Chapter 3 third chapter

Shi Hengzhi's face was very ugly.Looking at the two pieces of jewelry on the case, ten taels of silver, I wanted to say a few times: "Take it away! Who cares about her things. "But finally held back. There is only one reason for patience: not daring to offend Zhaojun too much.It would be too embarrassing if he returned it.Although at this time Zhaojun might be afraid, and even give up the jade bracelet, but she must hold a grudge in her heart!Once Cheng En is favored and complains on the pillow, someone's head may fall to the ground at that time! "Sir!" Granny Fu persuaded: "Zhaojun is not a stingy person, in fact—" "Stop it!" Shi Hengzhi waved his hand, "I'm for your sake, otherwise I will throw it out! Come on, come on, if she is unhappy, I will make her unhappy sometimes, you can spend the ten taels of silver!"

"If you don't work well, you dare not accept the reward from the officer." If you don't want to accept the reward, you should leave, but you don't leave.Shi Hengzhi couldn't help being surprised, when she looked intently, she had something to say on her face, so she immediately asked, "What else is there?" "Sir, that Zhaojun is very knowledgeable about people, and she is definitely not making excuses. Please don't be angry with her, sir." "Huh!" Shi Hengzhi was more puzzled: "Why are you trying to speak for her?" Granny Fu paused for a moment, and replied bluntly, "It's all about planning for the future, and I'm here to show more empathy."

Shi Hengzhi felt that her words were meaningful, so he was silent for a while and replied, "I won't ruin her life. However, it's still what I said just now, so I can't make her too happy." Shi Hengzhi's temperament is narrow, and it is almost inevitable to avenge any grievances.Granny Fu knew that persuasion was not only useless, but also might cause misunderstanding, which was even worse, so she silently withdrew. But I kept thinking in my heart, wondering how Shi Hengzhi would make Zhaojun "unhappy"? The third watch has passed, and the east and west courtyards have been locked.Shi Hengzhi was about to go to bed when he heard the ringing of the copper bell, and hurried out - this was the signal of the decree, and the emperor did not know who he had selected from the "picture book".

Another small door was opened on the gate of Yeting. When I opened it, I saw Zhou Xiang, the little yellow gate that the emperor personally commanded. "please come in!" "No need!" Zhou Xiang asked, "Wang Zhaojun is one of the beauties selected by Jingxiang?" "Yes, I have." "Called by decree. Send it to the bedroom immediately!" After finishing speaking, Zhou Xiang turned around and left with the lantern in hand. "Slowly, slowly!" Shi Hengyi grabbed him and said, "Wang Zhaojun is not acclimatized, and his spirit is not good. Let's not talk about it, and he has malignant sores on his body. How to enter the imperial court?"

"I have a malignant sore!" Zhou Xiang was surprised: "What kind of sore is it?" "Don't know yet. Just water between my fingers." Zhou Xiang couldn't help frowning, "Why did I get this kind of sore!" He said, "It's scabies." "If you don't believe me, go and see for yourself." "No, no need!" Zhou Xiang shook his hands wildly, "Scabies must be extraordinary. You also have to be careful." "Yes! Tomorrow I will isolate her, and I will trouble you to repeat the truth today!" While Zhou Xiang agreed, he went back to the bedroom with the palace lantern to fulfill his order, but he felt sorry for Zhaojun and missed the rare opportunity to accept grace.

Of course the emperor also felt disappointed.When he summoned Sun Zhen, he heard that Jing Xiang had such a beautiful woman, who came from a peerless beauty, so he wanted to see how she was so different?Now that I heard that Wang Zhaojun had a malignant sore, I couldn't help feeling sorry for him.Immediately ordered Zhou Xiang to tell Shi Heng to inform the imperial doctor, make a careful diagnosis and treatment, and hope to recover. Lin Cai, who left just now, suddenly returned to Zhaojun's house.She was full of anger, which surprised Zhaojun, so he had to ask why. "Elder Sister," she asked, "Didn't you say that you made an appointment with Fourth Sister to go fishing in Yuyuan?"

"Yeah, just because I heard a piece of news, I was so angry that I lost all interest! Second sister, let me tell you one thing—" The voice suddenly stopped, because there are rows of houses in the courtyard, and there are always ears on the partition walls. And there is nothing to do all day, some people just "listen to the wall" as a pastime So Lin Cai had to go outside the house first to see clearly that no one was eavesdropping before he dared to elaborate. "Last night, the emperor sent someone here. He called you to the bedroom by name. How did you, Shi Hengzhi, tell them?"

Hearing the word "sleeping hall", Zhaojun felt a fever on his face, and said coyly: "People's hearts are unpredictable, how can I guess?" "It's true. People's hearts are unpredictable. It's really infuriating to say it. It's a wolf-hearted dog. Shi Hengzhi said that you have malignant sores and you can't get close to the emperor." "This, this lie is too bizarre!" Zhaojun blushed more and more, but it was not because of embarrassment, but because he was hurt for no reason and was angry. "The villain can do anything! Second sister, you have to be careful, and you have to be patient. As the saying goes: 'It's not too late for a gentleman to take revenge'. One day you can see the emperor, don't forget to be ruthless." Play him a copy, to kill the sisters here."

"Yes!" Zhaojun replied, "As long as I have a chance to speak up." "You must have it—" Lin Cai waited to say something, but was stopped by Zhaojun's wink, because Grandma Fu was passing by the window. "The two girls are here, it couldn't be better." Granny Fu said as soon as she entered the door: "Mr. Shi asked me to inform. In the morning of the day after tomorrow, everyone should go to the hall, and a painter will come to draw pictures." "Draw a picture!" Lin Cai asked, "What kind of picture to draw?" "Why, Miss Lin, you still don't know this rule?"

"What rules, we don't know." It turned out that among the beauties in the harem, the emperor could not read all the personal selections, so he made a rule that, when women from good families from all sides were selected into the Ye court, they would all have a picture of their work, one for each, indicating their nationality and specialties.The emperor browsed in his spare time, and found that he liked Fang Shi in the album. Hearing Granny Fu talk about this unheard-of rule, Zhaojun thought it was new, but Lin Cai paid attention to it, and asked in a very serious tone: "Grandma Fu, from this point of view, this matter is very important!"

"What's the point?" Grandma Fu had to go everywhere to inform her, so she stood up and left. "Second Sister, Second Sister!" Lin Cai said excitedly, "When it comes to opportunities, opportunities will come. I don't know who came up with this rule of drawing pictures?Great, great! " Lin Cai praised this rule as reasonable.It is believed that there is such a method, one is naturally beautiful, and will not worry about being buried.A colored pen is a matchmaker, which is better than any other orpiment.He also said that the three thousand favorites must be gathered in Zhaojun's body, which is really gratifying and congratulatory. The flattery made Zhaojun feel uneasy, "Eldest sister," she was really suspicious, "Could it be that you are making fun of me?" "My own sister, how could I make fun of you? Really, Second Sister." Lin Cai said seriously: "You have to retouch carefully the day after tomorrow, and don't be sloppy. Also, you should be more humble to the painters. The elders call uncle, the younger ones Calling Uncle. There is a saying that 'beneficiary with humility, but full of losses', the quarrel, it only shows that you are cultivated and have a good temperament, why not do it?" "Yes!" Zhaojun said with a sincere and teachable attitude, "I will definitely remember what Eldest Sister said." There are many painters in the capital.Those who are good at drawing figures are all registered at the Shaofu Yamen in charge of court affairs for recruitment.For the portraits of the newly selected women in the harem, it is natural to recruit painters. This is a very lucrative job, so those who think they are qualified for the selection have long been paying attention to this matter. There is a painter named Mao Yanshou, who is the best in their field, but he is not popular and is often excluded.Hearing the news of the selection of painters, he sent one of his apprentices, Yang Bixian, to follow the path of Zhongshuling Shixian, and finally he was selected. A total of four people were selected, and they will report to Ye Ting when they are due to meet Shi Hengzhi.After the pleasantries, let's talk about the topic.Shi Hengzhi told them that there were a total of 72 beauties who needed to draw pictures, and each person was allocated 18 beauties. According to the usual practice, it was based on casting lots.What do you guys think? "Naturally, it's what Chief Shi meant." Mao Yanshou replied on behalf of his colleagues. "There is no objection. Let's raise our hands. Everyone, please!" In the hall of Dongye Court, there is no shortage of seventy-two beauties.In twos and threes, each finds an acquaintance to discuss softly together, outwardly leisurely, but innerly nervous.It is rare that there are a few who are at ease, and Zhaojun is one of the rare few. "Second Sister," Lin Cai tugged at her sleeve, "Look, everyone is focusing on you." "Take it easy!" Zhaojun hurriedly stopped, "I'm so sorry that someone overheard me!" Not only the companions of Ye Ting, who meet each other day and night, but still can't help paying attention.Seeing the color at first glance, the four painters focused their eyes on Zhaojun in unison.This pressure is too heavy.At this moment, Zhaojun had only one thought in his mind, to avoid those many pairs of eyes! So the feet moved unconsciously.Shrinking back, turning around, there was a door. When she reached the door, Lin Cai realized that she was chasing her, but Zhaojun ran back to her bedroom without looking back.He gasped for breath, but felt relieved. Not long after, Grandma Fu appeared outside the door, with a smile on her face, but her steps were calm, she stepped in and said, "Miss Wang, what a coincidence, you are the first one in the lottery. Congratulations, congratulations! " "Grandma Fu," Zhaojun asked, "Where does the joy come from?" "Choice! The first one to get it, isn't it a good omen to win the championship." "Thank you for caring." Zhaojun said with a smile, "This is also groundless." "Whoever says that is unfounded. Miss Wang, with your appearance and Mao Siwu's pen, I am afraid that the emperor will rush to call you when he sees it. However, Miss Wang, Mao's method of prolonging life is very high, and he is very serious. It's also very dark. You have to give a heavy gift. Zhaojun was stunned and disgusted, and blurted out: "Isn't that a bribe? " "It's a favor." "Whether it's favors or bribes, I don't think so." "It must be delivered." Zhaojun felt that there was no need to argue with her, so he smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Granny Fu!" Seeing this scene, Grandma Fu was very displeased.With such a good intention, it came to such a result, as if he suspected that she was trying to get something out of it, so he couldn't help being unwilling. "Okay!" She said with a stern face, "Anyway, I've done my best, it's up to you to listen or not." After all, he turned away immediately. Zhaojun knew that he had not dealt with it properly, and offended another person for no reason, and felt very bad.Sighing, I sat down lazily, and couldn't help but think of a sentence my father often said: It's easy to do things, but it's hard to be a man! Thinking about it in a daze, I don't know how much time has passed, I heard the voices of people in Yongxiang, and they all came back from the hall.How is this going?Just about to inquire about it, the three sisters came one after another and told her that because of the delay in drawing lots, Mao Yanshou proposed to start painting officially from the next day. "Actually, there are other uses." Hanwen said disdainfully: "The red envelopes of important people must always be given to others!" "Aren't you going to send it?" Zhaojun asked. "That's also conceivable, if you don't give it away, you can doodle." "Let him doodle!" Lin Cai heard the reason behind the words, and immediately asked, "Second Sister, could it be that Mao Yanshou has come to ask you for a red envelope?" Zhaojun nodded, and repeated what Granny Fu said and her answer.Admitted that Granny Fu was out of good intentions, but she was unwilling to do so. So the three sisters expressed their opinions one after another.Zhao Mei is just honest and honest, and has no claims. It is Lin Cai and Han Wen who have claims. "I agree with the second sister's attitude." Han Wen said: "If you enter in this way, what is the difference from going to a matchmaker yourself? Shame to death! " "That's not the way to say it. Be honest in everything!" Lin Cai specially declared: "I'm not saying that the painter can help the second sister. I just hope that there will be no resistance. Everything is false now, only by trying my best to let the second sister receive the favor early and have the opportunity to speak up in front of the emperor, at that time, it is possible to sweep away all the shady scenes in the court. " These words touched the heart of the jealous Han Wen, who in turn supported Lin Cai and persuaded Zhaojun: "Second sister, for this, you might as well obey. Your appearance and talent. If you are originally outstanding, you will be favored.Now I just hope that Mao Yanshou can draw your truth, not pretending to be beautiful.You don't have to mind either. " The three sisters are standing in a line!Zhaojun felt that he was alone and invincible, but he always thought in his heart that this way, even if he was invited to be favored, he didn't know whether it was his own color or the credit of Mao Yanshou's writing, so he was very reluctant.It's just that it doesn't make sense, so I have to find another reason to shirk. After thinking about it, I came up with an idea, "Elder Sister," she said, "To be honest, I have nothing else but a pair of bracelets on my wrists, so what should I give Mao to prolong his life?" "So that's the case, I have a reason." Lin Cai didn't say clearly what the reasoning was, so it was inconvenient for Zhaojun to ask more.At night, the three sisters visited again hand in hand.Lin took out a silk bag, which contained four kinds of jewelry. "Second Sister, this is a point that the three of us share our priorities. What do you think of this as a gift for Mao Yanshou?" Zhaojun was very moved.But it was an excuse to say that he had no possessions, and if he really accepted it, he still had some jewelry and could no longer wear it.Otherwise, wouldn't you be laughed at by the sisters, and suspect that she is using her wrists to transfer the bribe from Mao Yanshou to others? "Eldest sister, third sister, and fourth sister, I am really grateful for the love and care for me. However, the kindness really lives up to me." Zhaojun paused for a while and said: "In the deep mountains and empty valleys upstream of Xiangxi River, every orchid is noble and admirable. I am not self-sufficient, and I would like to imitate myself. It would be a shame to say that I got favored by offering bribes." Why. If Mao Yanshou deliberately asks for a job and paints me exceptionally well, it is deceiving the emperor. At the same time, it seems unfair to other sisters. In short, I have to apologize, because I am too ungrateful." As he said that, he actually bowed down. Even so, it cannot dispel the dissatisfaction of the three sisters towards her. "Everyone has his own aspirations, and we can't compete with each other." Lin Cai said lightly, "Even sisters are no exception!" "Eldest sister's words really make me feel ashamed!" Zhaojun blushed, with an extremely terrified expression, "Since this is the case, that's what I mean by obeying elder sister and two younger sisters." This time, Lin Cai felt that his attitude was too much.Han Wen also felt the same way, and immediately said: "You can't let the second sister feel wronged!" "That's right!" Zhao Mei said, "Second sister is already very beautiful, even if Mao Yanshou's paintings are bad, she won't be that bad." Hearing what Han and Zhao said, Lin Cai had no choice but to swallow his words. Granny Fu worked very diligently, and was entrusted by Mao Yanshou.I talked about it one by one that day.Twenty-four people received nineteen gifts, and delivered them to Mao's house in person, explaining clearly. "Hard work, hard work!" Mao Yanshou turned his face and said: "Teacher, you bring the list and look at each other. Which five people don't give up?" When his apprentice Yang Bixian checked the list, he was the first to find out that Zhaojun had not given any gifts. "I've said it for you." Granny Fu made a special statement: "I also persuaded her, but she doesn't want to get rid of it, and I can't force her." "Does she dare not pluck her hair?" Mao Yanshou sneered: "Watch me pluck her hair tomorrow!" "That's your own business! Siwu Mao, I'm leaving." This is a reminder that he should allot his fair share.Mao Yanshou didn't dare to neglect, left the list, and sent Granny Fu away, the lingering anger still lingered. "It's fine for everything else, but I feel ugly, so I help her with the writing, and it's not much better, so I simply saved the gift. Only this Wang Zhaojun is evil, and he thinks that he is 'the number one beauty in Zigui', and he doesn't pull out a hair! Hmph," Mao Yanshou gritted his teeth and said, "Disciple, look at the master's method. If you don't put her in the cold palace, you will never recover. I will write the word Mao upside down." "Master," Yang Bixian said consolingly, "Maybe they are planning a big gift, and there is not enough time. It is not appropriate for Master to make a mistake." Mao Yanshou thought for a while, then nodded deeply, "That makes sense!" He said, "Tomorrow we will play by ear."