Chapter 63 first quarter
Liu Kai and Ma Kuo arrived at Zhen'anfang on time, and quietly walked up to the deserted Zuixing Tower, only to find that Shishi Zhiyi was sitting alone in the inner room of the pavilion.She is meditating, her expression is serious, which shows that the "conclusion in her heart" she emphasized in the small words is a real thing, an expression of true feelings, not an idiomatic expression or cliché in poetry set.But as soon as she saw them approaching, her expression changed quickly, and she became cheerful and radiant, as if she wanted to hide her mind from both of them.
"The two of you came here together, why is it so late?" She completely ignored the politeness, and asked in a kind tone like an acquaintance who met every day, "I was so tired that Shishi went upstairs several times, condensed Stretching your neck, looking forward to seeing through."
Fei Changfang has the technique of shrinking the ground, and Shi Shi also has the technique of shortening the time.She chose the word "joint hands" on purpose, jumping through a year and three months, and brought them back to the quick memory of the Zuixinglou in the spring of last year.Teachers have always been emotional people.She valued these two friends because she was sure that both of them had the same feelings and deep understanding for her. These two things seemed easy to get, but in fact, among many friends, especially in the special place where Shishi was It's a rare thing in a situation.
Shishi happily invited the two of them to sit in the pavilion.Although she needed friendship, she didn't try to ask them to help her untie the knot in her heart. Since this knot was her personal secret, good friends couldn't do anything about it, not to mention that she never had the habit of telling her pain in front of her friends.After they chatted for a while, Shishi left them in the attic with an apologetic smile, and walked into the back room to dress up.
The change of Shi Shi's expression did not escape the eyes of the two friends.If this change is made out of hypocrisy, it is the specialty of their profession, but neither Liu Qi nor Ma Kuo regards her in this way.They thought that everything about her came from the heart, so when she entered the inner room, they connected with the impressions from last year, and they all felt Shi Shi's vagaries.Sometimes she is a dark cloud, a bright cloud, and sometimes she is like a sunset glow dyed by the setting sun and reflected back, with a variety of colorful and ever-changing colors.She is also like a magnetic needle placed in the palm, always wandering and oscillating in order to find the correct direction.
Today, this feature of hers is even more prominent.
She has always been famous for her "cold" personality, but today she showed a lot of heat, hot enough to burn the surrounding air.She has always disliked going to public places to show her face. Since she became famous, especially since she was blessed by officials, she has become more self-conscious about her social status, and she is reluctant to go out to compete with those glamorous and gaudy women. Today, she is so excited , So impatient to ask the two of them to accompany her to Jinmingchi, and she has always been the person who rarely makes personal requests to her friends.All of these are abnormal behaviors for her.That's not counting, especially what surprised and surprised them, they thought that today she would have to change into a moon-white satin skirt as pure as the epiphyllum, or change into a dress that is very different from her usual personality and behavior. Harmonious sky blue shirt to go out.These two colors are her favorite to wear, and after she started wearing them, everyone imitated them and became popular in Tokyo.But they guessed wrong. When she walked out of the dressing room, she was wearing a scarlet blouse with faint water patterns and a skirt of the same color and pattern. This narrow and small outfit was suitable for riding a horse. use.On her temple is a cicada made of extremely thin silk gauze, which is probably the "misty as a cicada's wing" cicada worn by Cao Pi's concubine Mo Qiongshu in ancient books.
Everyone knows that Shishi has always disliked fancy dresses, too bright colors, and even more disliked a term Zhou Xueshi deliberately sought for work: "Pingbo Luozhaohan Feiyu", thinking that it is too polished, almost unnatural.To their surprise, she actually wore this set of clothes designed and dyed with colors and patterns according to this phrase today, standing in front of them slim and graceful, as if she wanted them to appraise them.
It turns out that it is a kind of prejudice to believe that a certain person is only suitable for wearing a certain color and a certain style of clothes.Now they saw Shishi suddenly wearing this dress that they had never seen on her before, and at the same time they found a charming and charming posture that was rarely seen on her.The problem is not the clothes, but the person's demeanor.Only with a peerless beauty like Shishi can she dress herself up as she wants.If there is no demeanor and artistic interest like Shi Shi, but with the same shocking and unconventional sense of showing off, it will only make people laugh for thousands of years and become a story of history.Today, Shishi breaks her own conventions—this convention is only used to highlight herself, not to restrain herself—it seems that she intends to challenge with her personal beauty and the sum of the beauty of all women in Tokyo.She has such firm confidence that only her personal beauty can form a golden tower on the tip of today's tragic victory ceremony. Without her, this celebration cannot be completed.
This kind of psychology is both abnormal and uneducable.When she suddenly realized that she had exposed this weakness in front of her respected friends Liu Qi and Ma Kuo, she was like a wayward child determined to do something bad. He blushed so involuntarily.If it is said that Shi Shi's eyes are a pool of clear water, then the blush on her face is the "crimson jade" reflected by that sense of shame.She blushed with shame, and added shame because she couldn't help blushing.At this time, there happened to be a bone-gathering fan on the desk, she picked it up, twisted it with her thumb and forefinger, and stretched it into a half-moon shape, using it to cover her shameful face. The extraordinary folding fan is made of a kind of bamboo bone called "orchid bamboo". I don't know whether it is natural or artificial. The fragrance of Cymbidium, which seemed far away but seemed near, was sent over.On the back of the folding fan, it happens to be the side that Liu Kai and Ma Kuo can see, and there is a painting "Listening to the Zheng Picture".This is another masterpiece of figure painting specially elaborated by officials after "Listening to the Piano".This time, he learned the lessons from the failure of "Listening to the Piano" and obediently let only the zither listener appear on the screen (the zither tuner may be hidden on the side of the fan. In terms of art, no matter how confident he is I dare not draw her abruptly).The expression of the people listening to the zither is concentrated, but it seems that they have ulterior motives.He was listening to the zither attentively and holding his breath. From the happy smile at the corner of his mouth, he could imagine the sound of the zither jumping between the mountains and rivers.It is completely condensed with the expression of the zither listener, showing that he is indeed a bosom friend.
The painter inscribed the last paragraph of the four characters "Sending the Zheng Tuner" with overtones and endless charm.In addition to the monogram of "one person in Tianshui" that he often used in the next paragraph, there is also a signature of "Ji Ren".Official imperial taboos generally only appear in the Tianhuang Yushu (in the Song Dynasty, this emperor's genealogy was called "Xianyuan Leipu"), which no one cares about, and has long escaped people's memory.Here, when they met unexpectedly by accident, both Liu Qi and Ma Kuo couldn't help smiling knowingly.
Shishi has only been given this fan for three days. It was a gift from the government for her 31st birthday.When he finally understood the limits of his power and knew that it was impossible to make Shi Shi his own, he used this painting to express his willingness to retreat in a mutually acceptable position, that is, to stand outside Shi Shi's sight. However, they praise her, appreciate her, protect her, and possess her spiritually from a position not far away.
On the day when he sent the folding fan, he risked the world's displeasure and sniffed: "Master, would you like to go to Jinming Lake to watch the dragon boat race?" I also have various performances.In his heart, he was very eager for Shi Shi to visit, but he was afraid of hitting her nails, so he hesitated several times, wanting to ask and stopping, and finally dared to ask.Unexpectedly, Shi Shi, uncharacteristically, agreed without hesitation, and was ready to accept a superior position he carefully arranged for her—a shed closest to the "Water Hall" and "Five Halls", so that she could be in his room. Visit the races under the watchful eye.The officials were flattered, thinking that she had accepted the invitation just to please him, which was really a big deal.Today, various arrangements were made for her, so that she can enter the gate of Jinming Lake without any difficulty and watch the race.
The officials' assumptions cannot be called incomplete, but not only in dealing with major military and state affairs, but also in dealing with personal life affairs, he is often so wrong and missed by a thousand miles.He thought that after working so hard, he would definitely win the praise of his master, but in fact he got exactly the opposite.The fault lies in this picture of "Listening to the Zheng".The teacher's psychology may be too complicated, too subtle, too deep to be deleted, and it cannot be understood by officials who think they are smart.Shishi is indeed willing to protect her from the tacit understanding position where the officials stand silently and not far away, but he doesn't want him to take the initiative to express this tortuous meaning.In Shishi's eyes, this fan is nothing more than an official announcement. The form of the announcement is indeed very poetic, showing his painstaking efforts to cater to Shishi, but at the same time clearly declaring that he has given up further trying to win over Shishi. s hard work.This hurt the teacher's self-esteem.Today, Shishi's high spirits, unusual excitement and joy, the underlying reason may be because of the fan he gave her.
When they walked down the Zuixing Tower, Liu Kai asked:
"Master is wearing this riding outfit today, presumably he intends to ride to Jinming Lake?"
"It's more than 20 miles outside the city. If you don't ride a horse, can't you just walk?" Shishi smiled, and then added, "When I got up early, I drove a Qixiang treasure car, and I wanted us to take it. So in June In the hot summer, we are unwilling to suffer the burden of living under the bead curtain. But the rouge horse driving the carriage looks interesting, and we ordered them to be equipped with saddles and bridles for us to ride today."
"Where's the official car?"
"We asked them to drive back but refused. We had to let Xiao Xun take the ride, and wait for us at the gate of Lingxing first."
"Today is crowded, and there are too many cars, horses, and roads on the road." Liu Kai shook his head, "I knew it a long time ago, so it's better to advise Master to go by car."
"We haven't ridden a horse for more than a year. Today, it's so easy to lose our minds. The rest of the four sides spoiled our happiness. Besides, you, the commander of the horse army, and Ma Xuanzan who single-handedly broke into the Liao army formation With the guards on the left and right sides, are you afraid that something will happen to Shi Shi?"
Let the maids ride in the Qixiang chariot that should only be taken by noble ladies with the status of the emperor concubine, and let the palace guards bow and serve them like a ceremonial bow, but he himself is dressed in a colorful dress, and he doesn't even have a facial expression. Wearing one, she planned to go out of the city on a rouge horse. This was not so much out of willfulness, it was better to say that she had feelings in her heart, and this feeling could not be expressed in words, so that her friends could share it.But her self-willedness has also reached the extreme, she can do whatever she thinks of, she is happy to practice the court, she is happy to go against the official's will, and she doesn't consider the possible consequences at all.Liu Kai, who knew her situation very well, wanted to say a word to persuade her, but she happily played with the silk whip in her hand, asking Liu Kai to cage the horse's head, and at the same time pulled up the skirt, keeping her feet together. On one side, as soon as he turned over, he sat sideways on the carved saddle.Seeing her pride and childishness, Liu Qi had no choice but to swallow that advice.
"Is Sixiang afraid that Shishi will fall off his horse and die on the street?" Shishi clearly guessed the sentence that was stuck in Liu Kai's throat, so he chose to talk to the other side, so as not to overhear it at this time Proverbs.She intentionally made a dangerous movement, nearly slipping off the horse, then deftly corrected it, and immediately sat firmly, "We have learned riding skills from Xiao Xuanfeng for half a year, such as tricking horses, slipping horses, hiding in stirrups, You can do everything. You still have to worry about Shi Shi, isn’t it unfounded worrying?”
There are several city gates that can lead to Jinming Lake. Except that the official family and his Lubo brigade have to go out from Lize Gate, the main gate of the west city, and pedestrians are not allowed to pass through, the other Wansheng Gate, Guzi Gate, Xinzheng Gate, You can pass through the Odori gate and so on.Liu Kai deliberately chose Wanshengmen, which is relatively secluded and easy to walk, to go out of the city.But for the city of Tokyo with a population of one million, one-fourth, perhaps one-third, or even one-half of the residents today must crowd towards the same goal and leave the city. These gates are really impressive. It feels too little, too narrow.Even though the imperial guards who maintained order on the streets and at the gate of the city recognized Liu Kai and tried their best to let them pass first, when they arrived at the gate of Wanshengmen, the crowded and crowded people were already chaotic. They formed several irregular long queues one or two miles long, and they had to stop their horses and line up behind the crowd, waiting to get close to them before they could leave the city.
After running for a certain distance, Shi Shi was already dripping with sweat, and several sweat towels were soaked. In addition, the scorching sun and the wind and sand hit her face, which made her thirsty unbearably.The drinks she had prepared in advance, together with the bag, were taken away by Xiao Xun and the others in a hurry.Here inside and outside the city gate.Some are street vendors selling snacks, but in a hurry, they couldn't find a single one selling tea.This sip of water is so needed for Shishi now, and it is so rare.Fortunately, Ma Kuo, who had the experience of riding alone to disrupt the formation, hung a bottle of water around the neck of "Yu Suanni". The tin cup took the water bottle, opened the lid, and drank all the water in the bottle.
At this time, tens of thousands of people were crowded, and everyone could see Li Shishi, who was wearing a scarlet dress and riding a rouge horse without any cover, and seemed a little short of breath, drinking water from the mouth of a water bottle in full view. scene.This will definitely become the news that will be widely circulated in Tokyo tomorrow.Shi Shi, who knew that such consequences would happen, didn't mind it at all.She just smiled, handed the water bottle back to Ma Kuo, and said apologetically:
"I wanted to save some for Xuanzan and Sixiang to quench their thirst, but who knew that I drank it dry, so I had to pay back twice as much after a while."
After leaving the Wansheng Gate, the road outside the city was widened, and only then did he get the opportunity to gallop with the whip.In the wind and sand, the piece of gauze behind Shishi's back and the cicada wings of the hairpin on the sideburns seemed to be about to fly.The master fought back several times to fix the temple cicada.Liu Kai reined in tightly to follow, and was secretly amazed at Shishi's superb riding skills. After all, it was something he learned from the circus troupe, which was extraordinary.
"Jin Mingchi is already in sight," Shishi happily turned around and smiled, "Fortunately, there is nothing wrong, Sixiang and Xuanzan should be at ease."
It's a pity that this triumphant sentence was also swallowed up by the wind and sand in the sky. The two of them couldn't hear clearly, and they were so tired that they ate a mouthful of sand.
Jinming Pond also has more than ten gates, among which the Lingxing Gate is regarded as the main gate, which is closed for many years on weekdays, and only a few privileged classes can enter and exit through it when there are performances.Too many civilian spectators crowded at the door only had the right to watch the royal family and the royal family members enter and exit the door.Logically speaking, since they came here on purpose to participate in the race today, they should have entered through other gates earlier to find a priority position to watch the race. However, the actions of Tokyo people cannot be judged by common sense. The purpose is not very clear.Obviously came to watch the race, but there were so many citizens waiting at the gate of Lingxing Gate who never got tired of watching Yujia and Lubo, they would rather give up the priority position and take a look at Yujia first.Kaifeng Yin understood the psychology of Tokyo people well, and he didn't need to take any coercive measures to keep the lively scene needed to maintain the dignity of the imperial court forever wherever the royal driver went.
When Shishi and her party arrived at Lingxing Gate, the inner eunuch who was ordered to serve her had already greeted Yujia at the door. Without the inner eunuch leading them, they could not enter this door, let alone find their colorful shed.Coincidentally, at the same time, Yu Ren from the official family had also arrived.According to the old practice, only a quarter of the money is needed to watch the race in Jinming Pond.Today, because of the celebration ceremony, from the official point of view, the race can only be regarded as a sideshow, so the official sent out half of the brine to increase the festive and grand atmosphere.The pioneer of Lubo has already entered the door to arrange everything.
When Yu Ren arrived, although the officials had expected it, they were still very satisfied to see so many "subjects" welcoming him at the door.In order to give them a special favor, the official ordered the guards to push the jade ren back and forth, back and forth, left and right, back and forth three times in the middle of the crowd.There is a special name for this kind of roundabout, called "鹁鹆形", the purpose is to allow soldiers, civilians, common people, etc. to see the imperial face clearly at a closer distance.According to the usual practice, "Xuan Xuan" can only be held once outside the Xuande Gate on the first day of the Lantern Festival. Today's exception is enough to show that the officials are happy.
It took a lot of time for these three rounds, plus the entry of Yuren and the rest of the Lubo team.It was Shi Shi's turn and the other officials and family members to enter the door after all the ranks had entered.
The inner eunuch led them all the way to the predetermined color shed.This time, Shishi abandoned his mount and came in with Xiao Xun and the others in a palace chariot.Today, there are about 20 to 30 official cars like this coming in and out of Lingxing Gate. The emperors and aunts all come in like this, so people don't pay special attention.Their colorful shed has a unique "sky". It is on the river bank not far from the water hall. It is temporarily covered with emerald green, sky blue and other colored silk gauze on the wooden frame, and it is covered with thin slats and reed mats. One of a row of tents.There is a transparent veil in front of it, which is considered a tent door.To maintain the dignity of the palace family and the royal family, to cover the faces of the people in the shed, so that the common people cannot see clearly, and at the same time let the people in the shed see everything outside, these two seem to be irreconcilable contradictions , this veil with a symbolic mask is a buffer to resolve contradictions.Shishi's colorful shed is located between the emperor's relatives, the concubine's son-in-law, and then above the minister's attendants. This is an official arrangement, and no one dares to raise any objections.Although the chancellors and ministers can sometimes go to the platform of the Water Hall to receive the official banquet, but during the race, if there is no special order to serve the emperor, they can only bring their family members with them as usual, and stay in the second-class boat. Watch in the shed.
Before the race started, the officials rested for a while on the throne near the platform.Five young princes stood beside the throne like wild goose wings. In order of age, they were Prince Zhao Huan, King Yun Zhao Kai, King Su Zhao Frame, King Kang Zhao Gou, and King Xin Zhao Zhen.There are many sons in the official family, and he asked the next four princes to serve him because of their talent, appearance and other reasons to please him.As for the crown prince Zhao Huan, he had no talent, average appearance, and his mother and concubine did not win special favor from the officials.The reason why he served was only because he was the crown prince, and the reason why he became the crown prince was only because he was the eldest son of the emperor.No matter how you look at it, the officials have no special affection for the prince.
In the feudal court, the emperor who hoped to live forever and the prince who was anxious to inherit the great power often formed a pair of opposites.The reason is that their eyes cannot be separated from this throne.This throne not only represents themselves, but also represents the interests of many people around them.The bureaucrats who have benefited and want to keep them are always in opposition to the bureaucrats who have not yet benefited and are eager to replace the former.Since they represent opposing interests, they are naturally in an opposing position.
Zhao Huan is a gentle, obedient and indecisive prince. Perhaps he also hopes to be a filial son and grandson subjectively. Never liked him.Later, the prince sat on the throne as he wished, and he did not show any special concern for the interests of his successor.The ministers they trust, whether they are the power traitors in the Xuanhe era, the upstarts in the Jingkang era, or even the enthusiastic supporters of the puppet Chu Dynasty and the capitulators in the Jianyan and Shaoxing eras, are all the same. Outlook on life and official philosophy.
At this time, apart from the princes in the water hall, it really matched the legends outside, and the only foreigner serving under his command was Guo Yaoshi, a general from Liao Dynasty.Guo Yaoshi is a person who knows what to do on what occasion. He is now playing the role of a favored minister who has received special grace, so every pore of his is permeated with respect, fear, and gratitude.The officials called him forward for inquiries.Judging from the expressions on both sides, the official probably asked him if he had ever seen such a grand and solemn celebration during the rebellion against the court?He must have answered no.It can also be asserted that he will definitely add: "It is an unprecedented kindness for me to serve the official family and enjoy the grand ceremony today. I can only repay the emperor's love with my heart broken and my body smashed to pieces."
The official smiled with satisfaction at Guo Yaoshi's decent response.
As of now, it can be said that the officials are in a satisfied mood.
Notes:
Notes: