Chapter 29 Chapter 29 Advance and Retreat

Rong Pei was about to speak, but Yun Zhi came in holding a silver cup and medicine cup, and said, "Empress, your soup is ready." Rong Pei took it with her hand, tested the temperature and said, "It's just hot, the empress can drink it now. This soup is a prescription specially prepared by Jiang Taiyi. It uses angelica, Chuanxiong, peach kernel, dried ginger, licorice moxibustion and rice wine as medicine. , specially added cinnamon, to remove blood stasis and rejuvenate, warm meridian and relieve pain. Madam, drink it." Ruyi stretched out her hand to take it and raised her head to drink it: "I remember that this kind of medicine was taken within seven days after giving birth, why are you using it again now, with a cinnamon added?"

Without hesitation, Rong Pei said: "The prescription prepared by Doctor Jiang himself must be good. A few days ago, my mother had a cold pain in her lower abdomen, and she thought it was due to the congestion, so Doctor Jiang ordered to use this soup again." All she thought, couldn't help A little envious, "Physician Jiang is loyal and treats Aunt Ruixin so well. Aunt Ruixin is very lucky." Ruyi turned her head to look at her and sighed with a smile: "Ruixin has worked hard all her life. If it wasn't for this palace, she should have married Jiang Yubin long ago, and she wouldn't have to be half-disabled. Fortunately, Jiang Yubin is a good husband. With such a blessing, Not to mention you, this palace is hard to look forward to."

Rong Pei hurriedly looked around, but seeing no one around, Fang whispered: "If that's the case, I can't say it in silence." Rong Pei knelt down and said: "The empress is the queen, and she has both children. Such a thing will never happen to the empress." Ruyi was slightly lost in thought, watching the pomegranate pomegranate under the window in full bloom, the scorching red, in the enclosure surrounded by the red wall, reflected the blue sky, almost as if it was about to burn.She slowly said: "In this case, someone told Empress Xiaoxian back then, but she is not a beauty, she can't get rid of it after all." Seeing that Rong Pei wanted to persuade her, she forced a smile and said: "Look at this palace, it's so good. What are you talking about? It's you, I should pay attention to you, and find a good man to marry."

Rong Pei hurriedly kowtowed, and said seriously: "Your servant will not marry, and your servant will follow the empress for life. You will be bullied anywhere in this palace, so what good is it if you leave the palace? The servant has served the empress, so what's the point of the rest of my life. The slave will only follow the empress, and stay with the empress for the rest of her life." Ruyi was moved, took her hand and said, "Good Rong Pei, it's thanks to your temperament that I can help you by my side. Anyway, if you have someone you like, you can go to the high-speed Bengong, and I will make the decision for you Bar."

While the two were talking, Sanbao cleared his throat outside and said, "Empress Empress, Concubine Yu is here to greet you." Ruyi hurriedly said, "Please come in." Concubine Xiang's bamboo curtain was opened outside, a slender figure moved gracefully, and came in, blessed her body and said: "My concubine pays my respects to the queen, and the queen has a long life and a healthy life." Because of the hot weather, Hai Lan only wore a lotus-colored dark embroidered magnolia gauze cloak, underneath was a moonlight water-pattern pleated skirt, and the accompanying snow-white collar was also lightly colored with dark golden osmanthus patterns.Just like his attire, the make-up and powder are both light, and the most common palace-like bun is nothing more than dotted with burnt blue and silver emerald beads, and a small silver silk curly hairpin.

Ruyi took her hand and stood up, and said affectionately: "It's so hot outside, why are you here at this time? Rong Pei, go and get a cold ice bowl." After she finished speaking, she handed over the silk in her hand to She said, "Your head is sweating from walking, please wipe it off." Hailan reached out to take it, wiped off her sweat, and smiled: "It's so hot, the empress is very quiet and cool here, and the concubine feels much more comfortable when she sits down." Ruyi looked at her attire, and she couldn't help being a little bit annoyed: "After all, she's also a concubine, and she's brother's biological mother, why is she dressed more and more simply?"

Hailan took the ice bowl that Rong Pei handed over, took a sip, and smiled warmly: "The left and right concubines don't have to wait in front of the emperor, and it's just a little bit to be called by the emperor to ask about Yongqi's daily life. Just talk and come back, there is really no need to dress up." Ruyi groaned slightly, thinking of Hai Lan's life, although she was a concubine, but the king's favor was cut off early, it was really pitiful, and said: "That being said..." Hailan didn't take it seriously, but smiled appropriately: "That being said, as long as the emperor has Yongqi in his heart, the concubine will feel at ease."

Ruyi shook her hand and said, "Don't worry, benevolence will be rewarded. By the way, at this hour, Yongqi is taking a nap, right?" There was a gleam of joy on Hailan's fair face, but she was also worried: "Yongqi is so strong-tempered, how can she rest for a while. A few days ago, the emperor accidentally mentioned that the holy ancestor Kangxi is proficient in astronomy and calendar calculations, so he is studying hard. Your servant My concubine was afraid that he would be overheated and asked him to rest for a while, but he refused, so he only drank some mung bean and lily soup and then busied himself with studying."

Ruyi nodded and said, "It's a good thing for Yongqi to strive for success, and it also makes the two of us gratified to be mothers. It's just that although hard work is good, we should take care of ourselves." Hai Lan gently stirred the honeydew melon in the ice bowl, the silver spoon touched the crushed ice in the bowl, the sound was clear and fine.She smiled and said: "Your Majesty is right. It's just that the fourth elder brother Yongxuan, who is more important to the emperor now than Jiaguifei, has to be summoned to ask his homework every three days, and Yongqi is only called once every five or six days. Minister The concubine also told Yong Qi that although she worked hard, she should not show any traces or be too contemptuous. The empress knows Concubine Jia's temperament, and she has always looked down on others, and now that her son is proud, she can't tolerate others."

Ruyi listened very attentively, and said, "You have the same thoughts as me. The future will be long, let's not argue about the length of this time, and let her be proud." Hai Lan stroked a beeswax ring on her hand, rather hesitant: "How many times have the wind blown in the ears of my concubine these days, but I don't know if it has also blown into my mother's ear?" Ruyi took a green apricot and put it in her mouth, she was so sour that she closed her glasses slightly, and said, "There are more winds blowing every day, so tell me, which gust of wind made you pay attention."

Hailan hesitated to speak, but still couldn't bear it anymore. Looking at the little princess sleeping soundly in the cradle, she lovingly stroked her apple-like rosy face, and said, "The empress gave birth to the lovely princess Yuxue, and she has a son." Having a daughter is a good word, but in the eyes of others, it may not necessarily be a good word." Ruyi smiled heartily, and motioned her to eat an apricot from a silk-wrapped agate plate: "Try this, it's so sour and very refreshing." With thin tassels, she said with a smile: "This palace thinks it is good, but others may not think it is good. In the palace, giving birth to a princess is nothing, only the prince can rely on it. After the pure noble concubine gave birth to two princes, she was able to become the fourth princess. Although the emperor loves it, the pure concubine herself is nothing but cocoa. Concubine Jia is even more so. Every time she makes a wish, she only asks for a son, not a daughter. It is simply because the prince is the reliance of status and honor, while the princess is dispensable Yes. Is it?" Hailan nodded slightly, touching the silver thread tassels on the side of her bun to emit a little light: "The concubine has only one son, Yongqi, and the empress has only twelve elder brothers. Back then, when Empress Xiaoxian was alive, You Fucha family has a deep family background, and they also hope to have more children. It can be seen that there are more princes, and the status is much more secure." She smiled and raised her spirits a little, "Fortunately, the empress's family is in full swing, I am afraid that soon There is another prince." Ruyi covered her lips and smiled Qingyan faintly: "According to your auspicious words, if you are born like this, what will happen?" She patted Hailan's hand, "But I know that you are the only one in the palace who can do it." I will sincerely wish this Palace.” Hai Lan's eyes flashed a trace of sadness: "If Concubine Shu is still here, she will definitely bless her sincerely like this. It's a pity that the monarch's affection is weak, and it's a pity that she is young and beautiful." I blame Concubine Shu for not being able to see through it, how come the couple in the palace are sincere, she takes it too seriously, so she even pays for it." After she finished speaking, she just shook her head and sighed. Ruyi's expression was as sad as the yellow leaves of the autumn wind, and she fell slowly: "A long time ago, you reminded me with such words. So fortunately, I understand better than Concubine Shu." Hailan was silent for a moment, with a clear understanding in her eyes: "The empress has been in the palace for a long time, and she has seen much more than the blind concubine Shu. The concubine only asks..." Before she could finish speaking, Ruyi said in a low voice: "I understand what you want to say. If you can't ask for love, then ask for a life and a stable life." Hailan showed a clear smile, and clasped hands with Ruyi: "The Empress has a son-in-law, Elder Twelve, and Yong Qi will definitely help Elder Twelfth in the future, and we will be safe and secure for the rest of our lives." She said softly, "This wish is so small that my concubine always makes this wish every time she pays homage to the Buddha. The Buddha will definitely make it come true when he hears it." Ruyi smiled gracefully: "Yes, it will definitely come true." Although the Old Summer Palace is cooler than the palace, the weather in Beijing has always been extremely cold in autumn and winter, and hot in summer. Ruyi woke up from a nap, coaxed Jingsi, played with Yongfen for a while, and took Rong Pei to Fang Bi Cong went. July is the hottest time in central Beijing, and the emperor's temperament is the least heat-resistant. According to the old rules, he will go to Chengde's summer resort, which happens to be the Mulan autumn hunting.In the past few days, I don't know why it has been delayed, and I have been stranded in the study, and I am also recruiting my concubine every night.Ruyi was puzzled, so she had to go and have a look. Ruyi just got out of the sedan chair, but she saw Jin Yuyan coming out of the main hall of Fangbi Cong with her fourth elder brother Yongxuan happily. Both mother and son looked happy and proud.Sitting in the sedan chair, Ruyi was already sweltering in the heat, but when she suddenly saw Yuyan's triumphant look, she felt even more displeased.On the contrary, Li Yu was obedient, and hurriedly supported Ruyi's hand and said in a low voice: "Empress, the emperor has not recruited concubines these few days, so Concubine Jia used the excuse that it was difficult to travel due to the heat, fearing that the fourth elder brother would suffer from heat stroke, so she always accompanied the fourth elder brother to come here. See the emperor." Ruyi scoffed lightly: "She's smart! She can always find a way to meet the emperor!" Li Yu respectfully said: "That's because Concubine Jia is no match for Empress Empress, she can see the Emperor at any time. The status is different, so naturally the behavior is also different." Ruyi smiled and raised her eyes to see Yuyan's face, although she was over forty years old, she didn't see the slightest trace of beauty's twilight.Even though she doesn't like Yuyan, she has to sigh that this woman's face is impeccable, as if she was at the age when she first entered the hidden mansion.It seems that even the years have treated her very kindly, never letting her lose her most beautiful complexion. Ruyi couldn't help feeling emotional: "It's no wonder the emperor has loved her all these years, and it's not unreasonable." Rong Pei said with a low smile: "Concubine Jia is the best at beauty. I heard that she always uses red ginseng soup to bathe and soak, and then washes her face and hands with it, so that her skin is whiter than snow, and her face stays forever. She is no better than her natal family Li Chao. The most prolific in this, is it possible that the empress thinks that she likes pickles from her hometown the most, so she is so graceful?" Ruyi smiled and said: "It really has such a miraculous effect, it's because she has patience." Ruyi helped Rong Pei's hand and slowly walked up the steps.The front of the hall is full of golden bricks, as dark as the best black jade, and when it is exposed to the sun, it will be white and dazzling, making it more annoying and unbearable. Seeing that it was Ruyi, Yuyan held Yongxuan's hand and greeted each other.Ruyi was also polite: "The weather is so hot, and Yongcheng came to drive beside the emperor, which shows how much the emperor attaches great importance to Yongxuan." Yuyan is wearing a brocade-colored eight-group Xichunfeng Ruyi skirt show dress, and the skirt is embroidered with golden branch patterns all over, and gold treasures and red emeralds are also on the head, swaying and shining.Under the bright sun, it is extraordinarily dazzling, and it looks even more gorgeous and luxurious.Seeing her son's face, Yu Yan also showed a bit of complacency, and said: "The empress is right. The emperor said that Yongxuan has grown up, and the elder brother and the second elder brother in front are gone, and the third elder brother is gone again." Mediocre, many things are only discussed with Yongxuan. As long as we can share the worries of the emperor, even if the weather is going to melt our mother and son, we will come." Ruyi didn't like these words, so she didn't care about it at the moment. There were many people on the left and right, so naturally someone would pass on such words to Yongzhang's biological mother, the pure noble concubine Luyun.She just saw that Yongxuan had grown into a heroic young man, but her eyes were as proud as his mother's, so she smiled and said: "Yongxuan, Huang Ama values ​​you so much, you have to be extra careful, what don't you understand?" , Ask the master more, and I can give you some pointers." Yongxie's youthful nature did not hide it, and he said: "Returning to the Queen's mother, Huang Ama asked her son, and the master in the study room couldn't point it out." Ruyi wondered: "Oh? I also heard that the emperor is busy with political affairs these days, discussing with the officials, so I told you. Sure enough, we women and Taoists are all deaf and blind, and don't know anything." Bright joy shone in the young man's eyes: "Yes. Huang Ama has been worrying about the Nanhe infringement case these days." Ruyi had heard about it, and said, "It's extremely hot in central Beijing, but it's raining continuously in the south. I heard that the water level of Hongze Lake soared, overflowing the dam mouth, and the second gate of the Shaobo Canal burst, flooding the counties of Gaoyou and Baoying." Yongxuan came together one by one: "The emperor has now ordered Liu Tongxun, Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, Shu Hede, Minister of the Ministry of War, and Hechen Celeng, the Minister of Hechen, to rush to the flood work to supervise the relief work and investigate the matter. He also allocated rice and grain in Jiangxi and Hubei. The 100,000 stone relief for disasters in the south of the Yangtze River, as for the allocation of rice and grain, has been handed over to my son to follow up and investigate, and let the fifth brother follow his son to learn." When he said the last sentence, there was already a look of arrogance on his lips, as if Yong Qi was just his little follower.Yuyan looked at her son, her face couldn't help being overjoyed, she took the silk to wipe his sweat, her mouth seemed to be reproached, but there was a deep smile on her lips: "Okay. Your Huang Ama told you to do it, you take care of it." Just do it, and don't forget to support and support your fifth brother. I heard that Gao Bin is in charge of the river transport. Fortunately, he is the Ama of the imperial concubine Huixian. But it's so useless!" Ruyi's smile faded, she stared at Yongxuan and said: "They are all brothers of my own family, if there is any support or not. Brothers and friends respect each other, the emperor will naturally be happy." Yong Xun was a little uncomfortable being stared at by her, so she had to bow her head and answer "Yes." Yuyan was in a state of excitement, but it was inconvenient for her to hear such words, so she stroked Yongxuan's shoulder and said, "Yongxuan, there are three things that Erniang is most proud of in her life. Married to the country; second, I was lucky enough to marry your emperor Ama, and I have been in love for many years; third, I gave birth to your brothers, all of them are sons." Her charming eyes glowed with hope, and she annoyed Ruyi with a smile that was not a smile. With a glance, she only looked at Yongxuan and said, "Sometimes, Erniang also wants to have a daughter, but think about it carefully, what is the use of a daughter, Wen can't build a foundation, and Wu can't go to the battlefield. If one is not good, she will marry Duan. Married like a princess, she is so far away that she can't return to her side, and she still wants to hang out with barbarians, really..." She raised the gold-sprinkled red juanzi in her hand with her thin, white and smooth fingers, like a flamboyant butterfly, Wei Wei leaned back and said Jiao Didi: "Oh! Empress, the concubine made a slip of the tongue, but it doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with the Empress who gave birth to a princess. They have both sons and daughters, and they are a golden boy and a daughter at this age. What a rare blessing.” Hearing what she said, Rong Pei frowned and wanted to speak, Ruyi held her hand secretly, and said with a faint smile: "Time is not forgiving, thinking about how old Concubine Jia is, I must be more touched. She turned to smile calmly, "I was born in the Li Dynasty so well. I heard that the Li Dynasty is rich in red ginseng, and it is given to Concubine Jia every year. I heard that Concubine Jia often bathes and washes with red ginseng water, which is why she has such a smooth face. It can be seen that Li Chao has many wonderful people and wonderful things." Yuyan became more and more complacent, and said with a smile: "Actually, what are these good things, as long as the elder brothers of the concubine fight hard, what good things will there be in the future?" Ruyi secretly smiled, but didn't show anything on her face: "Isn't it? It's just that Concubine Jia and Li Chao's natal family are a bit stingy. It's fine to hide such a good red ginseng from the sisters in the palace. Why? Even the Empress Dowager doesn’t accept it? Didn’t Li Chao teach Concubine Jia the way of being a daughter-in-law and a concubine?” Yuyan frowned at the beautifully drawn willow leaf eyebrows, and said a little dissatisfied: "Not only the concubines, but Li Chao also brings a lot of red ginseng to the Queen Mother every year." Rong Pei let out a soft "Hey", and said respectfully: "Master Jia Guifei is filial to the queen mother, and Li Chao is also very respectful. It's just that this filial piety is towards the queen mother, or the little master Jia Guifei is a little more selfish. Ah, otherwise, how could the red ginseng given to the Queen Mother not be enough for the Queen Mother to take a bath and maintain. Tsk tsk... really..." Yuyan's face turned red and turned pale, and she was about to argue, Ruyi smiled warmly, and said in an unquestionable tone: "Rong Pei, of course it's not Concubine Jia and Li Chao who are stingy, it's just the Empress Dowager who is frugal and doesn't like extravagance. The Buddhists say that life is nothing more than a skin. Love, hate, anger, ignorance, joy, anger, sorrow, and joy must be tempered, and there is no need to be obsessed with greed, anger, joy, hatred and anger." She looked down at Yongxuan: "Yongxuan, your emperor Ama I like that you think highly of you and regard you as a role model for the crown prince, and you should not talk lightly about your anger, show your frivolous look, and make the minions laugh at you." Yongxie listened to Ruyi's solemn instruction, and immediately accepted her complacency, and bowed her head in agreement. Rong Pei smiled and said: "Si elder brother, there is nothing you don't know. Just ask the empress, the empress is your aunt, and she has a close relationship with the emperor. She is not as good as those low-level people who can't stand on the stage. They have taught you badly and let you Lost the emperor's favor." Yuyan's complexion was ashen, as if covered with eye cream, but she couldn't pick anything out, so she had to grab Yongxuan's hand, salute and back away. Ruyi looked at Yuyan's expression, and laughed in a low voice, "Rong Pei, your mouth is too bad." Rong Pei was a little embarrassing, but she also said bluntly: "The servant girl speaks badly to people with bad intentions. Madam, did you ever see the servant girl talking to Concubine Yu and Concubine Shu like this?" Ruyi smiled and poked her cheek, then went into the hall. It was extremely quiet in Fangbi Cong's study.For the sake of the emperor's busy and quiet days, he removed all the birdcages that had been hanging in the hallway on weekdays, just in case any chirp would disturb the emperor and cause disaster. Although there are wind wheels in the hall, There were still two pairs of young maids standing behind the emperor holding plantain emerald green fans and blowing each other, but they didn't dare to breathe heavily for fear of disturbing the emperor. Seeing that the emperor was just writing at the desk, Ruyi signaled Ling Zhi who was following to put down the food box in his hand, and retreated with Rong Pei.Ruyi saluted like a rite, the emperor gave her a hand, and said: "The weather is hot, the queen is just out of confinement, come all the way, be careful about heatstroke." Ruyi heard his muffled voice, thinking that he was worried about state affairs, so she didn't dare to say much, so she quietly stood aside, studying ink for the emperor.The emperor quickly wrote a few words on the memorial, rubbed his forehead, turned around and saw the little eunuch waiting on his side, he raised his face to signal them to go down, and said: "You came just in time, I have been busy for a day, and I was thinking talk to you." Ruyi smiled and said: "The concubine is afraid of arguing with the emperor and causing him trouble." The emperor raised the corners of his mouth as a smile: "How come? As long as I think of our Jingsi and feel happy, how can I be troubled?" Ruyi stopped the ink in her hand, poured tea for the emperor, and said, "Your Majesty, drink a few cups of tea to moisten your throat." The emperor took a sip of tea and said as usual: "Occasionally, I heard a few gossips in the harem, saying that Concubine Shu willfully set fire to the palace because she was close to the empress and was always pampered by the empress?" Ruyi saw that the emperor seemed to be making a casual joke, without much seriousness on his face, but he couldn't help but feel a chill behind his back, as if the chill from a wind wheel blowing ice sculptures penetrated his light clothes and fell straight into his limbs and bones.The emperor has not recruited concubines recently, because Yi Huan's self-immolation is inevitably depressed, and he is also busy with political affairs. If he hears gossip from the harem, it is nothing more than seeing Jin Yuyan.Ruyi hated secretly in her heart, she clenched her teeth unconsciously, and she didn't dare to listen to the emperor's words as a joke, so she knelt down and said, "The emperor's words, even though they are just a joke, but my concubine dare not listen to them. I don't know if there is anyone in the harem who doesn't take the emperor's Tianwei seriously, and dares to talk nonsense like this, it's really a fault of the concubine's lax discipline in the harem." The emperor's smile was slightly suppressed, and his eyes were a little darker and dignified: "Oh? Why don't these words put Zhen's Tianwei in your eyes?" Ruyi lowered her head and said cautiously: "There was a fire in Concubine Shu's palace, and everyone in the harem knew that she missed Elder Brother Ten and was so sad that she accidentally caused a fire with a candle and damaged herself. Who dares to talk nonsense about Concubine Shu Self-immolation? It is a serious crime for a concubine to commit suicide, let alone burning the palace and burning herself to death? If such nonsense is spread, what kind of place is it that others still treat people as the emperor's harem." When Ruyi said this, it was unavoidable. He looked up at the emperor, and saw that he was only silently facing each other, but his eyes were a little thin and piercing, like fine ice chips, slightly piercing the skin.She lowered her eyelids and blamed herself, "Besides, although my concubine loves Concubine Shu, it's because she has served the emperor for many years, and she is the only one in her heart, and she gave birth to ten princes. Although she usually doesn't have much affection with the sisters in the palace, But he is also a person who knows how to measure and does not offend others. If the concubine is close to Concubine Shu, it is nothing compared to Concubine Shu who has been favored and cared by the emperor for many years. Therefore, the emperor heard these words and pointed at the concubine for pampering Concubine Shu. I don’t know if it’s alluding to the Emperor’s doting on Concubine Shu, so he arrogantly indulged in the calamity of burning the palace. How dare the concubine listen to such disrespectful words that offend the Emperor?” The emperor was silent for a moment, as if he was examining Ruyi, but seeing that her expression was frank and unpretentious, the ice in her eyes had turned into the green water of March, and he stretched out his hand to help Ruyi up with a smile and said: "The Queen's words make sense. I'm just a gossip I've heard." Next to the throne was a large cloak with a yellow-bottomed Longevity sea pattern, and on it was an ice sculpture carved into exquisite pavilions. After being left for a long time, the ice sculpture slowly melted, and no matter how beautiful the sculpture was, it gradually became beyond recognition. Only the sound of water droplets could be heard Slowly falling, falling, like beating in the heart. Ruyi bent her knees for a long time, her knees seemed to be bitten by insects and ants, sore and itchy, she stood up while supporting the emperor's arm, smiled, and said seriously: "The emperor is right. It's just that the emperor can say something like this." The words are jokes and gossip, but the concubines dare not. Although Concubine Shu is dead, she is a sister in the harem. Her bones are not yet cold, and the emperor and concubine repeatedly said that the fire in Concubine Shu’s palace was just an accident in order to calm the slaves’ random speculation Why do you still say such foolish words? When the concubine thought about it carefully, she was startled. To be able to say such stupid words not only did not take into account the relationship between the concubine and the emperor, but also the relationship between the concubine and the emperor The instructions are ignored." She raised her eyes to see the emperor's expression, and immediately said as usual: "Naturally. The concubine thinks, if such a mindless word can be said, it can only be a muddled servant who is serving, and it must not be Concubines and family members. When the concubines go back, they must order someone to strictly investigate and see who has such a restless tongue, and the concubines will definitely punish them severely." Ruyi's expression was always cold, even when she smiled, there was a hint of frost.At this moment, the vigorous sun outside the window shines in through the bright shadows of flowers and trees without hindrance, reflecting on her slightly pale face, making her complexion look as frosty and pale as ever. The emperor's face darkened slightly, and he quickly smiled and patted Ruyi's hand in relief, his expression was as pleasant as the golden and warm sun in September: "With the queen here, I can rest assured." Ruyi smiled, it seemed that the Emperor Yu was very close, but only she knew that the Emperor must have listened to Jin Yuyan's words to test her, but how did she make her sweat soak her heavy clothes, as if a thorn was on her back.It's really not easy even one step.However, she couldn't help but be alarmed, Yong Xun was getting more and more attention from the emperor, after all he was quite old among the princes, Yong Xun was young and didn't know what to do, Yong Qi's background was not as good as Yong Xun, so for the time being, he had to keep a low profile.A mother is more valuable than a child, and Jin Yuyan's words and deeds carry more and more weight in the emperor's heart. Ruyi herself ascended to the next position step by step from the position of imperial concubine and imperial concubine, how could she not mind it.Thinking of this episode, Ruyi secretly clenched the silk in her hand, and the gold-threaded eight-treasure tassels on the silk rubbed her palms carefully, drenched in cold sweat, and itched and prickled.She had to squeeze harder to hold back the calm and gentle smile on her face. The hall has been closed for a long time, a little stuffy.Ruyi stretched out her hand and opened the back window, only to see the afternoon sun quietly covering every corner of the vermilion green palace garden, one tree after another red and white crape myrtle rustling, and the wind blooming in full bloom, which suits the shade of the sun.The sun shines through the upturned corners of the palace outside the window and casts shadows, moving slowly in the room, graceful and graceful, like ripples lightly, suddenly giving birth to a kind of unspoken melancholy and melancholy.Occasionally, a cool breeze penetrates slowly, and the pulse of the hall is clear.Across the distant mountains and rivers, splashing ink through the gauze screen, blowing the plain silver carved flower scented balls under the curtain, making a slight knocking sound, like the rain in the middle of the night.The sound of wind and rain filled the room, it didn't seem like it was on a hot day. Ruyi took a few freshly shaved mint leaves from the lacquered gold petal box and put them in the bronze unicorn incense burner, the rich and sweet lily fragrance also added a bit of sobriety.After she finished all this, she took out a bowl of lotus seed lily red bean soup from the red bamboo food box she brought, and said with a gentle smile: "The sweet soup that was frozen early in the morning, I'm afraid it will be too cold to hurt your stomach. It's cold now, just right drink." The emperor glanced at it, and unconsciously smiled and shaved Ruyi's cheeks and said: "Red beans are born in the southern country, and they are the most loved ones. The queen has a heart." Ruyi lightly turned her head away, and said with a smile: "Hundred years of reconciliation, Lianzi has a heart, why does the emperor only see red beans?" The emperor took a sip, closed his eyes and savored, "It's a soup made with dew from lotus flowers. It has a sweet smell. Does the empress put all her heart into this bowl of sweet soup?" Ruyi's smile is like a man staring at his husband and wife obsessively, gentle and satisfied: "No matter how hard the concubine is, it's nothing more than these small things. You don't need Yongxuan and Yongqi to be able to share the worries of the emperor." The emperor said: "Did you meet Yongxuan and Concubine Jia when you came here?" Ruyi rubbed the emperor's shoulders, and said slowly: "Concubine Jia is good at teaching her children, not only Yongxuan, but Yongxuan and Yongxuan can also imitate their elder brother in the future." The emperor praised Yongxuan quite a bit: "Although Concubine Jia is a top-notch concubine, she is a little frivolous and not prudent, but Yongxuan is excellent. After the Mulan paddock last time, I really admired him, and he is more beautiful than Yongqi." Clever and competitive. Boys, being competitive is not a bad thing." Ruyi seemed to have a loving mother, and said: "The most rare thing is that brothers and sisters are respectful, neither arrogant nor arrogant, and they keep saying that they want to support the fifth elder brother. It is also Concubine Yu who comes from a humble background and cannot be compared with Concubine Jia. It is rare. Concubine Jia has the heart to teach children to value brotherhood." The emperor's expression suddenly became a little hesitant: "They are brothers. Even if Concubine Yu's family background is poor and she doesn't have much time to serve me, it doesn't mean that Yongxiu should support Yongqi. They are all bastards. What's more, Yongqi also raises me. Under your knees, the queen, you have the title of half a legitimate son." "What kind of concubine and concubine!" Ruyi smiled a little, "In the heart of my concubine, the one who can share the emperor's worries is a good child." She half sighed and half praised, "After all, Yongxie is capable, and at a young age , and can also share the burden for the emperor on the Canal Qianniang. It can be seen that these things should be handled by her own children. There is a saying that Concubine Jia is right, Gao Bin is old enough to do things, but it is no longer useful." The emperor raised his sword eyebrows, already showing some dissatisfaction, and his voice also raised: "Is this what Concubine Jia said? As a concubine, how can she speak nonsense about political affairs! She accompanied Yongxuan in these few days. When Xun talked about the case of Nanhe's invasion of losses, she was only allowed to wait in the side hall. It can be seen that Yongxuan must have told his mother to listen to such words!" Ruyi was a little trembling, and hurriedly glanced at the emperor, bowed her body and apologized: "Your Majesty, forgive me, Concubine Jia is Yongxuan's biological mother, and it is not a serious crime for Yongxuan to tell his mother-in-law!" Her face was cautious and cautious. "What's more, the emperor will occasionally mention a few political matters with his concubine, and the concubine will answer a few words ignorantly. It seems that the concubine is rebellious." The emperor sighed angrily: "Ruyi, you don't know. I am the emperor and you are the queen. I can say something and you can listen to it. But Yongxuan has just been involved in political affairs. I am willing to listen to his opinion and have told him He, as a prince, should not easily tell others about everything, and should not easily reveal his likes and dislikes, even to those close to him." He shook his head, "I don't want him to turn around and forget my instructions." Ruyi smiled apologetically, "Yongxuan is young, so there are some carelessness." The emperor said: "This is the advantage of Yongqi. She doesn't talk much, and I only answer when I have questions, and I don't want to speak nonsense. Gao Bin did something wrong in the Nanhe case, but after all, he is an old minister of mine, good or bad , and it is not the turn of Concubine Jia and Yongxuan to talk. It seems that I dote on Yongxuan too much and make him too successful." Seeing that the emperor was angry, Ruyi quickly stroked his heart for him, and said in a gentle voice: "What the emperor said is very true. Yongxie is straightforward, and it is fine to talk to the concubines or concubines about what the emperor ordered to do. If you go out It’s also so unrestrained and frivolous, but it reveals the emperor’s thoughts. Originally, the power of heaven is far-reaching, so it’s not for the subordinates to speculate at will, let alone tell others easily.” The gloomyness in the emperor's eyes deepened, and Ruyi didn't say anything more, but added another sweet soup and offered it to the emperor.The two were facing each other, but Li Yu came in and said, "Your Majesty, at two o'clock in the next day, Daishi Meiruo, the daughter of Governor Nasutu, will enter the palace. Please tell me where to be placed." The emperor finished a bowl of sweet soup slowly, and said: "The queen is here, just ask the queen." Ruyi thought for a while and said, "I don't know what position the emperor intends to give Dai, the concubine can also arrange a residence suitable for her status." The emperor pondered for a moment, then said: "Mrs. Dai is the daughter of the governor, and she was born with a yellow flag. She is still young, so let me give her a concubine." He tapped his fingers on the agarwood table, thinking about it: "The title is proposed to be the word Xin, and it takes joy and joy to add a little joy to the Six Palaces." Ruyi can say: "Then the concubine will point out the Tongle Yuan to Concubine Xin." She bowed down and maintained the demeanor that a queen should have, silently sipping a wisp of bitterness, "Congratulations to the emperor for his new beauty. " The emperor smiled slightly: "It's very good that the empress arranged this way. Li Yu, you can go and make arrangements." In the next few days, Ruyi never heard of Jin Yuyan accompanying Yongxuan to Fangbicong to meet the emperor, and every time she asked for an audience, it was Li Yuke who politely blocked him and found an excuse to refuse.Even Yongxuan didn't see the emperor as often as usual. Just after taking a nap that day, Ruyi only felt weak. After coaxing Yong Qi and Jing Si for a while, she watched Rong Pei holding the newly offered big pink roses from the greenhouse to put in the vase. Such delicate and beautiful flowers, with dewy fragrance, are like a beauty in full bloom, which is lovable. Ruyi covered her lips and yawned lazily, leaning on the soft silk embroidered magnolia flower pillow, said lazily: "Did the emperor rest at Concubine Xin's place last night?" Rong Pei held the blue-gold and white-patterned bottle with roses in front of Ruyi, and said, "Isn't it? Ever since the Emperor ran into Concubine Xin in the shade of the willows that day, the Emperor has loved her very much." Ruyi took a pair of small silver scissors, and casually cut off the excess flowering branches: "At that time, Concubine Xin had just entered the palace, and she didn't know the emperor, and she spoke innocently, but the emperor liked it very much. It can be seen that it is also fate." Rong Pei said: "Slaves who are destined to be unfated don't know. Concubine Xin is young and beautiful, and now she is so favored that no one in the palace can match her words. Do you want to be more careful, empress?" Ruyi trimmed the flowering branches of the big rose in the vase, and said calmly: "Concubine Xin is of noble birth and has a lively temperament. It is reasonable for the emperor to favor her. Besides, since Concubine Mei passed away, Concubine Shu set herself on fire, and Concubine Jia was also neglected by the emperor. Concubine Chun, Concubine Yu, and Concubine Wan are not very favored, only Concubine Qing and Concubine Ying stand out, or there are a few low-ranking nobles who are always there, and there has been no newcomer in front of the Emperor for a long time." Rong Pei pursed her lips and said: "It's good to be young and beautiful, but who doesn't come from being young and beautiful? I heard that the emperor has been resting in Concubine Xin's Concert Hall these days and nights, and has given countless rewards. It's really a special favor." Ruyi turned her face, looked at the copper mirror on the dressing table, and looked carefully at the woman in the mirror. Even though the clouds and temples were like fog, her demeanor was still vaguely as before, and her eyebrows were carefully drawn like distant mountains with emerald green, her lips Like the red tassels shining vermilion, every frown and smile is the generosity and generosity of the mother of the country, and the spirit is in control of the imperial family.It's just that the fine lines on the brows and corners of the eyes are creeping up like spring grass, unstoppable.Her beauty is already like a flower blooming to the extreme, and there is a kind of youth that will bloom to the beauty of tea.Even I understand that such a good thing will eventually become worse day by day. Ruyi subconsciously took out a box of green plum powder, wanting to fill up the fine lines at the corners of her eyes, she pounced a few times, and couldn't help but smile sadly: "It's the world that can't keep it, Zhu Yancijinghuacishu. Sometimes Seeing that today's face looks older than yesterday, he is always delusional, wanting to retain a little more youth is good, but even he has to admit that he is old after all, no wonder the emperor likes newcomers." Rong Pei said in a righteous voice: "The middle palace is the middle palace, and the main room is the main room. Even if there are some concubines who are as beautiful as flowers, they can't stand shoulder to shoulder with the empress." Ruyi nodded slightly, with a calm tone: "That's right. How can a person never grow old? The youth of a beauty and the love of a young age are like dew, passing away without a trace, so why bother to hold on to them. It's never these things that can be held in the palm of your hand. .” Rong Pei looked solemnly, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty is very right. It's just that the empress empress just mentioned the concubines, and she forgot that there is also a concubine Ling." Ruyi carefully avoided the thorns on the rose branches, and said coldly: "I haven't forgotten. Although I told you to look for Concubine Ling last time, you told me that she was being reprimanded in the Empress Dowager's palace, and that she was because of the ten elder brothers." After his death, he sang Kunqu opera and saw that he had sinned against Bengong, so he was punished by the queen mother to kneel in front of the spirit of the ten princes. He ran into Concubine Shu by chance, which had nothing to do with Concubine Shu's death. But somehow, Bengong felt uncomfortable. These days she has been autistic and thought about the past in the palace, but she is quieter." Her mind sank slightly, "In the past few days, she has written an apology every day and presented it to the palace, talking about the relationship in the past, and her words are pitiful .” Rong Pei snorted softly and said, "Humeizi are all Humeizi, and no matter how much you apologize, you can't get rid of her pitiful appearance! As for whether she is quiet or not, you can only know by watching her all the way." Ruyi smelled the sweet fragrance of flowers, and felt a little happy: "Okay, then ignore her, let her go. The emperor will go to Mulan Paddock for autumn hunting in a few days, and I'm just confinement, so naturally I can't." Accompanying each other, can the emperor choose someone to accompany him to serve?" Rong Pei said: "Apart from the most favored Concubine Xin, Concubine Ying and Concubine Ke are always there. In addition, the Emperor brought the fourth elder brother and the fifth elder brother. Naturally, he also brought Concubine Jia and Concubine Yu." 如懿听得“愉妃”二字，心下稍暖：“其实海兰虽然失宠，但皇上总愿意和她说说话，与她解语相伴，又用永琪争气，倒也稳妥，不失为一条求存之道。” 容珮微微凝眉：“娘娘这样说，有句话奴婢倒是僭越了，但不说出来，奴婢到底心中每个着落，还请娘娘宽恕奴婢失言之罪。” 如懿折了一枝浅红蔷薇簪在鬓边，照花前后镜，口中徐徐道：“你说便是。” 容珮道：“如今皇上的储位皇子之中，没了大阿哥和二阿哥不提，三阿哥郁郁不得志。皇子之中，咱们十二阿哥固然是嫡子，但到底年幼，眼下皇上又最喜欢四阿哥。这些日子皇子固然有些疏远嘉贵妃和四阿哥，但是四阿哥极力奔走，为江南筹集钱粮，十分卖力，皇上又喜欢了。奴婢想……”她欲言又止，还是忍不住道，“奴婢想嘉贵妃一心是个不安分的，又有李朝的娘家靠山，怕是想替四阿哥谋夺太子之位也未可知。” 如懿轻轻一嗤：“什么也未可知，这是笃定的心思。嘉贵妃当年盯着后位不放，如今自然是看着太子之位。” 容珮见如懿这样说，越发大了胆子道：“奴婢想着，除了四阿哥，皇上还喜欢五阿哥。若皇上动了立长的心思，咱们看来，自然是选五阿哥比选四阿哥好。可即便是五阿哥养在娘娘下过，恕奴婢说句不知轻重的话，五阿哥到底不是娘娘肚子里出来的，再好再孝顺也是隔了层肚皮的。” 如懿正拨弄着手中一把象牙嵌青玉月牙梳，听得此言，手势也缓了下来。外头暑气正盛，人声寂寂，唯有翠盖深处的蝉不知疲倦地叫着，咝一声又咝一声地枯寂。那声音听得久了，像一条细细的绳索勒在心上，七缠八绕的，烦乱不堪。 如懿长嘘一口气道：“容珮，除了你也不会再有第二人来和本宫说这样的话。便是海兰和本宫如此亲近，这一层上也是有忌讳的。这件事本宫自生了永璂，心里颠来倒去想了许多次，如今也跟你说句掏心窝的话吧。”她镇一镇，声音沉缓入耳，“只要本宫是皇太后，永璂未必要是太子。” 容珮浑身一震，神色大变，旋即跪下道：“娘娘的意思是……” 如懿握紧了手中的梳子，神色沉缓如磐石：“永璂还小，虽然是嫡子，但一切尚未可知。若永琪贤能有担当，他为储君也是好事，何必妄求亲子？永璂来日若做一个富贵王爷，也是好的。” 容珮低头思索片刻，道：“娘娘真这样想。” 如懿看着她，眸中澄静一片：“你与本宫之间，没有虚言。” 容珮定了定神，道：“无论娘娘怎么选怎么做，奴婢都追随娘娘。” 正说着，只见李玉进来道：“皇后娘娘，皇上说了，请您晚膳时分带着五公主往芳碧丛一同用膳。” 如懿颔首道：“知道了。” 李玉躬身退下，如懿吩咐道：“容珮，去准备沐浴更衣，本宫要去见皇上。”