was taking the teacup from Mo Lan's hand, with a smile on her face.He took a breath and said, "Stay!" The voice was not loud, but it was loud. Yan Dongbi knelt down to thank the emperor, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Long live your majesty." After standing up, she knelt down towards Ruan Wushuang: "Thank you, empress. Your majesty is a thousand years old." Ruan Wushuang said softly: Bar!" In all fairness, they are all beauties with their own characteristics.Some are beautiful and lovely, some are charming and moving, and some are elegant and charming.It's really hard to choose.She leisurely fiddled with the floating leaves with the tea lid, waiting for the next person to be called. He only heard the servant calling: "Yin Shuiya." A woman came forward.The servant said: "Raise your head." The woman raised her head slowly.Ruan Wushuang didn't take a closer look, but already heard Mo Lan's thin gasp, although it was very soft, but she was standing behind her, so Ruan Wushuang could hear it clearly. Looking closely, she was still slightly taken aback, the woman looked beautiful and peaceful, and she had a very kind face.It took a few seconds to realize that this person was six to seven points similar to himself.No wonder Mo Lan had such a reaction just now. Only Baili Haozhe's voice rang out: "Yin Shuiya, good name. Keep it!" Yin Shuiya knelt softly: "Thank you, the emperor, for your kindness. Thank you, the empress!" The voice was sweet and soft, melodious. A few days later, Baili Haozhe conferred four concubines, and Yin Shuiya was the first one to be conferred the title Concubine Yin, who was bestowed with Chengbi Palace.Yan Dongbi was concubine Yan, who lived in Jiangyun Palace.Liu Lan is Concubine Liu, who lives in Lanlin Palace.Tang Qiaoyan is the concubine of Tang, and she lives in Wenni Palace. She pushed open the window, and the back garden of Zhaoyang Palace bloomed and withered, and there were countless reds. As the spring light gradually fell all the way, they were scattered and speechless.Turning his head, he saw that Mo Lan was already serving him with water.He took the silk scarf handed over by Mo Lan and wiped his hands. Mo Lan said: "Miss, the newly-canonized ladies have already come and waited." She nodded her head to show she knew, and ordered: "Get ready to change." Mo Zhu took an apricot yellow dress, and Ruan Wushuang shook it. She shook her head: "The Liulan color one is fine." The new concubine who entered the palace must be well-dressed and ready to receive the emperor's favor at any time.But she is already an old person, so there is no need to show off. In the main hall, when the concubines saw her appear, they hurriedly saluted and greeted: "Good luck, empress!" All of them are really beauties, and they are also pleasing to the eye.Ruan Wushuang smiled lightly and said: "Let's all be exempt from courtesy. From now on, everyone will serve the emperor, and they will all be sisters, so there is no need to be so rigid." All the concubines hurriedly replied: "I dare not!" Be careful what you say and do. Ruan Wushuang said with a smile, "Everyone sit down!" Just as they sat down, Mo Lan led the maids to bring new tea and pastries.After chatting for a while, I realized that all the concubines are not very old, the oldest concubine Yan is just the same age as her, and the rest are a few years younger than her.Since it was the first formal meeting, they were relatively reserved. Ruan Wushuang smiled slightly and said, "It's rare that you and my sisters are destined to meet each other in the palace. Come, Mo Lan, present the things." Mo Lan ordered the maid to bring a brocade plate, covered with a layer of black Silk and satin, on which are eight exquisitely shaped jewellery. Ruan Wushuang picked up the tea bowl, took a sip and said, "Everyone chooses one they like. It's a little bit of my heart." All the concubines hurriedly stood up and said: "I dare not!" Ruan Wushuang said lightly: "Just be It is a meeting gift from my sister." Then everyone saluted and thanked: "Thank you, empress." Mo Lan watched the graceful figures of the concubines going away, looked back at the lady and said, "Miss, I think all the ladies are very careful." Ruan Wushuang nodded and praised: "It's rare that you understand my thoughts." In the palace, just because you don't harm others doesn't mean others won't harm you.She only wants to live the life she wants to live, so she specially tested the concubines with jewelry. It seems that everyone is quite cautious, pushing and pushing.Later, although Concubine Yan was the first to choose, she was very knowledgeable and only picked the emerald ring among the red and emerald rings, which was the cheapest among the eight jewels.The rest of them each picked a gold bracelet, a gold hairpin and a pair of jadeite earrings, all of which were relatively cheap among the eight pieces, and the workmanship was relatively unsophisticated.But the more this is the case, the more it shows that these four people are very good at observing words and expressions, and know how to weigh.It seems that these four people are not ordinary people!She smiled slightly, as long as they don't offend her, it has nothing to do with her.