Chapter 2 Chapter 1 First Snow

In the sixth year of Guochao Shenxi, the first snowfall in the imperial capital fell very early.Just after the beginning of winter, the Ministry of Households has just raised the money for this year's year's end of the year, and Tiangong followed suit, dancing around in the wind.The golden tiles and jacarandas, the carved beams and painted buildings, and the blue sea and Quchi in the imperial city are all covered with thick powder makeup, just like Langyuan in Qionggong.Immediately afterwards, another piece of great news came out from the palace: the concubine Ning Xie of Xianyang Palace is happy.The emperor was overjoyed, and he couldn't wait for the birth of the emperor's son, so he immediately promoted Mrs. Xie to Concubine Shu.The concubines, concubines, old and young girls in the palace were not afraid of the cold snow and wind, and filed to Xianyang Palace to express their congratulations.On the imperial road of Xianyang Palace, there was a whistling wind and the fragrance of clothes, half a foot of snow was crushed into mud by the passing red boots and plain shoes.

After today's ascension to the throne, although the empress is virtuous and the palaces have been cleaned up, there is not much crying of babies in the Sangong and Six Courtyards.Concubine Zhou De gave birth to a brother, but it was stillborn, while Concubine Sun Li gave birth to a living creature, but it was a princess.In the end, there were only two princes in the palace, and they were raised by Jinshang before he ascended the throne.The eldest son, Yang Tan, was born to the queen, but unfortunately he was weak and sick, and could not go out to study in the pavilion when he was sixteen years old; while the second son, Yang Chi, was still healthy, but he was always disliked by the emperor.Now that Mrs. Xie is happy, it is like a thunderclap in the snowy sky.

In such a detailed way, the current emperor is still Concubine Shu's cousin.Back then, the eldest daughter of Xie family's eldest daughter Rongzhi was outstanding, with a good temperament, she was favored by the Empress Dowager Xu, and she was often called into the Kunning Palace to accompany her.Later, when the new emperor Yang Zhifu came to the throne, he took a fancy to this cousin and niece who had just reached the age of Ji, and insisted on bringing her into the harem.Because the seniority was messed up, all parties felt awkward for a time, those rigid censors and sour concubines said everything behind their backs.In the first few years, Xie Yili received a lot of gossip.Only because the Empress Dowager wanted to protect her, the emperor continued to favor her, and Xie Yili himself was careful and prudent, so that people gradually seldom mentioned these words.If one is lucky enough to give birth to a healthy prince this time, Xie Yili will be in the palace, and there will be no one to compare with except for the empress and concubine Xian.

Although the weather is cold and cloudy after snow, Xianyang Palace is warm and harmonious.The red curtains are tightly closed, the green curtains are hanging down, and the snowball-like cat is snuggling up to the side of the smoked cage, dreaming sweet dreams.The golden bark spits out a wisp of sweetness, like sweet honey entering the water, lingering in the small warm pavilion. Yuchou carefully checked the congratulatory gifts from everyone, most of them were clothing materials, purses, heads, necklaces, etc. Occasionally, someone with special intentions sent some flowers and birds of Song Huizong, landscapes of Ni Yunlin, and calligraphy of Zhao Mengfu, especially for Concubine Shu Ya Hao.While copying the gift list, Yuchou picked out some important things and presented them to Concubine Shu for review.

Concubine Shu was leaning over a painting table inlaid with wood and marble, pinched a small hair, and carefully hooked the eyebrows of the goddess.She was so focused that she couldn't lift her eyelids, and let Yuchou put the things in the grid one by one. "It took three or four days to make a painting. The empress is pregnant, so she is not going to rest." Yu Chou was originally a maid who married into the palace, and she and Concubine Shu grew up together as children.Now that she has been in the palace for six years, she still just treats her like a young lady. "I think the scroll "Picture of the Real Man Cihang Crossing the Sea" awarded by the Empress Dowager is good. It is still Lin Daizhao's handwriting, why not just hang it up?"

"The old lady's reward has to be hung up, and her own painting has to be finished." Concubine Shu said. "That's right," Zhu Yan hurriedly laughed, "The emperor has said that no one in the painting academy can compare to our empress's paintings." Concubine Shu smiled and shook her head: "You can't say that. Lin Daizhao is a national player in this dynasty, and I still call him a teacher. The "Picture of Cihang's Real Man Crossing the Sea" is filled with gold and ink, and it has an extraordinary atmosphere. It is suitable to hang in the bright hall. I I just want to change the "Picture of Peace and Prosperity" in the small study, and draw a "Picture of Luoshen" that imitates Gu Kaizhi's painting. By the end of the year, the daffodils sent by the southern province will also bloom. Choose a pot to worship the goddess , isn't it elegant?"

Zhu Yan was just brought up to replace a palace official who died of illness, and she was no better than Yu Chou who had served her since she was a child, so she didn't know the origin of Concubine Shu and Lin Daizhao.Listening to Concubine Shu's casual order, she nodded quickly in agreement.Concubine Shu was tired for a long time, so she put down her pen and asked Zhu to clean it up, and slowly walked to the kang and sat down.Someone brought bird's nest porridge earlier, and after eating two mouthfuls, he remembered the calligraphy and painting that Yuchou had checked just now, and picked out a booklet from the grid to flip through, but it was the ancient temple of Qingshan, the shepherd boy of Gaoshi, etc., which was not very interesting.

"It was sent by Shen Meiren. Please read it to amuse yourself when you are free." Yu Chou stood aside and said. "It's hard to bother her." Concubine Shu put down the brochure, and took another roll of broken branches imitating the Song Dynasty Academy. She found it elegant and pleasing to the eye, so she looked carefully. Yu Chou smiled and said, "This is from Concubine Wei Hui. Uncle Changle's family has a lot of good things." "Do you know when the emperor will come?" Concubine Shu suddenly asked. "Just now someone from Qianqing Palace sent a message, saying that there are about a hundred memorials waiting to be approved today. The dinner has been passed around in the study."

That is to say, probably not coming.Concubine Shu put down the brochure, leaned forward to look at the sky, and said, "Change into big clothes for me." Zhu Mo hurriedly opened the closet, found a long velvet jacket with red makeup and flowers, and a pea-green velvet cape, and said with a smile: "Your Majesty is going to see the emperor again?" Concubine Shu looked at the clothes she took out, and frowned slightly: "Let's go to Qingning Palace, the moon-white one just brought back this morning is fine, the Queen Mother doesn't like bright red and green clothes."

Zhu Mo stuck out her tongue and hurried to get it.Here, Yu Chou took out the makeup box and combed Concubine Shu's hair: "The road is still slippery, why bother to go at this time?" "Yesterday Qing Ning Palace rewarded that plate of gold and silver curries. I should have kowtowed. It was only delayed when the emperor came over. It is too late to thank you until today." Qing Ning Palace does not Compared with Kunning Palace, there is no room for negligence in terms of etiquette.Concubine Shu picked a mutton fat jade fairy from the box, and stuck it on the golden silk beam crown.The silver light of the mirror swirled around, reflecting a snow-white oval face, echoing the white jade heart, making it look more and more glamorous.Concubine Shu Xie Yili is just two decades old, and her time is extremely prosperous.

Concubine Shu calculated the time very accurately, and arrived at the gate of Qingning Palace just when Empress Dowager Xu was waking up from her afternoon nap. Unexpectedly, she saw two warm sedan chairs parked at the gate of the palace. Said in a low voice: "Ms. Du and the second elder brother are inside..." Concubine Shu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and smiled brightly: "I haven't seen their mother and son for a long time, what a coincidence. Presumably the mother is also very happy?" Zhang Chun squinted and nodded with a smile: "The queen mother is in a good mood today." In the 23rd year of Wan'an, the eldest daughter of King Zhongjing married Yang Zhi, king of Qing Dynasty, as her concubine, and the good news spread the following year.At that time, Du Hongbo was originally the dowry maid of the princess, and was lucky enough to be there when the mistress gave birth.So one year after the birth of the eldest son Yang Tan, Yang Zhi had another concubine son, named Yang Xi.It's just that although Du Shi is thin and pretty, his talent is very mediocre.Yang Zhi didn't pay much attention to the mother and son, and only gave him a concubine after he ascended the throne.It wasn't until the year before last, when Du's biological father made great contributions in the army, that the emperor promoted her to a virtuous concubine. Except for her niece, the queen, and concubine Shu, who was brought up since she was a child, the Empress Dowager Xu didn't pay much attention to the emperor's Sangong Sixth Courtyard.Concubine Xian had never had the opportunity to be called into the Qingning Palace to accompany her, except for the province as usual, but today was a strange one. Concubine Shu entered the room, first paid homage to Empress Dowager Xu, and then paid equal salutes to Concubine Xian.The Empress Dowager was really in a good mood, she was leaning on the Arhat couch and rubbing a snow-white lion cat, after they finished saluting, she asked Concubine Shu to sit beside her couch, held hands and looked at it carefully.Empress Dowager Xu asked some questions about daily life, what supplements she took, what extra meals could be added at night, which doctors and nurses she invited to take care of her, etc.Seeing Yu Chou and Zhu Zong, they each rewarded two golden peas, and told them to take good care of them: "If you have anything to do, go back and forth immediately, and don't make any mistakes." "Mother, don't worry, they are the most careful and diligent." Concubine Shu laughed. "It's hard to look forward to another grandson, so I can't be too careful." The queen mother looked at her and said with a smile, "The cat you took away from my palace back then was called Seth, but you still have it? " "It has been raised in my pavilion. Now it is three years old, and it is very strong, very much like its mother." "Excellent." The Queen Mother smiled, "You are healthy now, why don't you take the cat back. These living things are not very clean, and I'm afraid they will disturb you. Xue girl is old and hides in the smoke cage all day Go to bed, I don’t think I can live for long. Let Sese come back to live, and their mother and daughter will be reunited—I’m afraid you won’t be willing to bear it.” Concubine Shu was of course reluctant.Empress Dowager Xu loved cats all her life, and there was a special cat room in the palace, and lion cats, Persian cats, and Liuliyan'er were brought in in groups from all over the place.Three or four servants and internal officials specialize in raising cats, grooming and trimming their claws every day. They are all called brothers and sisters, just like princes and princesses.Xie Yili was by Empress Dowager Xu's side, and he was also very good at taking care of the cats. The Empress Dowager rewarded her with a famous Persian when she was happy. "It's natural to be reluctant, but the queen mother is right. I'll send someone to send Sese over later." Concubine Shu smiled, "We are young, and we don't understand these things. Thanks to the mother's teaching." As she spoke, she beat her leg gently for the Queen Mother.This was something she was used to doing since she was a child. Empress Dowager Xu waved her hand and said with a smile: "Forget it, I don't dare to work for you now, just sit quietly for me." Concubine Shu agreed once, turned her eyes to the room, and saw the second son Yang Xi sitting quietly in the corner, staring at the flying fish pattern on her robe in a daze. Yang Xi is already a fourteen-year-old boy. In the past two years, he has a long and simple head, and he is taller than the virtuous concubine Du Shi; lion lamp.Concubine Shu smiled and asked him, what was taught in the school, and was the master strict or kind?Yang Xi is an unfavored prince, and he has never had the opportunity to meet the world. Seeing this heavenly concubine pulling him to talk, he couldn't even control his tongue. Ai Ai responded with a few words, but couldn't keep up. Come on. Concubine Shu thought of her younger brother Xie Qian, who was a well-known child prodigy in the imperial capital, who had just turned seventeen this autumn, and immediately won Xie Yuan in one fell swoop in Qiu Wei.Poetry and books in the belly, and dealing with grace, is the style that the scholarly and noble children should have.After all, Concubine Xian was born as a lowly servant, and the children she raised were not very smart. To compare Xie Qian, even ordinary scholars were not as good.No wonder the emperor never waited to see him.I don't know what kind of heart the queen mother has when she sees Yang Xi's appearance. Although she thought so in her stomach, Concubine Shu still led him to answer with a smile, she only said some superficial and simple sentences, and didn't embarrass him at all, on the contrary she even called her second brother smart and talented.Concubine Xian was originally illiterate, so she was a little embarrassed listening to her, she sat idle for a while, and then excused herself to leave. "Why isn't brother Lian here?" Yang Xi suddenly said, "Didn't he come to say hello to grandma every day? I want to wait for him to come back." As soon as these words came out, the Queen Mother and Concubine Shu were startled, and they all stopped talking. Zheng Wang Yang Lian is the emperor's nephew, who was adopted by the Empress Dowager Xu because he lost his father when he was young.Yang Lian was originally named the king of Lin'an County. At the age of fourteen, he accepted Xu Anlan, a lady from the Empress Dowager's natal family Zhongjing Wangfu, as his concubine and lived in Hangzhou.This spring, the Liaohai War broke out again, and Prince Zhongjing's residence was full of affairs. The Empress Dowager was quite worried that this grandson would stay in the south.Xu Anlan died of illness two years ago, the queen mother summoned Yang Lian back to Beijing in the name of arranging a continuation, and persuaded the emperor to make an exception to make him a prince, and temporarily lived in the Qingfu Palace in the imperial city Xiyuan. "What are you waiting for him to do?" Queen Mother Xu chuckled, wagging the cat's tail. "I don't quite understand what Concubine Concubine Shu asked just now." Yang Xi said, "Brother Lian is a good reader, I want to ask him." Even though Concubine Shu was calm, she was so embarrassed that she didn't know what to say, so she could only drink tea with her head down. Empress Dowager Xu couldn't help laughing: "He is lazy all day long, and how well can he read books? Aren't those great Confucian scholars invited by the emperor not good? You insist on asking him—he went to the balcony Shan, you can’t come back today. When he comes tomorrow, I’ll send someone to pick you up and talk to him.” Yang Xi was obviously a little disappointed, looked around, as if he didn't quite believe what the Queen Mother said.Concubine Xian hurriedly said: "I don't want to delay anything when I come back tomorrow. This kid just likes to cling to King Zheng." Empress Dowager Xu said indifferently: "It's because there are too few children in this palace, and the eldest brother is weak. Poor Aji didn't even have a playmate since she was a child." Concubine Xian looked at Concubine Shu, said with a smile, "When Madam Xie gives birth to a child, she should have a companion." Empress Dowager Xu glanced at Concubine Shu, and was about to say something, when Yang Xie asked again: "Grandmother, is brother Li going back to Hangzhou next year?" When Concubine Shu and Concubine Xian heard this, they were both startled and looked at Empress Dowager Xu unconsciously.The Empress Dowager's face seemed to be covered by a layer of smoke. She looked at Yang Xi and said with a smile: "He has his own palace in Hangzhou, and now he is only returning to Beijing to stay with me for a few days. He will remarry the princess in the future, of course he will go back Yes. It's just that when he leaves, it's up to your father to decide." Yang Xi was obviously a little disappointed. Empress Dowager Xu said slowly: "Next year or the year after, you will also be crowned, followed by canonization, concubine concubine, and vassal. Grandma wants to keep you by her side, but you will all leave." Although Yang Chi was ignorant, she could hear the sadness in her grandmother's words, and quickly said, "Ah Chi will stay with grandma forever." Only the prince can stay in the palace forever, and the rest of the princes must leave the imperial city far away when they reach adulthood.The crown prince of this dynasty has a heir to establish a heir, but no heir to establish an elder.The eldest son raised by the empress was unbearable, and the eldest son Yang Xi was not close but not far from the crown prince.As soon as these words came out, Concubine Xian's expression changed with fright, and she hurriedly went to see Concubine Shu.Concubine Shu looked calm, she only looked at the Queen Mother with a smile.The queen mother said lightly: "This is a child with a solid eye." Concubine Xian knew that this topic was untouchable, so she said a few words of comfort, and dragged Yang Xi out. If Yang Chu becomes the crown prince, even if the child in Concubine Shu's womb is born safely, it will only be the second son of the concubine, and he will definitely stay away from the imperial capital in the future.Concubine Shu thought about what she said just now, her heart felt cold and she didn't know what it was like.Suddenly heard the queen mother calling her name, she responded quickly. Empress Dowager Xu first asked about the emperor's daily life. Concubine Shu returned to the Ming Dynasty one by one, and said that the emperor was busy recently and did not often stay in Xianyang Palace. "It's fine if you don't stay," Empress Dowager Xu smiled, "in case your palace servants are also abducted by him." Concubine Shu became puzzled - Empress Dowager Xu clearly praised Concubine Xian's mother and son today, but what she said at this moment was not intended to ridicule Concubine Xian's past.Could it be that the Empress Dowager is beating herself, forbidding to recommend the palace servants around her to the emperor in order to secure her favor? "Now that you are pregnant, you might as well invite your family to visit the palace." Empress Dowager Xu changed the subject and said slowly, "This is a happy event. Let's all be happy together." Hearing the Queen Mother's question, Concubine Shu hurriedly replied: "Thank you, Queen Mother, for your concern. I have already asked the Queen Mother for a decree, and my mother will come to the palace to see me soon." Empress Dowager Xu smiled when she heard the words, and said again: "Is Lingtang the eldest daughter of the Shen family in Shanyin? I met her once a few years ago. She is such a dignified and elegant wife—won't your grandmother come?" Concubine Shu felt a little embarrassed, and said in a low voice: "Grandmother is not feeling well recently, so she can't go out." "I remember that in the early years, when Xining was first born, she was still in love with her old family in the palace. She often went into the palace to see the late emperor and this palace. Later, they each raised children, and they became estranged. I remember that she brought her with her on the Wanshou Festival a few years ago. A few little girls from your family came to listen to the opera together, but I haven't seen them again in the past two years." Concubine Shu said slowly: "Grandmother is getting old, and her body is heavy. There are many trivial matters at home, and the etiquette is not well thought out. Please ask mother Empress Haihan." "What's not tolerant." The Queen Mother shook her head, seemingly talking to herself, "Your grandmother... When you grow old, there is nothing you can't let go of. Only these few sisters are left, and you see each other less. .” Concubine Shu said with a smile: "The words of the queen mother will hurt us little people. The queen mother will have thousands of years to take care of her, and my grandmother will live a long life. The two old people can meet as many times as they want. .I'm afraid it was too good in the past, and I'm tired of seeing it. It's fresher if I simply meet up a few more times." Even though she knew it was just flattery and joking, Queen Mother Xu was still amused by her a few times, and even the cat on her lap started meowing along with the fun.After gossiping like this until dinner time, Xie Yili resigned from the Queen Mother and came out. The air after the snow was as clear as sweets, and the wind swept off a few flakes of white snow from the roof tiles, hitting the silk dresses of the palace people, making a rustling sound.Xie Yili stood on the jade steps in front of the Qingning Palace for a while, it was not too late, and the Qianqing Palace was as towering as Kunshan in the distance.She seemed to see the emperor half-bowed under the yellowish light, and she was unconscious for a moment.After half a day, he suddenly said to himself: "This time when my mother enters the palace, I have to tell her about my younger brother's marriage. There is no need to delay." "Where did you start to worry about it again..." Yu Chou sighed silently. That evening, Emperor Yang Zhi was in a very bad mood.When Gao Yong, the chief assistant of the cabinet, stepped into the study in a hurry, he saw the emperor berating Li Yan, the eunuch in charge of the Qianqing Palace.The memorials on the desk were piled up like a hill, and the emperor had no intention of reviewing them. Suddenly Gao Yong bowed his head and bowed down, so he casually threw a memorial over there. Gao Yong didn't dare to say much. He picked up the memorial and saw that it was written by Zhang Yannian, the eunuch of Dongchang City Bo.After flipping through a few pages, I immediately knew why.This year, the tax paid by Mingzhou Shipping Department is 50% lower than last year.Gao Yong conjectured that this Zhang Yannian had followed the emperor for many years and was deeply favored and trusted. He was also clear and capable, and he was not inferior to several internal ministers in charge of ceremonies.At this moment, he naturally couldn't point the finger at Zhang Yannian: "There are too many wars in the sea this year, and the pirates have been harassing from April to September. The sea is uneven, and business travel is blocked. Zhang Yannian has already done his best to collect so much." After speaking, he secretly raised his eyes to look at the emperor, Longyan was still calm.Gao Yong said again: "I heard from Gong Heng of the Ministry of Accounts yesterday that by the end of this year, the salary, purchases, etc. have all been prepared. The treasury is full, and it is not short of the money of the Shibo Department. The tax bank at sea It’s not stable, it’s been more than a year, and it’s been less than a year, it’s always been like this in my career. Maybe there will be something next year.” "Picture next year? Will there be no wars next year? Next year, the pirates will be blown to Yunhuang by the wind?" The emperor sneered, "Gao Qing, the value house is quite far away. You come here against the wind and snow, just to follow Did I say these comforting words?" Gao Yong was silent for a moment. In June of this year, the pirates committed another crime against the southeast.Along the coast of the flooded sea, people are living in dire straits, and the people are in dire straits.Qin Zongxian, governor of Liangjiang, and admiral Qin Zongxian set out to attack the pirates' lair, but unexpectedly underestimated the enemy, and was encircled and suppressed by the bandits, and the entire army was wiped out.Qin Zongxian snatched a small sampan and fled back to Hangzhou alone.The emperor ordered the Ministry of War to investigate the responsibility of the defeated army, not only beheaded Qin Zongxian, but also confiscated the Qin family's property, and even the Qin family was confiscated.Although the criminal will be killed, the navy that Guochao has painstakingly managed for many years will sink forever and never return.Since then, the southeast frontier defense has only relied on the Xu family's iron cavalry led by Xu Gongye, the king of Zhongjing.Although the Xu family's army was brave and invincible, they did not have large ships to equip them, so they could only fight on land, protecting the coastal tidal flats and ports.However, the shipping routes and islands in the thousand-mile sea area of ​​the country had to be handed over to bandits and vagrants. The emperor had been thinking about the idea of ​​rebuilding the Liaohai Navy, but he was constrained everywhere. Regardless of candidates, the first thing he lacked was the word "money".There is no other way of fighting at sea, but big ships beat small ships, big guns beat small guns, many ships beat few ships, and many guns beat few guns.But the construction of large ships and large guns is costly and expensive.More than half of the 133 big blessing boats owned by the Liao Hai Navy were built during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the country.Emperor Taizong spent hundreds of thousands of silver and seven or eight years of manpower to build this huge fleet. Although the fleet traveled all over the world to earn enough face for the country, it was quite discouraged by the ministers and workers at that time. It’s a great success, and it’s militaristic.”It has been 100 years since the founding of the kingdom, although it is said to be a peaceful and prosperous age, the national power seems to be not as good as that of Gaozu.Taxes have not risen, but there are signs of living beyond their means.Speaking of the reorganization of the navy, even if all the letters of remonstrance submitted by the courtiers were sent back, but—where did the money come from? "Even if the sea is peaceful, the income from ship tax has been limited over the years." Gao Yong hesitated for a moment, and continued, "At the beginning of this year, I checked the account books of the shipping department of the lower city over the years, and the income from ship tax is generally less than one year. This year There was a war, so the loss is more obvious." "Hey, it doesn't matter the years of war. When there is no war, the number of maritime business transactions is more than one year, and the ship tax is getting less and less?" The emperor sneered. Gao Yong was shocked. It seems that Zhang Yannian's memorial to the emperor may be more than one ledger.Of course Gao Yong understood what the emperor was referring to.But he didn't dare to mention it, he had to wait for the emperor to say it. The emperor was thinking.He is thirty-five years old this year, thin lines have appeared on his clear and fair forehead, and his lips are pursed like a thin blade.Gao Yong suddenly remembered that six years ago, when King Yang Zhi of Qing ascended the Great Treasure for the first time, he himself wrote a sentence like "the dragon and the phoenix look like the sky, and the veterans like to see Wan Fangtong". There are ardent expectations.Now, the emperor of dragon and phoenix quality, huddled in the huge shadow of the dragon chair, remained motionless, his whole body was hidden, only half of his snow-white face was exposed, reflecting the light, he was as cold as a ghost.In the past five or six years, the emperor has aged very quickly. The emperor was silent for a long time, and said: "Anyway, the income from the sea is less than a year. If things go on like this, it will never work. What do you say? Increase the tax?" Gao Yong sighed silently in his heart, but the emperor still didn't say the key.He followed the emperor's words and said: "Adding a tax is also possible. It's just how to add a gift. Please go back and discuss with your colleagues." "You can't add a tax." The emperor said. "Your Majesty is wise." Gao Yong immediately knelt down and bowed down, "All the people in the world are grateful to Your Majesty for his compassion and love for the people." The emperor became a little impatient when he saw him knelt down to pay respects, looked at the pile of memorials on his desk, and didn't want to waste any more time, so he said: "Tomorrow, some of you cabinet ministers, go to the household department together to check the accounts for me. And...let's talk about it after checking." Without waiting for Gao Shoufu to say anything else, the emperor turned his head and ordered Li Yan to grind it.Gao Yong stood up and left. "Gao Aiqing." The emperor suddenly said, "It's cold, please have a cup of hot tea before leaving." Gao Yong hurriedly thanked him, and took the teacup from Li Yan.He was over sixty years old, and the hand holding the teacup trembled slightly, and the black spot on the back of his hand was vivid.The emperor looked at Shoufu's old state, felt lonely and sad, and suddenly thought of the sentence "but keep the dragon city flying generals, and don't teach Huma to go to the Yinshan Mountain...". Shen Shi, the wife of Xie Fengge, the right servant of the Ministry of Rites, and his second daughter, Xie Yuanyao, stood outside the Shunzhen Gate early in the morning and waited. It was just about time that Fang got Yi's order to enter the palace.It was past noon when the mother and daughter met the queen and came to Xianyang Palace again.After paying the big gift, Xie Yili asked his parents about their health and how their family was doing well.Mrs. Shen came back one by one, and sighed again: "The eldest princess suffered from phlegm disease yesterday, so she couldn't get out of bed." Xie Yingli said in shock, "What did the imperial doctor say?" Mrs. Shen replied: "I asked Doctor Li to look at it and said that it is okay. There is no danger of life at the moment. I just need to stay in bed and recuperate from now on. There should be no more disturbance. As long as I get through this winter, when the weather warms up next year, It will get better slowly." When Xie Yili heard this, she knew that her grandmother was seriously ill, but she was trapped in the deep palace and could not serve her.The eldest princess is over sixty years old, and once she becomes sick, she is afraid that she will never see each other again in this life.When she thought of this, she couldn't help but shed tears. Looking at her daughter's appearance, Mrs. Shen also regretted that talking too much made her sad, and hurriedly said: "The eldest princess took medicine last night and slept very peacefully. I went to have a look at her before I came out this morning. Much better, just thinking of you." Xie Yili wiped away her tears, and said: "Grandmother has always been in good spirits, why has she been ill for the past six months, it seems like..." She didn't dare to say the following words, but just shook her head. "It's not about your sister Qin." Mrs. Shen sighed. Hearing these words, Xie Yili's heart sank, and he immediately restrained his wanton and hurtful thoughts.She turned her head and glanced at Yu Chou, and suddenly said: "The snow is still there and the weather is cold, let's move to the warm pavilion to talk. Mother and sister came here to work hard, if it is frozen here, it is my sin." .” Mrs. Shen understood: "What is your mother talking about?" On the other hand, she led Xie Yuanyao, and followed Xie Yili into the warm pavilion on the west side.Yu Chou waved his hand, motioning the palace people to back down, and followed in, gently closing his fan. Xie Yili let his mother and younger sister to the kang, and served tea in person, Fang slowly said: "I will tell my mother, I didn't know how to say something about Cousin Qin. But grandma didn't come, so it's easier to say. " Mrs. Shen hesitated and said in a low voice: "Could it be that the empress caused trouble for her?" Xie Yinli shook his head, didn't know where to start, suddenly saw Yu Chou standing aside, and said, "Let's talk about it." Yu Chou thought for a while, and said: "Dare to ask Madam, Miss Qin entered the palace in July this year, right?" "Yes, the eighth day of the seventh lunar month." Mrs. Shen said, "The night before, I came here to beg for luck with my sisters. When I got up early the next day, before I could wash up, I was summoned by someone from the palace and tied up with a rope." "When a family member of a crime enters the palace, it is customary to go to the Clothes Bureau. It is not easy to find someone in that place." Yu Chou said. Madam Shen nodded.The Huanyi Bureau is a place where criminals of the palace are subjected to hard labor. It is not in the imperial city, but near Deshengmen on the west side of the capital. It has always been heavily guarded.Although Xie Yili gained power in the palace, he didn't just go wherever he wanted, and he could find anyone he wanted. "The madam knows that the empress has always been cautious, so she waited until September, when the news of the Qin family's case had passed, and then asked someone to go over there to inquire about Miss Qin's condition. Unexpectedly, it was a step late. The man came back and said that the Clothes Bureau did not There is no such person in the palace. I am afraid that someone has passed the wrong message, so I found a chance to go to the Clothes Bureau and looked up and down, but I did not see Miss Qin. I think that all criminals who enter the palace are registered. , has always been very strict, so I asked someone to ask for the roster to check. It turned out that after Miss Qin entered the Clothes Bureau, she offended the internal officer who was in charge for some reason and had a meal. She fell ill from then on and was sent to the An Letang is recuperating." When Madam Shen heard this, she said sadly: "Although this child is docile, he was raised by gold and jade. How can he stand the torture in a place like the Clothes Bureau? ——It's better now?" Yu Chou sighed: "If you go back to Madam, I chased her to An Le Tang, but I didn't find her either." "How do you say that!" Madam Shen exclaimed in shock.An Le Tang is a place in the palace to take in sick palace people. It is said that this place is called Ling Qi to recuperate, but in fact it is just to give some food and water to barely get close to it. Weak ones end up on the spot.Especially the palace servants who are guilty, if they are thrown there, they are just waiting to die.Once he dies, he will be sent to the Jingle Hall to be burned, and the ashes of the body will be dumped in the ditch, which is considered an confession. "Don't worry, ma'am." Yu Chou said, "I haven't seen her for a while, I was afraid that something bad happened, so I hurried to the Jingle hall. Every corpse burned there is registered in the book, especially the relatives of the criminals will never be missed. I asked someone to find the roster for the past two months, and I looked through it carefully, but I couldn't find Miss Qin's name." "So it's still in An Le Tang." Mrs. Shen said. "But she is indeed not in An Le Tang." Yu Chou shook his head. "How could it be? Since there is no..." Mrs. Shen stared at Yu Chou's face, and suddenly saw a secretive and uneasy expression, and unconsciously stopped talking. "This person... is not from An Le Tang, so I should only ask An Le Tang. But the people over there are tight-lipped, and when they mention Miss Qin, they all don't know." Yu Chou said, "So I cut off the news. .” Mrs. Shen was stunned. "They couldn't figure it out, so it can be seen that the problem lies in An Le Tang." Xie Yili said, "Everyone in the palace knows that Yu Chou is someone close to me, and she is very eye-catching. So I quietly entrusted others to continue the search. A few days ago On the 2nd, I found an elderly palace worker from the needlework bureau. She happened to live in Anle Hall for a period of time in September, and she said that she had seen her cousin Qin. A young internal official came, but the palace attendant didn't know who it was, they only said that his appearance was very dignified. The internal official had a few words with Wang Zhan, the chief manager of the Anle Hall, and carried Cousin Qin away in a small sedan chair. After that, no one is allowed to mention Cousin Qin's name in Anle Hall again." "Who is that internal official?" Mrs. Shen asked, "Can we find out?" Xie Lingli shook his head. Mrs. Shen said urgently: "Master of the palace, send it here alone, and disappear if you say you don't see it? What kind of internal official can take people away from the palace at will? Doesn't it mean that the palace is extremely strict with criminals? , Do you have to register regardless of whether you are dead or alive? What's more, this is a major imperial order..." At this point, she suddenly stopped. Xie Yili smiled wryly and said: "So mother can rest assured for now, no matter who takes it away, her life is probably saved." Mrs. Shen couldn't help looking out the window.The palace has nine layers of palaces and towering eaves. The secrets of the palace are more tortuous and dark than Changmen Yongxiang.She also knew that Xie Yili had done her best to find someone to find this step, and her daughter was also in a dilemma.The mother and daughter looked at each other speechlessly, and each held up the teacups. "How can you tell your grandmother..." she sighed, "and your brother." Xie Yili frowned: "Cousin Qin has been in the palace for less than half a year, is my brother still like that?" "It's still the same. I hide in the room all day and don't want to come out, and I don't want to talk to anyone." Madam Shen said here, and her eyes suddenly turned red, "I thought that next year, when Sister Qin's daughter was born, I would let their affairs go." It's done...it's really a crime." Xie Yili said: "First, I heard from my mother that Xie Qian and his cousin Qin should be married. Our Xie family has been studying for generations, and our family has a strict family tradition. Since the two of them have a marriage contract, they should respect the differences between inside and outside. These……" Mrs. Shen heard the reproach, and said panickedly: "It's nothing at all. It's just that your cousin is young, and your grandmother has always been by her side, and they don't leave for a moment. There are occasional suspicions between their brothers and sisters." Xie Yili thought about it carefully, and remembered that she had seen Qin's cousin two years ago when she was watching an opera in the palace.A little girl who just had her hair cut, wearing a small apricot red silk jacket, with a cute and pitiful look on her face, it's no wonder Xie Qian never forgets her. Xie Zitai, the youngest daughter of Princess Xining, married Qin Lingxian, Governor of Southeast China during the Wan'an period, and the couple lived in the southern province.In the first year of Shenxi, Mrs. Xie passed away and only raised a daughter for Governor Qin.Three years after arriving in Shenxi, Qin Lingxian died in a shipwreck without any heirs, and her only daughter was only ten years old.The eldest princess sent a white-haired person to a black-haired person, and all her sadness and love fell on her granddaughter. Not only did she stay in Xie's family to raise her, but she was also afraid that she would marry away and die like her mother, so she wholeheartedly wanted to kiss her as a relative. Stay with you for a long time.Xie Fengge and his wife were kind-hearted, and they also liked the little girl, so they obeyed their mother's wishes and appointed this daughter-in-law for their eldest son Xie Qian. Unexpectedly, three years later, this Qin family was unlucky. Qin Lingxian's cousin, Qin Zongxian, was defeated in the battle and had his entire family robbed.Xie Fengge and his wife were worried for a whole summer, but fortunately the Xie family was not implicated by Qin's after all.Unexpectedly, at the end of the day, the prospective daughter-in-law was still taken away for a sum of money. "My mother is aware of the Qin family's lawsuit—Wang Zhongjing clearly wants to clean up his house, and the emperor can't be too defensive. Because of this matter, the emperor often sulks in the palace. I originally wanted to wait for him to feel better I’ll find a chance to mention it again. Unexpectedly, a strange thing happened again after this—a good man got lost in the palace.” Xie Yili held up the Doucai Tuanhua teacup in front of him, “After much deliberation, about It's from the Xu family, or... maybe it's the empress dowager? What should I do now?" "Your Majesty, don't drink cold tea." Mrs. Shen has sharp eyes and hurriedly stopped her. Xie Yili put down the teacup as she said, and looked at Mrs. Shen: "Mother, I'm also very embarrassed." Mrs. Shen stayed for a long while before slowly saying: "Your Majesty, relax. Now that you have a dragon fetus, your body is more important than anything else." "Of course I want to feel relieved, but how can I not care about my family? Not for my grandmother and my parents, and I can't let go of my younger brother." Xie Yili sighed, as if his eye circles were a little red, "Just now my mother talked about my younger brother. I How could it be so absurd to think that he was selected in the middle of the juvenile, and his talent is outside the name? My mother went back and told him that if he still has the ambition of the temple, he can't be restrained by his children's affair." "Isn't that the reason?" Mrs. Shen said, "I just hope that after listening to what your mother said, he can gradually enlighten himself, and you can't let your mother worry about it anymore." Concubine Shu thought for a while, and said: "Mother should find another marriage for him as soon as possible. The nature of a young man is originally erratic. Slowly distract his mind, and he will forget it after a long time." Madam Shen nodded, and let out a long sigh in her heart. Madam Shen and Xie Yuanyao did not return to Xining Mansion until it was time to light the lanterns.Xie Fengge hadn't had dinner yet, and was waiting for Shuren to come in. After carefully asking about the situation in the palace, he was relieved to hear that the empress was healthy.However, when talking about the Qin family's affairs, I couldn't help but feel uneasy, and asked: "Who was the niece taken away by?" Mrs. Shen said: "According to my empress, I suspect that someone from the Empress Dowager Xu did the trick, so I dare not act presumptuously, let alone mention this matter with the emperor again." 谢凤阁叹道：“既然娘娘都这么说，咱们先别管了，看一看再说吧。她一时半会儿应该死不了。倒是娘娘的龙胎要紧，这时候岂能为了一个外人弄出乱子？” 沈夫人心中，正是这个意思，只是——“母亲那里怎回呢？” “就说娘娘帮忙，琴儿已离开浣衣局进了大内。想来这句话，亦能令她稍稍宽心吧。” 夫妇二人同去后院给大长公主请安。大长公主刚喝了药，沉沉睡下。沈夫人看见自己的儿子跪在公主床边，握着祖母的一只手，似附耳低语的姿态，却一点声音也没有。 他身上那件天青杭绸直身还是去年做的。这一年他其实又长高了些，那旧衣衫挂在他身上反倒显得宽大如风篷。家居没有戴冠，只用黑纱网巾覆在额头，愈发衬得面色冷淡如雪。 沈夫人胸中酸涩，一时涌出千言万语，却全都堵在了喉咙里。 送走母亲和妹妹之后，淑妃倚在美人榻上闭目养神。宫人们皆敛声屏气退了下去，一室悄寂无响。淑妃忽然屏住气，似乎听见了腹中的孩子正在呼吸，那小小的气息平缓而安宁，如一股幽泉渐渐涌入胸臆。她出了一会儿神，忽觉好笑，不过才三个月，现在他还只是一条小鱼儿吧？ 神思游荡之间，忽然听见外面噼噼啪啪一阵脚步声，淑妃不由得满心欢愉，靸着一双缎鞋就迎了出去，刚到廊下，就看见銮驾停在了宫门。她理了理衣裙，朝那人款款一福。 皇帝一阵风地过来，顺势挽住了她的腰肢：“天气这样冷，竟还在这里吹风。” 淑妃嗔道：“天子的东风，妾盼还盼不来。” 皇帝轻笑道：“哪里学来这腔调了。我天天都过来看你，还嫌不足啊？” 淑妃轻轻转了个身，却从他的臂间脱出：“天天相见又怎样。见过了，皇上依旧去别处歇着，白白地惹出些寂寞忧思来。倒不如不见了。” 她娇嗔婉转，一张粉脸儿低垂着，如带露清莲般俏净。皇帝瞧在眼中，心中早就一片柔软如泥，嘴上却说：“这是你说的不要来，那我可乐得偷懒了。天天上朝已是很累，如今还要天天到咸阳宫来请安，这哪里是做皇帝？我比李彦还忙了。” 淑妃佯怒道：“请陛下早些休息，休要为妾劳碌了龙体！妾原不如高大人、沈大人他们可爱，未免污染圣目。如今又怀着孩子，难免身体发福，将来只怕连李彦也要比妾妩媚三分呢！” 皇帝忍不住扑哧一笑，也不再斗嘴，挽着她进入内室，却问：“听说你家里人来了？” “来的是母亲和妹妹。”淑妃一边添香，一边将大长公主的病势说了说。 皇帝忧愁道：“我一向在外朝忙碌，自家亲眷的事情全都弄不清楚了。祖皇那一代的公主们，只剩熙宁姑姑了。你看着该赏赐些什么，拟个单子来，叫李彦办去。明日我再亲自写一个敕文，发到你家里去。” 淑妃放下铜箸，欲拜谢圣恩，却被皇帝托住。他又说：“小时候在宫里偶尔见到熙宁长公主……我总记得姑姑就像天仙一般，一晃这么多年过去了，姑姑也老了。” “春草秋风，终古而常然；朱颜华发，孰可以不老？”说着这样的话时，她自己亦不禁朝鸾镜中望了一眼。皇帝随着她的目光看去，只见清光粼粼，美人的形影亦似真似幻，心中不免嗟叹。 淑妃想了想，轻声问道，“陛下今晚去哪一宫安歇，肯不肯告诉妾？” “今晚我不走了。”皇帝笑道。 “那我叫她们添一床被子来。”淑妃莞尔一笑，忽又想起一桩事，小心地问道：“陛下奏疏批完了？” “没完，明儿再说吧。”皇帝的嘴角忽然扯起了一道浅浅的皱纹。 淑妃心知不可造次。只是笑道：“明日复明日，陛下也会这个了。妾有一幅画儿，要劳烦陛下指点一二，可否今日就批了？” 《洛神图》已经染就，大案上铺开三尺之幅，如明月流水。皇帝俯身细看，良久不置一言。 淑妃见他沉默不言，心知有异。皇帝也有些笔墨丹青上的小癖好，每常陪她读书观画，皆是言笑晏晏、兴致盎然。今日这姑射真人却似触动了他的心思，一张脸竟忽然黯淡下来。淑妃温然笑道：“想是妾潦草涂鸦，果然不入陛下的眼？” “挺好。比上次那个《雪拥蓝关图》更好。我倒想不出要怎么夸你了。只是你不安心将养，还弄这些。”他看见桌上正有一管紫毫，便拈了起来：“既然还未题诗留款，就让我捡了这个现成吧。” 他凝神想了想，有了文思，落笔写道：滟滟灼灼何处神？态浓意远淑且真。莫道举世不堪步，何妨迤逦共红尘。 淑妃见诗中嵌了自己的闺名，又是娇羞又是欢喜，连忙谢恩不迭。皇帝笑道：“明日送到我那边加玺，再着中书房好生裱了——让郑半山亲自来作。”