Chapter 11 Chapter Eleven Pillow Talk

After a lingering night, the two hugged each other tiredly.King Quan Yu put his arms around me, rubbing my back gently with his big hands, the thin calluses on his hands brushed against my smooth skin, bringing strange comfort.He will be so tender after having sex, that's the way I like it, but I don't know if he treats other women like this. He asked, "Do you still like the gift I got today?" "I like it. But what you really want to ask is the distribution of gifts?" "No," he shook his head with a smile, "Actually, I can figure out how you did it without asking. I'm afraid it's because of your sister again."

I was silent for a while, and then said: "Please don't educate me with great principles. When my sister and I were young, you wouldn't understand. I just like to bully her. Do you feel bad? If you think she is good and sensible, you can go to her Let her." After speaking, she pulled off the quilt and turned around to close her eyes so as not to look at him. With a slight sound, I could feel King Quan Yu propping up his body and looking at me from behind, and he said softly: "Nuxi, do you know that you are very cute when you close your eyes and curl up to sleep, but you When I opened my eyes, I was aggressive." He pulled me over and took me into his arms again, sighed and said, "Okay, everything is up to you. I didn't say anything about today, did I."

I raised my upper body to look at him, the long hair in the front flowed down my chest on his chest, he stretched out his hand to trace my chest shape, and exclaimed: "Your body is really like a mysterious treasure... ...The body is slender but here it is very plump, and the shape is also charming...It is no wonder that Emperor Han Cheng called this place the gentle town." I took his hand away to stop him, and asked solemnly, "Why don't you like Namu Duoer? Because she's old?" "Oh? Why did you suddenly ask that?" He said in surprise. "Because I can't figure out why Namu Duo'er has only one concubine even though she has an older son, not even Zhaoyi, the head of the concubine."

King Quan Yu pondered for a while, and replied: "I can't say whether I like it or not. If I say I like it, didn't I say that I don't like other concubines except you? Are you asking this question deliberately to test me?" Hearing what he said, I really couldn't laugh or cry. This question was so skillfully avoided by him, but I was unwilling to continue asking, but I heard King Quan Yu say: "Nu Xi, what you just asked is really not a good question. Ah. What's the answer you want to hear? Like it or not? I'm afraid no matter which one I answer, it won't be a happy answer for you."

I sighed, knowing that he might not give me a clear answer to this question, so I didn't bother and changed other topics. During the speech, I realized that the conversation between King Quanyu and I was much more casual, and he also discussed these things with me easily, both of them were very natural.And I have never said these words to others, even if I am as close as Shanshan, I would not say these things. I don’t know where King Quan Yu seemed to think of something. He was silent for a while and said: “Speaking of the relationship between you and your sister, I think of some things when I was a child. Maybe you know that my mother is not affected by my father. Therefore, I was not valued by my father at that time. At that time, what he liked very much was King Qingling, who was called a child prodigy since he was a child. My father even said that the future throne would belong to him, let alone others. He chooses everything first. What impressed me the most was that once, King Qingling and I fell in love with a small horse donated from the Western Regions, but in the end, the emperor gave it to King Qingling. At that time, I also I'm sorry for this difference, and even now I remember it clearly..." Then he smiled helplessly, "But it's like a small stain deep in my heart, maybe it's harmless, but it does exist. So, it's not that I don't understand your feelings at all, what I'm surprised is that you care so much about her."

That was the first time King Quanyu told me about his childhood.I was a little inconceivable when I heard it, because I never thought that King Quan Yu, who has always been the proud son of heaven, would have such a sense of loss. I seem to feel my fingertips slightly touching his heart.I can be indifferent to his excellence and kindness, but for some reason, what he said to me just touched my heart slightly, and the man in front of me suddenly became so real. No, there was a panic in my heart.I warned myself, didn't I tell myself at the beginning that my body can be opened to him, and I can enjoy it myself, but my heart must be as cold as ice.

"Why did you suddenly stop talking, what are you thinking?" "It's just... a little sleepy. Go to sleep." I said softly, leaning my body forward slightly, and distanced myself from him without any trace. "Hmm..." He lay down again, wrapped his arms around me tightly, and wrapped me tightly in his hot arms. After a while, his slight breathing came from behind, and I couldn't sleep for a long time with my eyes open. It seemed that the whole room was full of his breathing, his breath. After King Quan Yu relaxed his vigilance towards me day by day, I found Jingming and sent him to investigate the affairs of the court, especially to restore contact with the Nangong clan.

A few days later, Jingming came to me, and I turned around and asked him: "About King Quan Yu's ascension to the throne, didn't the courtiers discuss or doubt anything?" Jingming replied: "Xiaozong died of illness suddenly, Prince Quanyu came to the throne soon, and the empress dowager has not shown up for a while, so people feel that something is wrong. But the imperial edict announcing the new emperor's ascension does state that it is your imperial edict. , there is also a phoenix seal on it, so ministers including Nangong, Mr. Li, and Mr. Shi dare not act rashly for a while. After the new emperor ascended the throne, most of the personnel of the previous dynasty continued, and the political situation also adopted a stable and peaceful policy. I believe that King Quan Yu's ascension to the throne is your intention, and it is justified."

"Because if it was usurping the throne, it wouldn't be so peaceful, but the ex-officials would be removed vigorously, wouldn't it?" I asked coldly. Jingming pondered and nodded, "Because usurping the throne is bloody and turbulent, but the new emperor is calm and calming. The palace only claimed that you were too severely hit by Xiaozong's sudden illness and died, and you were bedridden. This reason also stands. Let’s face it, everyone knows that you have a deep relationship with Xiaozong’s mother and son, so everyone has no doubts, even if they have doubts, there is no honest reason to oppose the new regime.”

I smiled wryly and asked, "How about Nangong?" "Very good. The new emperor's ascension to the throne poses no obvious threat to the Nangong family, except for a few important positions who have been replaced by the emperor. This is normal in everyone's opinion. After all, the emperor and the courtiers, the Nangong family, as a foreign relative, is as good as ever. You still have a prominent position, and some members of the Nangong family are still highly valued by the emperor. Also, Miss Gao and Shi, whom you promoted before, the new emperor said that you have a good eye for people, and you are still in office now. "

I was in a trance for a moment. I really didn't expect King Quan Yu to take such an approach. I thought that after he ascended the throne, he would definitely suppress the Nangong family and use this to suppress my influence.As has always been believed, usurping the throne is generally more bloody.Regardless of whether King Quanyu treated Nangong in consideration of his feelings for me, I have to admit that he is a brilliant politician, and he made a very steady and clever move. "By the way, before the servant left, Mr. Nangong Ming also asked the servant what you really mean?" My heart trembled a bit, and now I still have to tell the truth of the matter.But against King Quan Yu, what should I do? I didn't answer Jingming's words for a long time, and finally sighed. "Let me think again, you step back first." I waved my hand and said to Jingming. When Jingming exited, Shanshan came in. Shanshan looked back at Jingming and then at my expression. She knew that I had sent Jingming to investigate recently, so she speculatively said, "Miss... Otherwise forget it." I looked at her in surprise, "What's the matter?" "The old slave sees that you are fine with the emperor... Even if you can inquire about the outside affairs clearly, so what, what else do you want to do?" "But Shan, you forgot how he put me under house arrest. His throne was usurped!" "The emperor's method is indeed wrong. But seeing how he is greeting you now, why can't the young lady let go of the past... If you know that you have plans to plot against him, the emperor will be so sad when he finds out." I suddenly changed my face, as if I had been poked into a sore spot, and shouted: "Shan, why do you always speak for him?!" "Don't you know who the old slave heart is for? Why did you do this? Why..." Shanshan paused, "Isn't the young lady happy with the emperor?" "what?!" "Lao Rong Rong said something presumptuous, the young lady seems to be much happier now than before. Although Xiaozong obeyed you, you are not happy, but now you are in high spirits. It's just that you don't realize it, or you don't want to Admit it. But it is undeniable that your clothing choices are brighter than before, and all your gestures and gestures now reveal the beauty and beauty of a woman..." I was speechless for a while, not knowing what to say. There was concern in Shanshan's expression, "It's not that the old slave is partial to the emperor, but that the old slave only cares about the happiness of the young lady. Why would the young lady take such a bet? You lost your father when you were young. Speaking of which, there are not many men you have had close contact with." Not much. You are a beautiful flower, but you have no roots and no support. You need a man with a broad mind like Prince Quan Yu to accommodate and nourish you. This flower can bloom beautifully for a long time. That's why the old slave doesn't want You have been immersed in your own hatred, this old slave hopes to see you live happily like a woman, this is the happiness of being a woman..." "Enough!" I stood up, Shanshan's gentle persuasion cut my heart like a blunt knife, I was shaking with anger as I clenched my hands, "Shan, I won't allow you to talk to me so unscrupulously !" Shanshan stopped her mouth, looked up at me, her eyes were full of sadness. Shan, how could I not understand what you said, but can I really be a woman again?What if he betrays me, what if he abandons me?How dare I surrender my own heart.I would rather keep building a high wall in my heart, high enough to prevent anyone from entering, even if I am the only one left in the narrow space, even if I am doomed to die alone inside the high wall, I am not willing to do it again Hurt, isn't that heart scarred enough? "Empress? Empress Dowager!" Namu Duoer's call woke me up from my contemplation. Namu Duo'er smiled and asked, "Queen Mother, why were you so dumb just now?" "Ah...it's nothing." The words Shanshan said to me in the morning still pop up from time to time. Namu Duo'er put down the teacup in her hand, and went straight to the point: "I think -- the queen mother specially invited me to come here to drink tea, right?" I don't think so much anymore, I said to myself, no matter what kind of feelings I have for King Quan Yu, but for my sister, since she is under my nose, how can I let her have a good life. I lowered my head and took a sip of the tea, "Zhaorong seems to be very anxious, so Ai's family will not be fooled anymore. Has Zhaorong thought about how to deal with Concubine Jingshu?" Seeing that I asked her instead, Namu Duoer was a little bit disappointed, and replied dejectedly: "The princess used to protect her when she was in the backyard, but now her status in the palace is higher than that of concubines, so there is nothing I can do about it." gone." I didn't rush to give her advice, just asked her: "Zhaorong thinks, what should be the biggest support for women in this harem?" "This..." Namu Duoer thought for a while and replied, "It should be His Majesty's favorite." "You only got one point right. In this harem, women rely on sons, favors, and status in turn. Among them, the emperor's favor is the most impermanent, and children and family background are the most reliable. Although you are not subject to the emperor's favor, Concubine Shu, She is favored, but has two most reliable things. Her son is smart and is loved by the emperor; her position is supported by the queen. So if we want to subdue Concubine Jing Shu, we must start from these two aspects." "That means we will directly attack Concubine Jingshu's son..." Namu Duo'er said excitedly as if she had received a hint. I shook my head, "It's not necessarily a good thing to pull the trigger. With the empress behind you, it's not easy to move Concubine Jing Shu's son. Even if you succeed by chance, I'm afraid they will die together in the end." "That's right. The Queen and Concubine Shu are in the same group, so let's get rid of the Queen first and see how she can help her in the future!" I think Namu Duoer's words and actions are too reckless, and listening to Namu Duoer's vicious tone, it seems that she has a strong sense of jealousy towards the concubines in the harem.Although I don't fully share this feeling, I don't think people like me have much right to blame her. "No." I waved my hand, "Let's not say that the queen is quite honest, and even though the queen has no favor, the emperor absolutely respects her. We don't want to touch her unless it is absolutely necessary. Concubine Jingshu's virtuous appearance blinds her eyes, and she is just on good terms with her. So the first thing we need to do is to break this good relationship." I told Namu Duo'er my thoughts. "But this is not an easy task." Namu Duo'er has been in the backyard for more than ten years, and she is well aware of the difficulty of this matter, "Concubine Jing Shu's character seems to be very suitable for a queen. It is indeed relatively low-key, and it is difficult for us to catch her." I laughed at Namu Duo'er's innocence, and said to her: "Have you heard the stories about three people becoming a tiger, and one mouth making gold? The point is not whether the thing itself will happen, but whether we have the ability to make the original Something that exists makes it real." Namu Duoer suddenly realized, "Queen Mother, how can you think so well? No wonder people outside say you are very smart. What should we do?" And asked in a respectful tone. Destroying the relationship between the queen and sister... I meditated in my heart, and after a little meditation, I came up with a plan. "Maybe a little story will help us." "A little story?" Namu Duo'er was very surprised, "You mean that a little story can drive a wedge between the Empress and Concubine Jingshu?!" "Although it is not fatal, it will at least cast a shadow over their friendship. We just need to remind the queen, it will not be so easy for the queen to confide in Concubine Shu in the future." Namu Duo'er became more and more curious, "Queen Mother, what story are you talking about?" I hooked my fingers to tell Namu Duo'er to come closer, and I leaned down and whispered instructions in her ear. In the past, the concubines in the harem usually greeted An and greeted them with a few words, and I would let them go, but today is different, I invited them to gather in Eryu Palace for tea and snacks. There is a lot of gossip and trivial things to talk about between women and women, and the atmosphere is harmonious. During the period, the queen said enviously: "Actually, my concubine always wanted to ask the queen mother how she looks good? Although you always humble yourself and say that you are not young, but in the eyes of outsiders, you are only in your early twenties. This is really embarrassing." The concubines are envious. If the concubines can be ten years younger than their actual age, then they will be content." I smiled and replied: "Maybe it's because Ai's family lives too leisurely and has nothing to worry about. It's not like the queen who shoulders the heavy responsibility of managing the harem. It's really hard for you to work so hard." "This is not to blame Concubine Shu. The concubine asked her to help with the chores in the harem. She insisted on avoiding suspicion, and watched the concubine working hard by herself." The empress's joke elicited chuckles from all around. I followed suit with a smile, then cast my eyes on Namu Duoer who was sitting below, and asked, "I don't know if you concubines have encountered any interesting things recently, let me tell you all about it." Namu Duoer notified, and then replied: "The concubine is also very idle recently, I flipped through the history books casually, but I saw a horror story." This relatively heavy word aroused the interest of many people, and they asked one after another: "Terror? Are there horror stories in the history books?" "This... I can't remember some details clearly. It's about a small dynasty. The emperor seems to be the king of subjugation. He has a concubine that he loves very much. That concubine used to be the queen's maid, and the emperor favored him at that time It's another concubine, and the queen's situation is very difficult. At the beginning, this maid promised the queen to help her deal with her rival, so she was favored by the emperor with the help of the queen, but when the maid really won the position, she forgot the The original intention and the promise to the queen, the queen's situation is even more miserable than before. In the past, the emperor would occasionally be lucky, but since this maid came to power, it has never happened once. Later, the history books commented on this queen's behavior... called What idiom is it, oh, yes, it’s called 'drinking poison to quench thirst'..." After hearing this, everyone felt relieved, and slightly blamed them: "Duo Zhaorong, you have been in the Central Plains for more than ten years, and you still have this problem of improper wording. This is not a horror story... It hurts so much. We were nervous for a while." Namu Duoer said in horror: "Isn't this scary? Anyway, I read this story and thought it was scary. It can be seen that people's hearts will change. Just like this maid, maybe she was kind at the beginning, but when she is in a new position At that time, her heart changed, and she harmed the queen instead. Of course, it is more likely that she was so obedient to the queen at the beginning that she was deceiving the queen, and after she achieved her goal, she revealed her true colors..." When Namu Duoer finished speaking, the expressions of the audience were different. Some people understood it, while others didn't.As for the queen who sat closest to me, although there was no expression on her face, the smile that was hanging on her lips just now was gone.The elder sister lowered her head and concentrated on drinking tea, she remained silent and did not speak. I smiled leisurely, "Duo Zhaorong, you have a half-knowledge of this story. The dynasty you mentioned was the Northern Qi Dynasty among the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, and the king who subjugated the country was the Queen of the Northern Qi Dynasty, Gao Wei. What about the maid, it turns out She was the palace servant who served the queen Mu Huanghua. She was really docile and gentle at the beginning, so she was trusted by the queen. The queen let her get the emperor's favor, and she wanted her to separate all the beauties, and let her regain the emperor for her good words Love, but I didn't expect that this maid would completely snatch away the emperor after she came to power. ... Concubine Shu." I deliberately paused when talking about Concubine Shu, what an interesting coincidence, that ungrateful woman is Concubine Shu, and my sister is also Concubine Shu.After I finished speaking, I glanced at the queen, her expression was already a little stiff. This story is about Feng Xiaolian’s treachery, and that’s what I want to remind the queen. My sister’s obedience to you now does not mean that she will be obedient when she becomes the empress dowager. Mu Huanghua is in the same situation. "But," my sister finally lost her composure, "Even if that Feng Xiaolian won the favor of the emperor, she still didn't become the empress in the end, so it can be seen that she still cared about her original love and preserved the empress, so she can't be called ruthless. " I half-closed my eyes and looked at my sister, why, feel the threat of this story to you, can you finally sit still?I expected you to say that, and if you didn't know it would only give me more leverage.Of course, if you don't say anything, the result will not be any better. "I don't agree with this statement." Namu Duo'er said according to what I taught her before, "Without the support of the queen, the queen is still a queen, but Feng Xiaolian is nothing; with the support of the queen, Feng Xiaolian I got everything, but the queen was even more miserable than before. How can it be said that Feng Xiaolian gave up the position of queen later? If it weren't for the queen, Feng Xiaolian was just a maid. This is like a robber. Taking away other people's property, and finally donating a few pieces of silver to that person, is this called Gu Nian's affection? I really don't understand Concubine Shu's thinking, or is the standard of affection and righteousness in Concubine Shu's heart so low? ?” My sister stood there stunned, unable to think of a rebuttal for a moment, but kept repeating: "No, no, I didn't mean that..." Seeing the embarrassment of my sister, the queen finally came forward and said: "Okay, okay, it's just an ancient story, it's not worth the quarrel. Let's talk about something lighter. Duo Zhaorong, I won't let you talk about it in the future." Besides, such a 'horrible' thing is scary." After the queen finished speaking, the elder sister couldn't help but express her gratitude to the queen. But what my sister doesn't know is that although the queen's words are still aimed at her and she even blamed Namu Duoer, but from her agitated tone, I know that this matter is like a gust of wind, and she was not vigilant at all. His mood became turbulent.And this story will hang over her future interactions with her sister like a shadow. I have achieved my goal today, and there will be other means to continue to alienate their relationship in the future... Thinking of this, I took a sip of tea comfortably, covered my fan and said with a smile: "The weather is so beautiful today, it really makes people feel happy. " When King Quan Yu came that night, he saw the relaxed expression on my face and asked me with a smile, "Did anything good happen today?" I combed my long hair with a sandalwood comb with a golden phoenix pattern, and warm tea before going to bed was already prepared on the table. I put down the comb and came to him, and brought him tea, seeing that he looked a little tired.That is the heavy fatigue unique to emperors, which is why I have never coveted the throne of emperor. He drank the tea little by little, then leaned back on the chair and closed his eyes for a long while without speaking. Seeing him like this, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him, and unexpectedly walked behind him, reached out and gently rubbed his temples.He sighed comfortably. I just kneaded like this, and my hands got a little tired after a while.I don’t know why it suddenly occurred to me that I know acupuncture points, if I press my hand hard at this moment, he will die suddenly on the spot... When this terrible idea came up, I was shocked, my hand almost Shitong left there in an instant and turned to his shoulder. After a while, King Quan Yu took my hand and put it on his lips and kissed him, stood up and said to me gratefully: "I feel much better, Nu Xi, you are such a considerate woman." Then he He hugged me horizontally, "I can't make you tired, I want to hug you to bed, and I will take good care of you." After hearing this, I felt a little guilty and ashamed, so I leaned obediently in his arms and smelled the pleasant scent of chinan on his body. That day Namu Duoer came to visit with his son Gohan. Last night at the dinner meeting with the courtiers, I saw the three sons of King Quan Yu, but because they were seated behind the concubines, there was a curtain between the concubines and the courtiers, so I couldn't get a good look at them and understand them. That was the first time I met with the ministers after King Quan Yu ascended the throne. Unlike the relaxed family banquet, that formal banquet was extraordinarily rigid and dull.But it wasn't these things that gave me a headache, but Yuanyao attended the banquet and knelt in the hall to support the ancient ritual system, criticizing King Quan Yu for calling me "Queen Dowager" instead of "Mother Queen". That day, King Quanyu's face became extremely ugly, but he couldn't say anything, so he got up and waved his sleeves to leave the table. Although Yuan Yao was not demoted later.I know it's because Yuan Yao's words are well-founded, and King Quan Yu has no reason, but my impression of him is already very bad. And I sat there blankly, I knew that Yuan Yao was thinking about me, but I couldn't help him say anything, I could only keep silent about what happened before me, and I felt sore when I thought about it. Gohan is seventeen years old this year, perhaps because of the outlander blood flowing in his body, he looks tall and strong, much stronger than boys of the same age.His face is also relatively rough, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, he looks heroic and aggressive.His eyes and hair are similar to his mother's, which is brown.Today he was wearing a black golden dragon cloud gown, and he looked like a young man full of energy. Gohan, led by Namu Duoer, saluted me, and I waved them to sit down. At this time, Nianer brought tea and put it on the table. Namu Duoer was polite for a while, and then explained to me: "The concubine couldn't help but talk about the wisdom of the queen mother when she returned to the palace that day. After listening to this child, I insisted that the concubine bring him to pay my respects today. Thinking about it, our mother and son may not be able to live without the care of the queen mother in the harem, and it is necessary for him to come to pay his respects and thank the queen mother." "Because I really admire the empress dowager's mind, Haichen has never met such a smart woman as you." Gehan spoke in a human voice, with a sense of roughness and boldness. I chuckled and replied: "The second prince said this because he underestimated your mother and concubine, and your mother and concubine is also quite thoughtful." "Concubine Mu, she is outspoken and has offended many people. She can't compete with those women in the backyard who have twisted their intestines." Curvy intestines?I was amused by Gohan's description. During the speech, I found that Gehan, like Namu Duoer, spoke more straightforwardly, and it was not annoying when they met for the first time. I couldn't find out the reason why King Quan Yu didn't value this second son for a while. Just like this, the three of them talked for a while, and someone outside reported that the emperor had arrived. After a while, King Quan Yu walked in in a red dragon robe, bringing a scent of chinen incense. What will happen when King Quan Yu comes at this time?I thought to myself.Namu Duo'er and Ge Han hurriedly got up, and bowed to King Quan Yu in fear. King Quan Yu came to the seat next to me and sat down, and said to Namu Duoer and Gehan below: "Oh? You are here too? Get up." Down. King Quan Yu coughed, and said to Namu Duo'er unnaturally: "I have been busy with political affairs since I became the throne, so I have no time to visit Zhaorong. How are you recently?" Just hearing such a polite remark, Namu Duo'er looked a little flattered, and quickly replied: "The concubine is all right, thank you for your majesty's concern." King Quan Yu nodded, then turned to Ge Han and asked, "Han'er, you recently went to Qing Wendian to study with Master Li. Have you improved your knowledge?" Gohan replied: "My son has learned a lot from Master, and Master often praises him." "Oh...do you often go hunting recently?" "Occasionally," Gohan replied eagerly, "my son just goes to gallop occasionally to exercise his muscles." From the question and answer between the father and the son, I can feel that Ge Han should value martial arts rather than literature, and this may be what King Quan Yu worried about him. King Quan Yu nodded after hearing this, his expression relaxed a bit, "Is Liao Wei okay recently, how is her recovery going?" "She's okay, thank you father for your concern." Speaking of Liao Wei, Namu Duoer seemed dissatisfied with this daughter-in-law, and she could not help complaining in her tone, "This child is too weak, or she will have a miscarriage. This is Han'er's first child, and it is also Your Majesty's first grandson. When you chose this daughter-in-law for your concubine, your majesty, the concubine said she was too quiet, she just copied books and embroidered flowers every day, and she didn't move around much. Doesn't it show up now?" Namu Duo'er said this too aggressively, King Quan Yu interrupted her with some displeasure, and said: "Liao Wei was born in a scholarly family, and I just liked her demureness at the beginning, which just matches Han'er's quick temper. " Then he said to Ge Han: "I heard...you recently fell in love with a dancing concubine? You have already passed the coming-of-age ceremony, and I can't say anything about how many more women, but your wife just had a miscarriage. I'm afraid it's uncomfortable in your heart, you should take care of her emotions more at this time. As a man, you can only concentrate on government affairs if you have a stable backyard. I'm not preaching to you, but you should know the importance of it." Listening to King Quan Yu's words, I thought about it. From his conversation with Gohan, I can see that he doesn't seem to dislike this son as rumored. From Gohan's study situation to his family affairs, it shows that he Concern for Gohan. Gohan nodded obediently, "I understand, I understand." "That's good. All right, you two kneel down, I have something to discuss with the Queen Mother. Zhaorong, if you have nothing to do, come over and talk to the Queen Mother." After Zhao Rong's mother and son retreated, the room fell into silence for a moment.I felt a little strange to the man in front of me who was still the virtuous husband and loving father just now, and I didn't know what to say to him. Instead, he lifted my chin and asked me, "Why are you so unhappy all of a sudden, huh?" I shook my head, and he took my hand and sat me on his lap, hugged me and kissed me.Thinking about how tough and rough he was to me a few months ago, he is much gentler now.When he first came to the throne, when I resisted him, he showed me no pity at all. Later, when I fell silent, he gradually treated me gently. Look at the man in front of you, calm and strong during the day, if you can do what he wants at night, after sweating profusely, he leans down and kisses your earlobe, holds you in his arms, and gazes at you with gentle and grateful eyes, Everything is negotiable and negotiable.I don't know if all men are like this, and I don't know if he treats other women like this in bed. I almost couldn't help asking Namu Duoer this question a few times. At this time, King Quan Yu let go of me and said to me: "I brought you a gift today. It would be different if I gave it to you at night." I couldn't think of what it meant for a while, but I said without much interest: "Don't give me gifts often, so we can..." "But I know you will like this gift." What gift would he be so sure of?There is a little surprise in my heart. "Close your eyes first. Wang Quan," King Quan Yu called out, "bring the things in." I closed my eyes, and first heard the sound of the door opening, then the sound of cautious footsteps, as if an end plate was placed in front of me, and then the sound of closing the door again. He took my hand, and then my hand touched something cold, hard and smooth, it should be jade. He took my hand and slowly slid upwards. The structure was angular, and the bottom should be a square, and then it went up, but it was uneven, carved with something, and when I touched the topmost phoenix head, my The hands stopped. My heart skipped a beat, it's Fengxi!I eagerly opened my eyes, and what caught my eyes was the soft white and smooth Fengxi, which was so familiar that I couldn't be more familiar with it! I looked at him in disbelief, but he didn't mind, he just said, "I returned your things." However, I was stunned, and I didn't reach out to hold it for a long time. Keeping a low profile for such a long time, showing obedience and consideration to him for such a long time, and not asking about world affairs for such a long time, is to show him that I can be his woman at ease, and to relieve his vigilance of me, isn't it just to regain my Fengxie ? However, when this moment really came, I was a little overwhelmed. That's because this moment came earlier than I expected. I never thought that King Quan Yu would take the initiative to return Fengxi to me. I didn't even hide the conflict between me and my sister to him. I thought about fighting between women. For a simple reason, he asked him to get back the Fengxi Seal, which symbolized the identity of the Queen Mother. So when he took the initiative to return it, my previous calculations suddenly seemed pale, but his sincerity was enhanced. He should know that returning Fengxi is not only a token, but also the empress dowager's power to issue orders. Since ancient times, it is not uncommon for emperors to abolish their concubines, empresses and even princes. However, no matter whether the empress dowager is the emperor's mother or not, and whether the relationship is harmonious, there has never been a case of abolishing the empress dowager. In the huge empire, only the queen mother can compete with the supreme imperial power. If filial piety is used to suppress it, sometimes the power of the queen mother will be above the emperor. The queen mother is not only in the harem, but also in court affairs. The choice has a lot of weight to speak. Now that he has recognized my power as the queen mother, even if he repents in the future, there is nothing he can do. "What? Are you unhappy?" Seeing that I didn't respond for a long time, he asked. I shook my head, instead of touching Feng Xi, I looked up at him instead. I want to look into his eyes, I want to know, is there any worry about me hidden under that pretended relaxed expression? Impossible, how could it be?He's just betting that the gentleness he's been treating me all along will keep me from betraying him. "Thank you, as you said, it's a gift I like." I said feebly. King Quan Yu, maybe you really won the bet... maybe you will lose badly. I have been staring at the Fengxi seal on the table all afternoon, and I haven't touched it yet. Shan Shan came back, she had already heard about King Quan Yu returning Feng Xi, but seeing my expression now, she asked me inexplicably: "It is a good thing that Feng Xi was lost and recovered, why does the young lady look very distressed?" look?" I smiled wryly, and told Shanshan what was on my mind: "Yes, Shan, how could I be unhappy, but I was a little confused when it was really placed in front of me again. Not to mention the Fengxi Seal是权禹王主动交还于我的，我还不好意思拿它去对付他，更令我感到可悲的是，即便我现在能发号施令，我能去做什么呢？我也许可以将他这个篡位者赶下去，但之后呢？以前我是为了颛福，那是我儿子，现在我去为谁争这个皇位呢？” 善善神色凝重地点了点头，说：“不知道小小姐有没有感受到，我们今天处在这种没有退路的境地，不是因为权禹王篡夺江山，而是在孝宗皇帝驾崩那一刻就注定了。” 我愣了一下，也许……善善说的是对的吧。 “不说这个了，我让你出宫叫南宫简等人下月十五入宫觐见的事办得怎么样了？” “老奴已经通知他们了，没有什么问题。” 我点了点头，先不说我日后到底要怎么做，但至少还是应该趁早与外面取得联系才是。 我又想了想，问：“你出宫时还顺利吗？” “老奴说是奉太后娘娘之命出宫，守门侍卫盘查了一下信证，便放行了，未见为难。” 难道权禹王真的是放开我了么？我心中暗忖。 他到底是因为对我的感情将凤玺还给我，还是因为他对目前的政局有了绝对的自信？抑或是无论从情感上还是现实上他都在压迫我，坚信我没有任何反抗的力气？ 至少……现在胜利的天平似乎在向他倾斜。 一直以为自己聪明过人，没想到他却更富智慧。我不得不承认，我的聪明是张牙舞爪的，而他的智慧是深沉的。 “小姐您何必闷闷不乐？凤玺失而复得，不管怎样都是值得庆贺的事。古人说过要及时行乐，小姐现在的荣华富贵便是享用不尽，能多享受一时就要多享受一时，否则岂不是浪费？”镜明很不理解我的纠结之处，劝慰我道。 “小姐，想起以前尔玉宫大小宴会不断，是为后宫之核心，那多开心啊。现在反而这般沉寂，让那些新来的妃嫔看起来，还以为您真的失势了呢。”形单也说道。 宫人大多对凤玺归还一事感到高兴，如意的话让我想起自从颛福去世后尔玉宫确实好久未热闹过了。 “那么今天晚上尔玉宫就举办一个小宴会吧，哀家也好久未观看歌舞了，这次让碧澈好好准备一下。” 颛福去世后，他的妃嫔们都移居到太妃宫了，由于我很喜欢看碧澈跳舞，而且认真算来碧澈并不在后宫妃籍，因此我索性将她留在身边。半个月前难得说想看她跳舞，不过似乎不巧正赶在她月信时。 众人欢欣领命而去。 到了晚上，尔玉宫的宫人们都盛装出席，更见碧澈穿得一身繁重奢华、珠光宝气的衣服，那时已经是夏天了，大家都说碧澈为了这次晚宴还真的很花心思。 音乐奏起，我凝神观看碧澈起舞，刚开始还津津有味，可是越看越觉得不对劲，今晚碧澈的发挥并不如她的华衣那样值得期待。 善善也发现了这一点，凑到我耳边小声说：“今晚碧澈是怎么回事？脚步都放不开，刚才旋转时她明显比别人慢了半拍，以前她可不会这样，是不是因为太长时间没跳舞的原因？” 我没有说话，只盯着碧澈笨拙的舞步看了许久，突然站起身来，伸手命令说：“停。” 音乐骤然停止，碧澈和其他舞姬停了下来，碧澈有些气喘，体力消耗很大的样子，有汗珠从她的脸侧流了下来。 我居高临下地站在上面，伸出手指向碧澈问：“你衣服里面到底穿了什么？” 碧澈愣了一下，正欲开口辩解，我的目光变得凌厉了些。 她这才扑通一下跪着回道：“奴婢……奴婢……”却突然欲言又止，环顾四周。 我了解她的意思，宴会发展到现在也没有继续下去的必要了，就挥挥手吩咐道：“你们都下去吧。” 待四下退尽，碧澈惶恐地说：“奴婢，奴婢有身孕了！” What?我简直不相信自己听到的。 “真的吗？”我再次确认道。 “是，是真的。”碧澈回道。 “几个月了？” “四个多月了……” 四个月……我推算着，颛福去世前的一段时间确实召幸过碧澈。这么说，这个孩子是颛福的遗腹子？ “那么你之前怎么不告诉哀家？”我有些激动地问。 碧澈犹豫着说：“奴婢……不敢。听说太后娘娘和新帝的关系处得还算和睦……” 碧澈没有深说下去，我却听明白了她的意思。权禹王怎么会让颛福的孩子出生威胁自己的地位呢？碧澈这是怕我知道了会去向他告密啊。如果不是今天的行动叫人生疑了，恐怕她打算一直瞒下去。 我走下去拉碧澈起来，歉意地说：“你这是多虑了，孝宗才是哀家的儿子啊。此事还有其他人知道吗？” 碧澈摇了摇头，“奴婢怎么敢呢，一直隐瞒着。” “那就好，此事一定不可泄露给任何人，就是哀家身边的人都不可以。如果你被发现了，哀家恐怕都很难保你，即便明着能保你，也难保会被人暗中所害。” 碧澈有些害怕，神色凝重地点了点头。 我沉思着嘱咐道：“你今天照常回去，若是有人问起今天之事，你就说哀家责备你舞技退步，哀家还会叫人扣你半年俸禄。之后的事哀家会另行给你安排的。” “打听清楚了吗？”我见善善进来，屏退四周急切地问。 “老奴暗中问遍了碧澈周围的人，她和宁山王似乎没有任何个人来往。” 我听后稍稍放心，就是怕碧澈再出现朱妘那样的事来。这么说碧澈肚里的孩子真的是颛福的？想到这儿我不禁流下泪来。 “小小姐，您这是怎么了？” 我轻轻拭去泪水，摇了摇头有些感伤地说：“现在想来，颛福那孩子对我一直是那样的孝顺。即便心中不情愿也从未忤逆过我的意思，在世时每日对我嘘寒问暖的，总是问我母后身体可安好，心情可好……即便现在也是那样顾怜着我。也许他在天上不忍见我现在的处境，所以才在冥冥中安排了孩子出现在我身边……” 我平复了一下情绪，继续说：“善，我现在心情就像是明明看到所有门都关闭了，却又看见一扇窗，明明是枯死多年的树木却又突然冒出新芽一般。” 善善点了点头，“奴婢能明白小小姐的心情，说起孝宗皇帝，现在还有不少人惦念着他的仁爱。现在这件事您打算怎么处理？” “我刚才一直在想……目前最重要的是先把碧澈送出宫去，宫中对她来说实在是太危险了。等她在外面安全生出孩子再做打算。” “嗯，”善善犹豫地问，“小小姐，您……有没有考虑过这个孩子是男是女呢？” 我理解善善的担忧，但我毫不犹豫地回道：“当然是儿子。福儿既然安排了这个孩子，当然是能延续血脉的皇子。” 善善似乎还在考虑着什么，“对于这件事，小小姐您打算怎么对……皇上？” 我愣了一下，我的心只处于对颛福还有遗腹子的喜悦之中，根本没有考虑到权禹王。我是多么想忽略这个人的存在啊，即便我知道此事对他造成的是致命的威胁。 当初权禹王光明正大即位的条件是因为颛福无子，如果让世人知道孝宗在世上还遗留一子，那么根据大胤帝位子承的律法，权禹王需要让位给正统皇嗣，至少也该立这个孩子为皇太子，那么他只当一届皇帝也是没有任何意义的。 如果我保护了这个即将出生的孩子，就是站在了权禹王的对立面去威胁他的帝位。即便我没有那样的心思，如果被反对他的人得知了，大可利用这件事逼他退位，甚至发动政变。 他刚刚将凤玺归还给我……现在偏偏又创造了这样一个机会。 我使劲地摇了摇头，使自己的意志坚定起来，“善，我管不了他了，颛福的孩子我不可能不管，我现在只想怎么让碧澈出宫。你上次不是说出宫还算顺利吗，那么你这几天来回出宫频繁些，就说到宫外为我置办东西，身边带着几个人时不时调换一下，这些都是为了日后能将碧澈更好地带出宫去。” “碧澈出了宫以后我们怎么安置她呢？” 我首先想到的是南宫氏族的人，然而我又很快否定了这个想法。南宫府上人多眼杂，这么重大的事情一点疏漏也不能出的。说起我完全可以放心交于的人……只有元遥了。 可正因为我知道此事的重大，我也明白此事一旦被揭穿所产生的危险，我不忍心看元遥身陷其中，可碧澈的事情是如此重要，我再也找不出比他更值得信任的人。 我犹豫着对善善说：“你找到元遥，把这件事说给他，说我想请他在宫外帮我暂时照顾碧澈母子。不过这只是个请求……” 第二天善善带来的回话是：“元大人没有犹豫就答应了。” 果然是这样……可正因为如此我更觉得对他愧疚万分。 那几日面对权禹王我也觉得格外难熬，夜晚对他微笑着，而白天却在策划如何瞒着他将碧澈送出宫去，这便是所谓的同床异梦吧。 也许是因为太过空闲，也许是因为我业已变老，不知何时我开始不断地反思我以前做过的种种，我从不为那些事情后悔，即便重新来过也依旧是同样的结局。 只是我不能理解，为什么我那么努力经营最终还落到这般田地？仔细回想，那么多的男人，无论是端豫王、元遥、穆宗、权禹王还是颛福，我辜负了他们每一个人，我没有给身边任何一个男人带来幸福，可是如果说我自私，为什么现在我依旧在苦海里挣扎？而且我现在将要再次去伤害这个陪伴在我身旁的男人。 一种从未有过的迷茫纠缠着我。 终于到了安排碧澈出宫的那一天，因为星象说今日有雨，这样可以为碧澈出宫做好掩饰，果然到了下午雨便开始下了起来。 此前善善已经来回宫外六七次了，据说与守门的侍卫已经很熟稔，他们已无先前般警惕。这么多次也未见权禹王那边有何异动，我祈祷今日也会一如往常。 我亲手为碧澈披上斗篷，戴上蓑笠，心中突然有些不舍，也不知道这个孩子以后会怎样。 我拉起碧澈的手，无比诚恳地说：“碧澈，请你看在哀家一向优待你的份上，请你看在过世的孝宗份上，一定要好好守护这个孩子。现在若是说哀家还有什么指望的话，不就是眼前的这个孩子吗？” 碧澈有些局促，“太后您不必这样，奴婢一定会尽力保护自己的孩子。” 我点了点头，然后不忘叮嘱她说：“如果有什么要求尽管跟元大人提，不要委屈自己，他是信得过的人。” 善善此时提醒说：“小小姐，时辰差不多了，我们该出发了。” 我再次对善善小声确认道：“你跟元遥说了一定不要让他亲自来接吧。” 善善点了点头，“不过奴婢不太猜得懂小小姐的意思。” 我没有回答，也许善善依旧还没有意识到此事的危险性，可是我不想说明免得增加她的紧张，她们的心态越是放松顺利出宫的机率就越大。 “太后，奴婢走了……”碧澈最后向我道别。 我拉着她的手久久不愿意放开，心中默默祈祷一定不能被发现，一定一定要顺利……福儿，如果你现在在天上看着的话，请好好保佑你的孩子。 心神不宁……连临摹的字也显得如此凌乱，我叹了口气，撂下了笔。 我推开窗户，天色阴沉，不知何时雨下得这样大了，到处是哗哗的声音。 算起来是善善该回来的时候了，再过一个时辰宫中就要落锁封门了。 她是不是遇到了什么问题？是宫内还是宫外？出了宫门了吗？也许她现在正在返回尔玉宫的路上，是大雨阻碍了她的行程…… 我胡乱猜想着各式各样的结局。 偏偏这时外面传来了“皇上驾到”的通报声。 我心中一惊，心想他怎么偏偏这时来。我告诫自己一定要像往常一样，不要露出什么马脚。 权禹王走了进来，令我吃惊的是他似乎淋了雨，衣服湿了大半，有雨水顺着他的头发滴落下来。 我从架子上拿下一条长巾来，走到他身边问：“你怎么淋着雨了，王全没为你撑伞吗？” 他没有接过我递给他的长巾，环视了屋子一周，突然问：“太后没感到今天尔玉宫比以往冷清吗？” 我的心猛跳一下，掩饰着说：“啊，没有啊，许是下雨的原因，大家都躲雨去了吧。” “哦，善善怎么不在？” 这时我的心揪紧了，他这么问到底是什么意思呢？他是不是发现了什么，或者只是随意一问？I didn't speak. 他冷哼了一声，骤然站了起来，有雨滴顺着他的衣角滴落到地上。 “太后恐怕不知道吧，你们宫的善善妄想协助孝宗御寝出宫，与中书侍郎元遥私通！” 如同晴天霹雳，我的身体僵住了，这么说事情败露了？善善她们被发现了！ 权禹王这么说就表示他只以为碧澈出宫是为了与元遥私通，还不知道事情的真相。我该装作与我无关吗？可是即便是私通，碧澈和元遥都很难活命，因为碧澈是孝宗的女人，是一辈子都出不了宫的女人。 我该怎么去保护她们？无论承认私通还是说出事实都将是三条人命。 还未待我回答，权禹王就冷冷地说道：“来人啊，将那个私通的贱婢带上来！” 开门的声音，我看见有两名侍卫架着碧澈走了进来，不，碧澈根本已经走不了路了，是被拖着抛在地上。 她浑身湿透了，头发散乱地粘在脸上，奄奄一息地躺在那里，她的身下全是血，是那样的触目惊心。 Blood!她被杖打了！我意识到了什么，再也不顾什么扑到她的身边。 碧澈的脸一片惨白，连唇色都是青白的，她的脸上雨水混着泪水，身上不知道是因为寒冷还是疼痛而不住地颤抖，她是带着哭腔小声地说：“太后，孩子，孩子没了……” 那时我的心仿佛被人射中一箭，快得还反应不上疼痛，我回头看向权禹王，迎上的是湿漉漉的他和那同样阴寒的眼神。 No!我刹那间明白了，他是知道的！他知道事情的真相！如果只是在出宫时被人查出不应该会牵扯到元遥，这也是我不让元遥亲自来接的原因。如果他真的以为只是私通，不会这么快的自行处理，他知道所以他杖打了碧澈，迫不及待打掉了对他的帝位有所威胁的颛福的孩子！ 我攥紧了拳头，充满愤怒地说：“你好卑鄙！原来你一直在监视我！” 他直挺挺地站在那里，没有一丝愧疚，脸色铁青地说：“如果你不先背叛我，如果这件事没有发生，所谓的监视就永远没有用武之地，就不会存在。” 这时碧澈喷出了一口血。我恨恨地说：“你根本没有权力处死孝宗的孩子！哀家要昭告天下，你害死了孝宗的孩子！” “孝宗的孩子？”权禹王冷笑一声，对外说，“杨京盛，你进来。” 这时走进来一个人，竟是太医院的杨太医。 “杨京盛，你把事情跟太后说一遍。” 我吃惊地看向杨京盛，不明白此时权禹王特意找杨京盛要说什么。 “是。”杨京盛低头回道，然后看向碧澈说：“她怀的不可能是孝宗皇帝的孩子。” "what?" “御寝怀的不可能是孝宗皇帝的孩子，其他妃子也不可能怀上孝宗皇帝的孩子。”杨京盛声音大了些，重复说道。 “你说的是什么意思？！” “孝宗皇帝他不能生育……” “大胆！你一个小小太医凭什么妄出此言！”我根本不相信他说的，愤怒地质问。 杨京盛有些害怕了，声音又变得低了些，但还是说：“下臣不敢胡说，这是要掉脑袋的啊。生前孝宗皇帝曾找下臣诊断过他的身体……” “笑话？这怎么可能！哀家怎么没听说过。再者，孝宗最贴身的太医是苗太医，他从来没有对哀家说过孝宗的身体有何不妥，你不过是负责后宫妃嫔的太医，怎么可能知道孝宗的情况！” “是。下臣并非孝宗皇帝贴身太医，可正是因为如此孝宗皇帝才找下臣的呀。孝宗皇帝不想让任何人知道，孝宗皇帝更不想让您忧心……圣上说如果下臣走漏了风声就要臣一家人的脑袋……下臣怎么敢说呢。” 难道他说的是真的……颛福不能生育？I felt dizzy. 权禹王一把扶住我，沉声回答：“他说的是真的，不过他知会了朕……” 我推开权禹王，踉踉跄跄来到碧澈面前，我还不放弃最后一个希望。 我掰过碧澈的脸，急切地问：“他们说的不是真的，对不对？” 碧澈没有回答却哭了。 “你回答啊！”我捏着她的脸，对她喊道。 “对不起……奴婢只是想保住自己和孩子的命。奴婢以前，在乐班早和表哥定了终身，可是您要我，传旨的太监说奴婢若不从命就要杀掉整个乐班的人……奴婢不是自己想留在宫里……后来先皇后怀孕。表哥又进了一次宫，我们就……奴婢骗太后实在是不得已……” My mind went blank. 颛福不能生育？朱妘和碧澈，我殷切对待的两名妃子其实都背叛了他？她们也欺骗了我，就像我是傻瓜一样欺骗了我。 天啊，那孩子是如何承受这一切的…… 以往的事情一件件回映在我眼前……我一直在对颛福说子嗣的事情，我一直在强迫他……而他是以何种心情在听着我的话的呢？ 我不知道自己是怎么哭的，但是眼泪已经不受控制地流了下来。 我一直对生不出孩子的玳君冷嘲热讽，可这正是因为她忠贞！而朱妘呢，我是怎么善待她的，我多少次告诫颛福多体贴他们母子，颛福是怀着怎样的心情看着这个背叛他的女人？而他什么也没敢说，咬碎了牙往肚里咽，独自承担这份苦楚。 这一切都是我的错，是我逼他的，是我让他承担这样的痛苦。 如果当时不是我逆天篡改遗诏，颛福只做一个闲散亲王，他可以每日弹奏他喜爱的曲子，他可以娶他喜爱的女人，即便不能生育也不会有太大的关系……不，如果不是我逆天，这罪就不会惩罚到福儿的头上，他也不会忍受这样的耻辱。 竟是我的错，我害死了自己的儿子…… 杨京盛退下了，碧澈也被拉了出去，权禹王从地上将我扶了起来。 我浑身没有一点力气，眼泪流个不停，虚弱地反复说：“这都是我的错……是我的错……” 权禹王抱紧了我，让我靠在他的肩膀上，“如果不是发生这样的事，朕不愿意告诉你。” “为什么……为什么不早告诉我……” “因为朕知道你会像现在这样，会受伤会自责会否认自己，而你一向是高傲的。” 我摇了摇头，我再也没有高傲和自负的权力……我连我自己的孩子都对不起。 当初我做的就是错的，当初我篡了位让颛福登基就是错的。 “奴兮……碧澈怀孕的事你没有对朕透露一点，你在防着朕算计朕，你知不知道那时朕的心情是怎么样的？”权禹王凝视着我说。 “朕多么希望根本不用监视你？但是奴兮，你说朕这么做错了吗，如果不，以后死在这里的人是不是就是朕？颛福这个与你毫无血缘关系的人你都把他当成亲人，那么朕呢，这么长时间的同床共枕，这么长时间朕对你的真心付出，难道就换不回一点你的真心？”权禹王语气沉痛地质问我。 我拼命地摇头，“不是的，不是的，这么做我的心也不好受……我不愿意，我也不愿意去伤害你……” 权禹王带着一些哀伤说：“奴兮，其实你不知道，每夜与你睡在一起，有时候朕突然在想，明日朕是不是就不会醒来，你会把朕杀了……” 他叹了一口气，捧起我的脸深情地说：“奴兮，朕是喜欢你的，很早以前我们就许诺在一起。现在我们真的在一起了，朕不会辜负你，你不要第二次背叛朕好么？朕多么想在你身边安安稳稳睡个好觉。” 我泪流满面，不住地点头。 “你答应我了？”他再次确认道。 “我答应你，再也不会背叛你……” 他再次抱紧我，我的衣服也已经湿了，外面的雨声更大了，我流着泪，整个世界都浸着湿冷。 自从知道了福儿的事情真相以后，有一种东西似乎随着那泪水流失而去，那就是从权禹王登基以来我不甘的心情。 一种认命的情绪开始在我心里蔓延开来。 对于命运，我并不是没有抗争过。 我本庶出，可是我想尽办法，最终以卑微之身登上女人中最高的位置——皇后。 我虽无