Chapter 5 4/5/6
--Four--
Guyuan in Nancheng is Gong Dingzi's residence.The garden, named after his favorite second wife Gu Meisheng, was famous for its rocks, clear stream, peach blossoms and shade of willows.After Gong Dingzi was dismissed from office, he drank and sang songs all day long, and competed with comedians, which seemed very open-minded.His family is rich and wealthy in Hefei, and it is not difficult to be a romantic apartment.
In mid-spring, the garden is full of flowers and grass.The green willow silk weaves a light smoke, the peach blossoms are like red clouds, and the mountains, rocks and streams are dyed a layer of light red.There are delicate peach petals floating on the clear stream, winding and gurgling in the garden, sometimes passing through the Linglong Stone Mountain, sometimes bypassing the simple grass pavilion, and converging into a clear pool under the Luyang Bridge.
The water in the pool is like a mirror, reflecting pavilions, towers, pavilions, green willows and red peaches, as well as Chen Mingxia and Gong Dingzi standing on the Lvyang bridge.
Both were dressed as scribes.Chen Mingxia was wearing a full-style collarless blue shirt, a smoky satin mandarin jacket with mink fur trimmed with a dark bat pattern, and a small cap with melon skin on his head.
Gong Dingzi was wearing a blue shirt with a straight collar, which was often worn by scholars in the former Ming Dynasty.The two are the same age, both in their forties.Chen Mingxia is personable, and he can still tell the beauty of Tanhualang back then.Gong Dingzi looked gloomy and preoccupied. He stared at the reflections of the two in the water, and said sadly, "Oh, it's been twenty years!" Said: "Yes!...This Lvyang bridge is still an old thing..." Twenty years ago, Chen Mingxia and Gong Dingzi were named on the gold list together, and they were also awarded the military department.Gongyu lingered on singing and drinking, and once came to Nancheng together.At that time, it was an abandoned garden, with broken walls and ruins, and wild flowers without owners, only the green poplar bridge was intact.The two once strolled on the bridge, expressing emotion at the ups and downs of the owner of the abandoned garden, and then sighed that life is impermanent and the future is unpredictable.But that was nothing more than self-satisfied moaning, pretending to be elegant.How do you know that twenty years later, the romantic scholars who have gone through vicissitudes will meet again at the bridge?I was so emotional that I had nothing to say.
Chen Mingxia raised his head, looked at the red and green hues by the pool, and murmured: "The willow leaves flutter in a thousand feet of rain, and the peach blossoms slant a stream of smoke." Gong Dingzi did not raise his head, but recited two lines of ancient poems in a low voice: "Crazy catkins dance with the wind, and frivolous peach blossoms chase the water." Chen Mingxia glanced at him, and he also felt that he was a bit too much, so he straightened up and smiled melancholy at Chen Mingxia: "Let's go." The original product of the official was granted to the official department to Shizhong, moved to Shaoqing of Taichang Temple, promoted to the censor of Zuodu, and entered the list of Jiuqing.Soon, his subordinates, such as Shizhong and Yushi, launched an attack, and there was a wave of impeachment against the academician Feng Quan, the servants Sun Zhixie and Li Ruolin.These three were the first to surrender, and Sun Zhixie and even the whole family of men and women changed into full dresses in order to coquettish with power.At that time, Dorgon, Prince Regent Rui, protected the three of them and blamed the ministers.Gong Dingzi attacked Feng Quan most vigorously, denouncing him face-to-face as an "eunuch" and "Wei Zhongxian's cadre".Feng Quan thought that Gong Dingzi had surrendered to Li Zicheng, and retorted: "How can you be a traitor and censor!" Dorgon deliberately asked Gong Dingzi, "Is what Feng Quan said the truth?" Taizong!" Dorgon said angrily, "Only flawless people can kill people, how can you compare Tang Taizong with trespassers!" Feng Quan didn't participate, Gong Dingzi was demoted eight ranks, and replaced a small official like Shanglin Yuancheng.After a while, the petty official refused to let him do it, so he was dismissed altogether.
Gong Dingzi is a well-known talent in the south of the Yangtze River. His poetry and prose are as famous as Qian Qianyi and Wu Weiye, who are known as the leaders of Wentai.Since he was dismissed from office in the fourth year of Shunzhi until now, he has been deeply moved.Chen Mingxia didn't forget his old friend with the same fate, and he often kept in touch with each other.After Shunzhi came to power, he visited the inner courtyard from time to time. Once he saw Gong Dingzi's poems and essays at Chen Mingxia's place. He was very impressed and said, "A real talent!"
They walked along the stream, and the frail willows brushed over their heads and over their shoulders.
In front of it is a blooming white peach tree, which shades a four-cornered pavilion connected with a short corridor.The short corridor turns to the east and connects with the inner corridor of the house. A woman's laughter came from there, and the two stopped and couldn't help smiling knowingly.They are good friends of the whole family, Chen Mingxia is naturally familiar with who the laughter came from.
When Gong Dingzi was accused of lack of integrity because of his surrender, he always replied: "I wanted to die, but my concubine refused?" Word: horizontal wave.
Gu Meisheng led two servants, walked through the short corridor, and walked into the Sijiao Pavilion.She is curvy and graceful, like a weak willow supporting the wind, with a beautiful gait. She is dressed in the attire of an official's house in the late Ming Dynasty: a jade-colored skirt, a pink narrow-sleeved round neck, a high-necked embroidered cloud shoulder, and thick black hair. High above the head.She was holding a swaddling baby in green brocade embroidered with a picture of a hundred children, and from time to time, she would intimately put her face on the colorful cap that was exposed outside the swaddling baby.She sat down on the blue and white porcelain pier in the pavilion, and handed the swaddle to the nurse beside her.The wet nurse didn't dare to neglect, she immediately opened her arms and breastfeeding, Gu Meisheng watched intently.After a while, after feeding, Gu Meisheng signaled to another maid, the nanny. The nanny took the swaddle from the nurse, carefully opened it, picked up the baby, and opened the diaper to urinate.The baby's hands and feet move around, that is, there is no urine.The nanny said: "Mrs., it's just that the young man urinates. Do you want to wrap it up?" "Wrap it up, and be careful of the wind." Gu Meisheng replied lazily.
Although you can't see it clearly through the shadow of the flower, it's not bad at all.Chen Mingxia was surprised.
He knew that Gu Meisheng went to the temple to pray to Buddha, and tried everything to find an heir, but to no avail.Have you adopted a child?He turned to Gong Dingzi: "Xiaosheng, didn't Hengbo go to Bixia Temple to ask for a child last month?" Gong Dingzi was a little embarrassed at first, and then laughed loudly: "Why do you need to hide it from you! Come and see our little girl who is known both inside and outside. Your husband's doll!" Seeing the two entering the pavilion, Gu Meisheng stood up and greeted them with a smile.Chen Mingxia exchanged some greetings, then leaned over to look at the "little husband" in the nanny's arms, and was shocked, there is no such thing as a child!It was just a baby boy carved out of rare white sandalwood, with movable limbs, a smiling face, a strange fragrance, and the clothes and hats were all made of brocade inlaid with gold and beads, very gorgeous.What a jewel in the palm!
Chen Mingxia laughed loudly, and praised again and again: "Unbelievable! Unbelievable! It's not Meisheng, how can there be such an ethereal and fantastic idea!] Gong Dingzi glanced at Gu Meisheng with half praise and half resentment, and said with a smile: "That's the person, you say I'll take her any idea! " Gu Meisheng also laughed, invited them into the living room, then turned around and asked Chen Mingxia what kind of tea he likes to drink?
Gu Meisheng is over 30 years old, she can be said to be in her mid-mature, but she still has an intoxicating charm.Her frown and smile, every move of her hand and her turning around have been carefully designed and practiced thousands of times in front of the mirror.This charming girl from the Qinhuai gold powder family is far from being comparable to the general Yanshi Meixing.Now, she has combined the dignity of a lady and the charm of a courtesan, and she has another kind of demeanor that makes people love and pity.She nodded and smiled at the two men, and went to arrange refreshments for them first.Chen Mingxia looked at the charming figure, patted his old friend on the shoulder and said: "It's really the so-called bewitching Yangcheng and fascinating Cai! Xiaosheng's beauty is so beautiful, people are so envious!" Gong Dingzi waved his hand: "Forget it, forget it. Who is as prosperous as you in the official career, an extremely human minister!
Youdao is proud in love, but frustrated in officialdom. "
Chen Mingxia laughed out loud again.He loves to laugh a lot, and he laughs very complacently and insolently.Gong Dingzi is not surprised, he is used to it, he is concerned about other things: "I heard that there has been a big incident in the court recently, caused by the enclosure?" Both the Prince of the County and Emperor Tong’s family are in constant panic. Especially the Tong family, who were not originally Manchurians, they’re so powerful!” “Twenty-nine people make a separate discussion...won’t something go wrong?” “No! Absolutely not! The emperor is intelligent, comparable to ordinary people. Since he took office, he has done a lot. The most rare thing is that he studies hard and studies hard. From the Four Books and Five Classics to the hundreds of schools of thought, as well as poems and songs, he has dabbled in everything. The emperor's Chinese and Chinese are full of People can't wait for it! Think about it, I said to the emperor: If you want the world to be safe, you can keep your hair and clothes, and the emperor actually nodded in agreement. Isn't this a generation of heroes?... Xiaosheng, did you invite other guests? "At this time, the two of them had entered the living room, and there were only three banquet tables in front of the small stage.
"There is another one. He wants to see you and asks for my introduction."
"Who is it?"
"It's funny to say. Li Zhenye, the head of the criminal department, was going home from the office that day. On the way, he heard the children jumping and singing in unison: Don't shout, don't shout, the number one scholar in the coming year will be named Zhang Han. Who would have thought that he would be at a friend's house the next day?" When I met Zhang Han, this friend also invited him after listening to the nursery rhymes. Li Zhenye and I have a friendship as a teacher and brother, so I brought him to Guyuan. He invited him to accompany me today, and he even called the theater troupe to join us. ..." While talking, the family reported: Mr. Zhang Han came to worship.Official Chen Mingxia is a high-ranking official, and he is also the host and guest, sitting upright.Gong Dingzi took Zhang Han in.Zhang Han paid homage to Chen Mingxia when he saw Chen Mingxia, and said a lot of clichés that "the name has been admired for a long time, and it is like thunder".Chen Mingxia gave up his seat politely, looked at Zhang Han, and applauded straightforwardly: "What a handsome and beautiful boy! If Xiaosheng hadn't introduced you, at first glance, I would have regarded you as a disciple of Liyuanjia!" Zhang Han blushed, and immediately He laughed and said: "Don't dare." Chen Mingxia's arrogance is really embarrassing, why does he compare people to actors when they meet?Gong Dingzi tried to smooth things over by ordering the servants to serve the dishes and the maids to serve the wine.The head of the Shuangqing small class came to invite them to order plays. Chen Mingxia did his part and ordered three discounts in "Kite Mistakes": "Former Parents", "Secret Parents", and "Surprised Ugly". Qiao Vinegar" discount, Zhang Han ordered "Southern Crossing".
""South Crossing"? Have Xiaosheng heard it?" Chen Mingxia asked.
Gong Dingzi shook his head.Zhang Han said with a smile: "Shuangqing class has just come to Beijing from the south, and they will perform this play, which shows that it has been widely spread. The students are about to ask the elders to watch it, and you can see that the world's people's tricks are bad, and the current atmosphere is evil!" "So, Have you heard of it?" Chen Mingxia glanced at him.
"Yes." Zhang Han stepped back solemnly, and said, ""The Story of the South Crossing" was written by Xu Juyuan from the south of the Yangtze River. Make yourself speak with integrity and loyalty, but feel flustered involuntarily.
The banquet started, but Zhang Han didn't feel relaxed.In front of such a noble person as Chen Mingxia, he felt ashamed and terrified, wishing he could get under the ground.But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make progress, how can you miss it?
In order to gain fame, Zhang Han took great pains.That nursery rhyme was made by him.When he was down and out, with no one to rely on, and no one to recommend him, he came up with a clever plan: he bought a large bag of dates and sugar cakes, and gave them to children he met in the streets and alleys, and asked him to learn a few nursery rhymes: " Don't yell, don't yell, next year's No. 1 scholar will be named Zhang Han." The capital is indeed the most benevolent district, and the effect was quicker than his surprise. He soon became a guest of the Hospitality House and was recommended everywhere... Unexpectedly, a small trick is better than thinking After a long time of planning and action, it was actually successful.
Today, Zhang Han observed Chen Mingxia's attitude, and there was no good sign.The arrogance and arrogance of this scholar, who turned against the guest, put a lot of pressure on Zhang Han. He had to struggle hard and always pay attention to Chen Mingxia's demeanor.When the senior scholar was happy, he also liked it. When the senior scholar laughed, he immediately laughed. When the senior scholar frowned, he quickly shook his head.He had to make a good impression on the Grand Maester to pave the way for a direct visit to him in the future.
But Chen Mingxia only cared about drinking and talking with Gong Dingzi, and never looked at Zhang Han.In an embarrassing and desperate situation, Zhang Han barely managed to see two folds.The third fold is the most brilliant "Ugly" in "A Kite Mistake", in which the male protagonist Han Shixun is frightened out of his wits by the ugly girl Zhan Aijuan.That Xiaosheng is very good at acting, his sleeves are shaking beautifully, and his frightened expression is lifelike, which is amazing.Chen Mingxia cheered loudly, but Zhang Han suddenly stood up, as if frightened, then felt impolite and sat down again.
Neither Chen nor Gong paid attention to him.
Gradually, Zhang Han's eyes widened, and an ugly face appeared faintly, as well as dark red curtains, flickering lights... Terrible memories haunted him, he trembled all over, and closed his eyes.But the lyrics and music on the stage came to him mercilessly: "...Surprise, it should be the ugly monster who has mesmerized us. What's the plan, earning a tight siege?..." He couldn't bear it anymore, stood up shaking, Cupping his hands to his master, he said, "The students still have some trivial matters to take care of, so I can't end the banquet, sir, forgive me!..." After finishing speaking, he staggered and stumbled away.
Chen Mingxia smiled contemptuously, and said simply: "Drunk." Gong Dingzi shook his head, "Oh, such a celebrity!" Zhang Han left the table, and Gu Meisheng could move into the hall to watch the play from behind the curtain.The three of them talked and laughed, and the more they watched, the more interested they became.Gu Meisheng was once a generation of famous actresses on the red carpet, so she was naturally very energetic.
"South Crossing" began.The two main characters—the end of their lives, have just declared their families, and the three theatergoers are immediately silent.How did the people on the stage know that the characters they played were sitting and watching from the audience, and they worked extra hard because of the generous rewards, singing, talking and acting to the best of their ability.
The moment Chen Mingxia and Gong Dingzi on the stage crawled out from under Wang's crotch covered in blood, Gu Meisheng let out a piercing scream, covered her face with her hands, and ran out of the living room.Gong Dingzi's face was ashen, trembling all over, unable to speak, he just waved to the troupe master who came over after hearing the sound, telling them to leave quickly.
After a while of confusion, the living room was empty, only Chen Mingxia and Gong Dingzi were left.
The two slowly turned their miserable faces and glanced at each other. Gong Dingzi suddenly burst into tears with a "wow".Chen Mingxia didn't make a sound, only two lines of tears flowed down his cheeks slowly.
Gong Dingzi beat his chest and stamped his feet: "The reputation has been ruined so far, what else can I say!..."
His shame and indignation quickly turned into anger, and he gritted his teeth and cursed: "Xu Juyuan! You yellow-mouthed boy! You are so shameful, you must kill him to vent your anger!..."
After a long time, Chen Mingxia said slowly and softly: "My generation suffers from fear of death. Naturally, I am not as good as Shi Kefa and Yan Yingyuan, but I am unwilling to be lonely. I always think that I am born with a talent that will be useful. It’s not as good as Huang Lizhou and Gu Tinglin... But my generation was born and came out according to the times. The soldiers entered the pass and ruled the Central Plains. Without my generation, what kind of world would it be? Life is alive, life is alive!..."
He suddenly looked up to the sky and laughed for a long time. The laughter was both arrogant and sad, very similar to Ye Xiao's call in the moonlit forest.
Chen Mingxia opened his tearful eyes and said to Gong Dingzi with a smile: "Being a great scholar of the inner academy, having rich clothes and fine food, reconciling the world, sharing the worries of the emperor at the top, and relieving the sufferings of the people at the bottom, is better than dying in loyalty and loyalty. Is it better or worse to wander around the rivers and lakes today?..." Gong Dingzi and Chen Mingxia comforted each other, and their mood gradually calmed down.They agreed to meet at Chen Mingxia's mansion three days later.Chen Mingxia also asked repeatedly that he must take Gu Meisheng there so that he could enlighten his wife and concubine.
They didn't expect that dark clouds had already enveloped Chen Mingxia's head.
That night, Chen Mingxia, who had just returned home, was arrested and interrogated.The imperial decree ordered officials, ministers of the Second Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Criminal Justice to jointly hear the case.
--Fives--
At the third quarter of the first day of the Chen Dynasty, the emperor withdrew from the court.
The first thing after the morning court is to go to the Palace of Compassion and Ning to pay respects to the Queen Mother, this is the rule set by Fulin.
In the palace, Yijia is relatively simple: the guards in front hold four leopard-tailed guns to lead the way, and there is a guard in front of the imperial guard at each of the four corners, carrying a two-foot-long sword called "Little God's Front" to follow, and the eunuch beats the sword. There are two bird-gold fans on both sides, and a yellow umbrella covering the top of the head, followed by some serving eunuchs.
Fulin sat in the classroom, feeling very unhappy.Unexpectedly, Chen Mingxia's case shocked the entire imperial court. Officials, big and small, regardless of Man and Han, all stared at him eagerly.Fulin feels the pressure from all sides and finds it difficult to cope.
Ning Wan made eight references to my danzhang. The main ones are "retain hair and restore clothes";During the interrogation, Chen Mingxia only admitted the first clause, saying that the other clauses were false accusations.And Ning Wanwo and Liu Zhengzong, a bachelor of the Academy of Internal Secretaries, jointly testified that all the crimes committed by Chen Mingxia are facts.This morning, after the three ministries of officials, rites, and criminals were examined, the inscription was played, and the final decision was: beheaded.Now, Chen Mingxia's life and death depend entirely on Fulin.
The tendency in the imperial court is too obvious.The princes, ministers and Manchu officials who participated in the political discussion were very happy about this; most of the Han officials did not say anything, but they all showed a kind of melancholy and dejected melancholy.The only one who dared to intercede for Chen Mingxia was Tang Ruowang, a foreigner... Just entering the Palace of Compassion and Ning, Fulin was greeted by a group of sandalwood boards, resonant flute sounds, and singing voices.A small palace platform was newly erected in the East Accessory Hall. Empress Dowager Zhuang and two concubines of Emperor Taizong—Imperial Concubine Yijing, Concubine Kang Huishu, and Concubine Shoukang of Emperor Taizu—accompanied by many married wives of Fujin, were in high spirits watch a puppet show.The puppet is about a quarter of the size of a real person, and it is very finely crafted, and eunuchs are responsible for all the rapping and manipulation.The "Fish Buddha", which encourages good people, is being performed lively.Fulin stepped into the side hall, frightening the wives of Fujin to stand up, back away, bow their heads, and kneel down.
Fulin greeted Concubine Shoukang, Empress Dowager Zhuang, Concubine Yijing, Concubine Kang Huishu and other grandmothers and queen mothers in turn.They accepted the ceremony one by one, greeted the emperor, and then bid farewell to the Empress Dowager Zhuang.Empress Dowager Zhuang smiled and said: "Today's palace drama is really serious, and the drama is good. Let's finish it! There will be new pine nuts and gingko from the north in a while, just in time for tea." The gray-haired Concubine Shoukang laughed first. Sitting down, the noble concubine Yijing and Concubine Kang Huishu also sat down.Empress Dowager Zhuang got up and apologized to them with a smile, and led Fulin to the main hall of the Compassionate Ning Palace.As soon as she entered the palace gate, she suddenly remembered something and asked a maid to come back to the palace to invite Madam Tong.
A gorgeously dressed lady came to pay her respects to Fulin.The Empress Dowager smiled and said to Fulin: "According to family etiquette, this is your mother-in-law and should not accept the gift." Fulin quickly thanked her.According to the intrauterine system: in case of pregnancy in the inner court, those who have a biological mother are allowed to enter the palace to take care of them.Fulin asked: "Is Concubine Tong's day approaching?" Mrs. Tong quickly replied: "It's just this month." Empress Dowager Zhuang said with a smile: "This is the first time that the head of the palace is born. Mrs. Tong must carefully It's good to take care of her. Go back to Jingren Palace and accompany her." Mrs. Tong repeatedly said yes, took a few steps back, and walked out of the hall.
Fulin's unhappiness increased again: the Queen Mother's introduction to Mrs. Tong was nothing more than to express her favor to Tong Tulai's family.Isn't this adding pressure to yourself?
After the mother and son sat down, the eunuch came to report: Prince Zheng Jierhalang respectfully invites the Empress Dowager to summon him.The Empress Dowager looked at Fulin, and Fulin immediately stood up and said, "Er Niang, the emperor must be doing this for Chen Mingxia's business." Empress Dowager Zhuang raised her eyebrows, but said nothing.
"Emiang, I brought the test book for the re-examination, please look over it." Fulin said, Wu Liangfu knelt into the folding box.Lagu Su Ma, the queen mother's personal maid, took it and opened it, and put her hands on the queen mother's imperial case.
Empress Dowager Zhuang first ordered the eunuchs: "Please invite King Zheng to enter the palace." Then she said to Fulin: "Your Majesty, you still started from the two families of Prince An and Emperor Tong who are fighting for the circle of people. What are the discussions in the court recently?" Many times Well, without waiting for Fulin to elaborate, my mother has already grasped the ins and outs of the major events in the court.Fulin knew that these Fujins and wives who entered the palace to serve the queen mother were equivalent to a deputy imperial court, but he was still surprised by his mother's Mingrui, so he couldn't help saying: "Emiang, you know everything, right?" The queen mother avoided For his question, he just looked at him quietly and said, "Let's talk!" So, the emperor vividly narrated the whole process from the Meridian Gate suicide case to Chen Mingxia's prison completion to the empress dowager.After listening, the queen mother did not express her attitude, but looked down at the title book.
Prince Zheng came into the palace.His bowing to the empress dowager and the emperor was stopped, and the empress dowager gave him a seat—an apricot yellow brocade cushion woven with dragon patterns, which was placed farther south on the empress dowager's right.Prince Zheng sat down cross-legged, he couldn't stop panting heavily because he walked too fast, his face was pale, and he looked very weak, which didn't match his tall and fat figure.The queen mother hurriedly ordered the eunuch to give tea, and said kindly: "Brother Wang is getting old, you should take care of yourself. It is inconvenient for you to walk, so please enter the palace on a horse. You don't have to be too formal." Riding a horse in the Forbidden City is extremely high. Courtesy.Prince Zheng was very moved, and wanted to thank him again, and the Empress Dowager wished him to drink the steaming milk tea again. Only then did he feel at ease, and then he looked up at Fulin sincerely and said: "Is the emperor pardoning Chen Mingxia?" Mean?" Fulin was noncommittal.
"This servant is asking for an opinion on this matter. Please check the empress dowager and the emperor clearly. Chen Mingxia cannot forgive him! ... The emperor is very fond of his talent and learning, but my Qing Dynasty is rich all over the world, and my emperor is the master of the world. There is still a lot of sand in it, many of them are Chen Mingxia! This person has always been a clique, and he is a repeated villain. The emperor has seen him through for a long time..." Ji Erhalang was referring to the incident two years ago: Yu Shi Zhang Xuan impeached Chen Mingxia Jie The party acts privately and the election is unfair.During the meeting of the ministers of King Baylor, the minister of political affairs, Tan Tai, defended Chen Mingxia, and sentenced Zhang Xuan to death with a false accusation.Soon, Tan Tai was sentenced to death for the crime of being attached to Dorgon by the party, and Shunzhi reinstated Minister Baylor, the king of politics, to retrial according to Zhang Xuan's impeachment of Chen Mingxia.Chen Mingxia tried his best to defend himself, and when he ran out of words, he mourned and wept, saying that he had meritorious service in surrendering and hoped to avoid death.At that time, Fulin said to the ministers discussing politics: "This man is really a cunning villain, and his crime is unforgivable.
But I have a decree that anyone who has anything to do with Tan Tai will be pardoned and not questioned.If Chen Mingxia is guilty, he will lose his trust in the world. "In this way, Chen Mingxia was able to leave his job and stay on. After all, Fulin valued Chen Mingxia's academic ability. Last year, Chen Mingxia was reinstated. But just over a year after he was proud, something happened again.
Fulin was not very happy that Prince Zheng brought up the past.Because Chen Mingxia was pardoned in the ninth year of Shunzhi, and his starting point was to value talents rather than keeping promises.At this moment, he said: "I have seen that the British masters of the past dynasties used their strengths and ignored their weaknesses, such as Chen Ping used by Han Gaozu, and Zhang Xiu used by Emperor Wu of Wei. You must know that gold is never pure, and no one is perfect!" Drop the book bag, how can Prince Zheng be Fulin's opponent!He still can't read a single stone of those complicated Chinese characters.But he has the most practical considerations for the court: "What the emperor said is true. But Chen Mingxia's great harm is not only repeated, but the most important thing is to form a party. Twenty-nine Han officials dared to make another argument, which has never happened in this dynasty!
Chen Mingxia is the leader, the black sheep, and he will become a court without severe punishment? ..."
Fulin remained silent for a while, then said hesitantly, "Or dismissed from office?..."
Prince Zheng sighed and said: "The emperor is kind-hearted, the servant is really afraid that the emperor will hurt himself by raising a tiger.
This kind of unfaithful and unrighteous villain makes the servants feel terrified when they look at it.The emperor treated him like this, what kindness did he have for the emperor? "He quickly glanced at the Empress Dowager Zhuang anxiously. The Empress Dowager sat on her throne, as always, dignified, kind, and gentle, and he couldn't tell if it was right or not. So he bit his head and forced out his trump card: "Dorgon At the time of regent, the emperor was young, didn't Chen Mingxia visit Prince Rui's mansion at night, and Chen invited Dorgon to ascend the throne? "Fulin was shocked and clenched his teeth tightly. Prince Zheng looked at Fulin distressedly, and continued: "Although Dorgon replied that this dynasty has its own family law, it was not accepted by Er and others, but Chen Mingxia Immediately, the bachelor was promoted to the minister of the Ministry of officials, and he has been greatly used since then.Fortunately, God does not bless the wicked, Dorgon died of illness, otherwise... Alas! "Prince Zheng lowered his head, looking old.
Fulin also lowered his head and remained silent, unable to see his expression clearly.But Jierharang knew he had hit home.All ordinary people, as long as they are involved in Dorgon's conspiracy, they can immediately arouse Fulin's hatred; as long as they are attacked and rejected by Dorgon, they can immediately arouse Fulin's favor.As soon as Dorgon fell from power, Sony, Xifu, Obai, Ye Bilong and others immediately participated in the discussion of politics, which is the reason.
Prince Zheng stood up and bowed to the Empress Dowager and Shunzhi again.He really loved this sixteen-year-old nephew, and knew that what he said would irritate Fulin, so he felt very sad, but he had to say it.He looked at Fulin silently for a while, and sighed: "Oh, the emperor should not be too tired, the slave has gone..." After Jierhalang left, the mother and son were relatively speechless, exchanging glances from time to time.Later, Empress Dowager Zhuang exclaimed softly: "What a loyal old minister!" She looked at Fulin's wandering eyes, and asked gently: "Huanger, what do you mean?" "Chen Mingxia is guilty, but the crime Not to death. Tom Mafa still has a play today to intercede for him, saying that as a king, kindness must be the foundation. My son is dedicated to administering benevolent government and practicing kingly ways, how can he kill ministers at will!" The queen mother smiled slightly: "Ma Law has high morals and is a benevolent elder. But after all, he is a foreigner. He does not understand the people's hearts in China, the rise and fall of dynasties, and the fundamentals of governing the world." Fulin stared at his mother with dark eyes, trying to hide his inner dissatisfaction.
"Chen Mingxia is not unforgivable. But if Chen Mingxia is pardoned, will Li Chengxiang be pardoned?
He can be compared with Chen Mingxia's charges of minor officials; Chen Mingxia and Li Chengxiang have both been pardoned, how to deal with the twenty-nine Han officials forming a party?I have to ignore them, they are less charged than Chen and Li.No conviction in the three cases, will the minister of the king of politics, Baylor, accept it?Are the Manchurian relatives convinced?Are the soldiers of the Eight Banners convinced?Huang'er, who do you rely on for your success? "Fulin trembled, lowered his eyelids, his thick black eyelashes fluttered.
"Can you rely on those Han people? Emperor, I have asked you to think about it many times, and today I want you to think about it. Do you think that all the Han people in the world have surrendered? Now that you are on the throne, you should be as proud as six horses with a rotten rein. The slightest mistake will destroy the world won by Taizu and Taizong in one hundred battles. Huangzi, you must not be careless!..." Fulin felt cold wars roll over his back, and his forehead also oozes out. Beads of sweat.
He whispered in shame: "I just thought that Chen Mingxia's crimes are not worthy of death, so..." Empress Dowager Zhuang smiled gently: "At this point, what is there to talk about guilt or innocence?" Said: "It is only necessary to punish Chen Mingxia for the crime of deleting edicts and forming a party for personal gain. If you keep your hair and clothes, you don't need to mention it." Fulin admired his mother.Because in this way, it not only saves face for Fulin who agreed to this statement, but also avoids arousing the resentment of the Han officials and Han people.
Mrs. Tong entered the Jingren Gate, bypassed a square marble screen named Yuanshan Diancui, passed through the front yard, and entered the backyard through the west door. She saw her daughter sitting on the front porch of the bedroom, her body covered with brilliant sunshine.There are several golden birdcages hanging on the sparrow stand by the corridor, and two court ladies add food and water to the cages.Concubine Tong didn't move, she only sucked her small mouth and raised her chin, teasing the lively blue and green, yellow-bellied and red-billed parrot in front of her.
"Oh, my aunt! You really have a leisurely heart!" Mrs. Tong hurriedly came to the front porch, but she did not forget to greet her own daughter.
Concubine Tong turned her face and opened her round eyes: "What's the matter?" "Your uncle and grandpa entered the Palace of Compassion, please ask the Queen Mother to persuade the emperor together. I don't know if the persuasion is done! If the emperor pardons that surnamed Chen Nan Manzi can't do it, so what can I do!" Concubine Tong is just fourteen years old this year.When she entered the palace, she was a full-fledged girl, still at the age of playing catch-up, because Xiangniang cried almost every day.In recent years, I gradually learned not to cry, but I became pregnant again.I am still a child who cannot live without my mother, and seeing that I am going to become a mother again, I am really shocked, afraid, happy and worried.There are only three people in her small heart: the emperor, the queen mother and her unborn baby.She has no time to think about anything else, nor is she interested.She didn't know anything about these government affairs.After Mrs. Tong entered the palace, she gave her many advices, but she was still not so enlightened. At this time, she said: "A Han official, who can't be pardoned, what's so great!" "Oh, my aunt! I told you so For a few days, I dare to spit in vain! This southern barbarian surnamed Chen has pissed off a group of Han officials, just to make things difficult for us!" "Isn't it just about returning the enclaved land? The emperor said it was called back, so it should be back!" Tong The imperial concubine was unequivocal in supporting the emperor.
"Returning a hundred acres of land is nothing, it's nothing to us. But that barbarian surnamed Chen is going to kill people and punish the magistrates again. It's obvious that he wants to put down our arrogance and blow our prestige! He If things come to fruition, will there be any good fruits for us banner people to eat?..." Concubine Tong looked at her mother childishly.Madam Tong clapped her hands, sighed and called out: "My little enemy! You are still concerned about this matter!" "Me?" Concubine Tong shrugged her thin eyebrows in surprise.
"It's nothing!" Mrs. Tong quickly helped her daughter into the bedroom, and helped her lie down on the soft and thick bed.After all the court ladies went to wait outside, Mrs. Tong sat on the embroidered pier beside the bed, lowered her voice, and asked straight to the point: "You don't want to be a queen?" These words were too sharp, and Concubine Tong's face was "bruised" It was red to the neck, almost like a piece of red silk, and even the yellow-brown butterfly spots on the cheeks and around the lips were covered by the blush.She was inexperienced, a child in many respects, but sensitive to her own status.After the queen was abolished, she often woke up in the middle of the night and quietly prayed to the gods and Buddhas in the sky to bless her to be able to succeed.This is her secret, and she would never dare to reveal it on weekdays.She instinctively felt that if her "unreasonable thoughts" were found out, she would definitely be rejected by the emperor, and the gentle and loving empress dowager would also hate her. , was relegated to concubine or nobleman, and would never have a bright future.The secret she never dared to say was revealed by her mother, and she was so embarrassed that she almost burst into tears.
"Why are you blushing!" Mrs. Tong said bluntly: "Although the emperor has a prince and two princesses, their mothers are of low status. Among the empresses, you are the first to be happy. I see you have a sharp belly and a colorful face. Give birth to a son! Mothers are more valuable than their sons, it has always been the case, what else can I say?..." Concubine Tong frowned slightly, and quickly reached out to stroke her protruding abdomen.The restless little thing is kicking and punching in the stomach.Madam Tong's words are actually superfluous, and Concubine Tong has thought about it hundreds of times.
"You are sure to succeed as the queen, but this barbarian surnamed Chen is against us. If the emperor pardons him, what does it mean to our family? What hope do you have for being the queen?" Concubine Tong was stunned.She really hadn't thought of this level.
"Do you think I can not get angry in a hurry? You seem to be okay! You should also take advantage of the time to talk to the emperor, but you can't drink the ecstasy of the Nanmanzi!" Concubine Tong pulled the quilt to cover her face , said in a soft voice: "There is fetal training in the palace, and the emperor hasn't come for half a month. Besides, concubines are not allowed to pre-government, this is family law, I can't..." Mrs. Tong stayed for a long time, "嗐", said : "Really! It's such a beautiful thing, if it is defeated by the Nanmanzi, I will die in peace!... What kind of magic does this Nanmanzi have, so that these people forget the rules of their ancestors? Don't look at Na'an County Wang, you're also that street guy!..." "Don't talk about it! It's a joke that our family has no rules!" Concubine Tong suddenly became upset, showing her identity as the empress.Mrs. Tong was taken aback, and realized that she had gone too far, she quickly restrained herself, bowed to apologize, and said according to the official etiquette: "Your Majesty, forgive me. This concubine is really upset..." The palace maid came in and said: "My Majesty, Tong Madam Tong's maid begged to see Madam Tong." Madam Tong stood up suddenly in a panic, sat down again, and said anxiously to Concubine Tong: "The news is here! I asked her to go to my uncle's grandfather's house to inquire!" Concubine Tong I don't know where the energy came from, and I sat up suddenly: "Quickly pass her in!" The maid came in and knelt first to Concubine Tong and then to Mrs. Tong.Mrs. Tong grabbed her and asked anxiously, "How is it?" The maid looked up, and Concubine Tong and Mrs. Tong looked nervous, staring at her with wide eyes, without blinking, and suddenly panicked, and their tongues became knotted. Then he said: "The emperor... approved the three inscriptions of officials, rites, and punishments. He said that it was true. Chen Mingxia took the lead in surrendering and served for a long time..." The same whiteness, Concubine Tong's lips are all gray, and the patches of chloasma on her face have become very conspicuous.Mrs. Tong was so anxious that she raised her hand to hit the maid, but the maid had already calmed down, and continued: "...the emperor is merciful, and changed the sentence of beheading to hanging. It's a hanging sentence!" After a moment of silence, Concubine Tong collapsed on the pillow, following her complexion. After recovering, a smile gradually came to the corners of his mouth and brows.Mrs. Tong danced happily and laughed loudly: "Hahahaha! Good emperor! Good emperor! This is a good descendant of Taizu and Taizong!" She patted her thigh and laughed heartily, revealing the masculine features of tribal women in the early years. The pride of the taste.She grabbed the maid and asked: "That's all? Is there any more?" The maid thought for a while: "The censor Li Chengxiang was saved from death and moved to Shengjing. Twenty-nine Han officials were dismissed, demoted, and fined." Tong The madam was overjoyed, and pushed the maid: "Go! Go back to the mansion and bring me some clothes, and hurry back to the palace tonight!" This is clearly for the maid to return to Tong's mansion to announce the good news.The maid understood, and hurried to the palace to collect the badge.
宫女侍女都不在跟前，佟夫人兴致更高了：“哈哈，这一回，你爹能当国丈，我叫啥呢？国丈母娘？你兄弟可就是正牌的国舅啦！封王咱也不想，可封个公侯太师啥的，总错不了吧？永平府那些个田地，都封给咱们家好了！皇后的娘家，看谁还敢争！"她又拉着女儿的手，怜爱备至地抚摸着，笑眯眯地说：“你从小儿就命贵，好几个有名的老道都算你大富大贵，有个老和尚还指实了说，你有皇后之分。我们心里明白，不敢告诉你。打你一进宫，我们就盼着这一天啦！……“她再也坐不住了，在屋里走来走去，兴奋地大声叨叨：“可得敬谢老天，敬谢神佛保佑！快，快！我得立马给佛爷烧炷香！"她找来线香点着，跑到卧室后的小次间，那里佛龛上供着一尊尺多高的金佛像。她举着香拜了又拜，嘴里不住地念着祷词。不一会儿，她觉着有人挨着她跪下了。回头一看，她那身子笨重、相貌娇小的女儿，也举着线香，满脸喜悦和虔诚，对着金佛像频频拜祷。
“万岁爷，膳齐。"管膳大太监向站在一盆牡丹花前发愣的福临跪禀，福临无可奈何地回到东暖阁。洋漆花膳桌上已经摆好三十多个珐琅质、银质及瓷质的盘、碟、碗。两名摆膳太监一左一右地站着，前面还有四个养心殿当值太监垂手恭候。福临入座后，摆膳太监便把一片一片的菜碗菜盘的银盖打开，请皇上过目。看见皇上用眼瞧哪样菜，就得赶紧拿它往皇上跟前挪。福临此时毫无胃口，连眼皮都不抬。
吴良辅乖巧地走过来，用眼色支开了摆膳太监，笑道：“万岁爷批本批了两个时辰，怎么也得进点膳。"他看着满桌的菜，点着数地说：“万岁爷往这儿瞧，这一片燕窝丝鸡丝香蕈丝火腿丝白菜丝，鲜美无比；这一盆燕窝冬笋肥鸡热锅，热腾腾香喷喷；攒盘里烧狗肉、锅塌鸡丝、晾羊肉，是北地的名菜；黄碗里芽韭炒鹿脯丝红黄相间，是太庙的供献；象眼小馒头，又软又暄；折叠奶皮子、酸奶子，白格生生馋人眼！……”
吴良辅一套油腔滑调，活象是市上酒楼的跑堂，倒把福临逗笑了，说：“贫嘴贱舌的，馋死你！"吴良辅赶紧跪下叩头：“奴才哪敢承望万岁爷的赏，只求皇上开开脸，进得香，奴才就是饿三天也心甘情愿！"福临半笑半恼地说：“少给我耍嘴皮子！"他在面前的几个碗里夹了一点菜，吃了几口，便放下筷子，微微蹙起眉头说：“把菜赏给妃嫔们。佟妃那儿多分两样。"太监们连忙撤膳，用黄锦锻的棉包袱将膳盒包好，捧着、抱着、抬着退出养心殿，紧赶着送往东西各宫。
吴良辅还在接福临的话茬：“佟娘娘日子近了，是得好好保养。要是诞育一位太子，可是大清的洪福啊！"福临心头一动：太子？为什么是太子？ ……佟妃想当皇后？Why is she? ……上午，他从慈宁宫回来，立刻批下题本：陈名夏处绞，李呈祥和二十九名汉官都给了严厉惩罚。下笔时他并不犹豫，甚至还有点痛快。批本很快被送走了，陈名夏的死便成定局。之后，他在批复其他题本时，脑子经常回到这件事上来。想到几乎天天照面的内秘书院大学士，才干卓著、倜傥不群，能和福临论诗谈史的陈名夏，三两天内便要成为一具尸体，他又感到心里不是滋味，感到违心的痛苦，感到受了压制的愤懑。他绝非对母亲不满，因为母亲是全心全意为自己着想的。
他忍受不了郑亲王的挟制！是的，他觉得这位老叔王是在利用他痛恨多尔衮的弱点，达到庇护亲贵的目的，而最终还是为了他的外甥女婿佟图赖！
这些思绪纠缠着他，使他心情十分恶劣。吴良辅一句有关太子的话，一下子使他把两件事情联系起来了：郑亲王表面上是为江山社稷，实际上也在营私。他打击陈名夏是为了保护佟图赖，保护佟图赖是为了帮助佟妃谋取后位……福临站在一排排蓝缎遮掩的巨大书橱边，紧紧抿住嘴唇，下巴凸了出来。史书史册浩如烟海，记载了多少帝王将相的兴亡，多少宫闱秘事掩盖着争权夺利的生死搏斗！那些昏昧的、醉生梦死的帝王糊里糊涂，象被人玩弄于指掌中的木偶。
可是我福临，是大清一统江山的第一代君主，决不能任人挟制，决不软弱！
他稳稳地转过身，背起双手，一步一步走回西暖阁，在御案上找出那两份重要题本，坚定地提起了朱笔。
佟夫人的侍女回到景仁宫，已是上灯时分。佟妃母女的喜气，因皇上赐给菜肴而更加火炽。一品燕窝鸡丝香蕈丝火腿丝白菜丝装在五福大珐琅碗里；一品山药酒燉鸭子热锅盛在红潮海碗中，另有紫龙黄碟装的干湿点心四品；五寸黄龙盘盛的奶饼敖尔布哈一田；银碟小菜四品，佟妃都毕恭毕敬地吃了。富丽的御用餐具还放在八仙桌上，等候御膳房的太监来龋佟妃脸上一团娇慵，流露出愉快和满足。佟夫人不住声地又笑又说：“……想想啊，上午批本绞了那蛮子，中午就赏来御肴，皇上的心意还不明白吗？有情有义呢！"她不再压低嗓门，满院都能听到她的声音：“啧啧！这膳具多漂亮！多精致！瞧见吗，这是龙盘，还是黄龙盘哪！拿这紫龙碟黄龙盘给你送点心，准有意思。这可不是小事！……咦，你站在这儿干什么？进来呀！"她发现侍女悄悄地站在门边，伸手把她拽进来，问：“家里人都乐坏了吧？你家老爷再不用吊着他那大马脸啦！这可是托姑奶奶的福！……你怎么不说话？"侍女跪下，低头道：“禀夫人……禀夫人……”佟夫人心绪正好，很爽快：“有什么为难事，尽管说！”“禀夫人，圣旨下到府里，说是圈占的永平府民地一概退还；不敢受理民词的县府州官停职待参；老爷罚俸三月，降二级……”“啪！"佟夫人抡起胳膊抽了侍女一耳光，跺着脚喊道：“你胡说！小贱人，看我不鞭死你！"侍女连忙叩头呜咽道：“奴才有多大胆量，敢捏造圣旨……“佟妃脸色一变，张嘴倒吸一口冷气，把手指咬在唇齿间，抽抽噎噎地哭了。佟夫人心乱如麻，顾不得细问侍女，连忙回身搂着女儿安慰：“快别哭！伤了胎气，可不是闹着玩的。
小孩子家嘴没遮拦，胡说八道，别听她的！……”“佟妹妹好吗？"清脆柔媚的声音从院里传来，仿佛含着笑意，响亮地招呼着。永和宫端妃和景阳宫恭妃进来了。这一对姐妹花，都穿着蒙古式的锦锻便袍，端妃粉红，恭妃深蓝，闪着柔和的亮光。这是两位科尔沁蒙古王公的格格，难得来景仁宫串门。佟妃有喜以后，她们更不舒坦，只是慑于皇太后的威严和宫里的规矩，不敢形于词色。这会儿，她们来做什么？
佟妃困难地移动身子，请她们坐上临南窗的短炕。宫女为她们收拾好杏黄缎垫和靠枕，奉上奶茶。她们向佟夫人表示了问候，坐下了。
端妃流动的目光，立刻集注到八仙桌上：“呀，佟妹妹，御膳房的人还没来收膳具？我那儿的早就收去了。"恭妃笑道：“刚上我那儿去收。今儿赏的菜怪有味道的。"佟妃不由得看了母亲一眼，佟夫人傻了似的张嘴瞪眼，一语不发。客人看在眼里，互相使着眼色，暗暗发笑。
端妃说：“佟妹妹，我们姐儿俩可有要紧事告诉你……”恭妃连忙打断：“先别说，让妹妹猜一猜。"佟妃强笑着摇头，表情十分可怜：“小妹猜不着。"端妃笑嘻嘻地说：“告诉你吧，咱们就要有一位中宫娘娘了。妹妹猜是谁？"端妃和恭妃都笑着，闪烁的目光一起盯住佟妃。佟妃经受不住，脸色渐渐发白，心头怦怦乱跳，手心捏出了冷汗，用变得不象是自己的嗓音，哑声说：“我不知道。"端妃柔媚的笑容里含有显而易见的幸灾乐祸：“还是我们科尔沁蒙古格格，咱们皇太后的侄孙女，静妃的侄女儿！"恭妃补了一句：“今儿下午，皇上的谕旨。"佟妃耳中嗡嗡乱响，冷汗顺着背沟流。她们又说些什么，她全没听明白。她强笑着、挣扎着，把端妃和恭妃送出宫门。
晚风送来她们的窃窃私语：
“还当自己能爬上去呢，不就仗着肚子里有货吗！”“这下子可好了，看她还张狂！……”佟妃感到恶心，眼前金花直冒，浑身一软，晕了过去。
当晚，太医被紧急召进景仁宫。上夜的敬事房太监、御药房首领太监急得团团转，佟妃的呻吟已变成可怕的嘶叫了。
萨满太太头戴神帽，身系腰铃，手持皮鼓，摇头摆身地击鼓跳舞，满嘴里高声诵着神祝，鼓声铃声随着她越来越快、若颠若狂的舞动和叫喊，响得越急越乱。她从景仁门跳进前院，跳上月台，又在寝殿门口跳祝。佟妃的阵阵哀号，佟夫人带着哭声的劝慰，仍然透过跳神的鼓铃诵祝声传了出去。
黎明前，夜色最浓、天光最暗之际，一声婴儿的啼叫冲破黑暗飞上天空。他拚命地哭叫着，哭叫着，仿佛受了极大委屈，又愤怒，又响亮，用力呼吸着人间甘美的、又充满苦难的空气。他将走过漫长的一生，完成宏伟的大业，英名永留史册。但他的第一阵啼哭，和所有婴儿并无不同，也是一首动人的生命之歌。
第一颗晨星升上来了，默默俯视着九重宫阙。随在晨星之后，是渐清渐亮的黎明。
这是顺治十一年三月十八日。
——六——
顺治十一年六月十六，福临二次大婚。这一天行册立礼和奉迎礼，仪式最为隆重。由于连年征战，郑成功和朱由榔长期与清朝大军相持，互有胜负，军费开支浩大，财赋情况吃紧。但帝王的威仪必须维持，因而大婚典礼仍然那么豪华、奢侈和气派，一点不亚于第一次大婚。
这一天，京城和全国各地都奉到喜诏，人人须穿红戴绿，家家要张灯结彩，以示万民同庆。偌大一座北京城，登时打扮得花团锦簇。新增设的十三衙门里的管事太监，领了些差役往平民居住区发放喜饼，人们拥挤喊叫，有的哭有的笑，挤伤了许多人，热闹嘈杂的声音给喜洋洋的气氛增色不少。
这一天，是皇家的喜庆，皇城另是一番天家气派：宫内各处御道铺上了厚厚的红毡毯；门神、对联焕然一新；午门以内各宫门殿门高悬大红灯笼；太和门、太和殿、乾清宫和坤宁宫还要悬挂双喜字彩绸。从太和殿外直到天安门前，陈设着皇帝的法驾卤簿：五颜六色的旗、扇、散幡，金光闪闪的刀、斧、钺、戟，成百成千，站成笔直的队形，使人眼花缭乱；大辂、玉辂、大马辇、小马辇直排出午门，驾辇拉辂的大象和御马肃立在侧；午门外左右两列，站了四只巨大的开路导象、四只身背金色嵌珠玉宝瓶的宝象，它们庞大的身躯和凶野的外貌，足以吓坏初次进宫的人。中和韶乐设在太和殿前廊下的东西两侧，丹陛大乐设在太和门内廊下，与陈设在午门宝象之南的铙歌鼓吹相呼应。一旦典礼开始，三支大型乐队将把欢快的喜乐撒遍大内，撒遍整个紫禁城。
慈宁宫外陈列着皇太后的仪驾，数百人鸦雀无声、整齐森严。各宫主位及太妃们都集中在慈宁宫正殿，分列在庄太后左右，等候着典礼的钟声。
皇太后高坐在宝座之上，因为穿了全套礼服而显得越加庄严高贵：三重宝石冠顶上，珍贵的东珠围绕着一块硕大的红宝石，九只镶了珍珠的金凤环集在皇冠的四周，金凤嘴里各衔着五串珍珠垂挂，前面的垂向前额，侧后方的垂至耳下肩头；马蹄袖的深紫色朝袍外，罩着石青色绣行龙朝褂和披肩，上有山海日月龙凤图案，显示着无上的尊严。可是，即使面临这样的大典，又处在如此高贵的地位，庄太后仍不改她一贯的自然而慈蔼的大度。
午门上钟声响了。一派管笛悠扬，导迎乐队吹打着典雅的乐曲，在御杖的前导下，出隆宗门缓缓而来。后面，礼部尚书恭引身着礼服的皇帝，步往慈宁宫向皇太后行礼。一声口令，皇太后仪驾的卤簿高高举起，恭迎皇上。
乐队和礼部堂官留在慈宁门外恭候，福临进入慈宁宫。
妃、嫔、贵人、常在、答应及太监宫女们跪下迎驾，懿靖大贵妃和康惠淑妃站在宝座左右，和太后一同受了皇帝的礼拜。
母子对视片刻，都微微一笑。母亲的笑容里满含着安慰与鼓励，儿子的笑容表示着体谅和一点无可奈何。
太后会意地说：“此女秉性温良，恪守妻职，孝敬节俭，淑仪素著，是皇儿佳偶。自此以后，中宫有主，内政可修，佳儿佳妇，永谐合好，我也放心了。"福临深深一拜，按礼仪规定，说了一长段答辞，什么"秀锺华阀，德备坤仪"，"溯懿亲于渭阳，定嘉祥于妫汭"之类。最后，他添了一句规定外的话：“母后觉得好，想必是好的了。"福临再拜而出。乐曲声又嘹亮地响起。太后耳边总萦绕着儿子多加的那句话，心中一丝不安在扩大，似乎有某种不幸的预感。她连忙稳定心绪，闭眼静了片刻。
白发苍苍的郑亲王济尔哈朗和承泽亲王硕塞在御杖的导引下进入慈宁宫，奏请皇太后驾临保和殿。太后将在那里接受皇后之母及公主、福晋们的朝见。皇后进宫后，太后还要在那里接受皇帝和诸王的礼拜，并赐宴皇后之母。
庄太后起身走下宝座出殿，妃嫔们按各人位号有秩序地跟从在后，到保和殿参加大婚典中的内礼。太后忽然停步，回头看了一眼。面色疲惫、脸庞消瘦，身材细弱得绣袍在身上打晃的佟妃，在这群丰满鲜艳的宫妃中显得非常刺目。太后微笑着柔声道：“康妃，你产后体弱，失于调养。大典很累人，你怕吃不消。先回宫养息去吧，喜宴我着人送去景仁宫。"佟妃因生了皇子，进号康妃。听了太后体贴的吩咐，她心里感动，眼泪直在眼眶里打转。大喜日子是不能哭的，她连忙跪下拜谢，声音有点呜咽：“谢太后恩典。"慈宁门外乐声大作，佟妃知道，太后升舆了。又等了片刻，料想太后已经走远，佟妃才扶着两名宫女离开慈宁宫。
今天，她不能如平日那样穿隆宗门、过乾清门，直接由内左门进东一长街回景仁宫，甚至也不能从启祥门过永寿宫，穿月华门、日精门到东一长街。正殿、中宫今天只属于正位的人--皇太后、皇帝和皇后。而她只不过是康妃，要想进到正位，还有贵妃、皇贵妃两大台阶。只是皇上一直没有册立贵妃、皇贵妃，她才因生子而存了那么一段痴心妄想。如今，全都破灭了！
她满心凄楚，缓缓地、悄悄地向北走，折而向东进启祥门，出螽斯门折向北，便是那条静寂的西二长街。两旁宫墙矗立，头顶只露出窄窄的一道蓝天，重重殿阙、层层宫院，仿佛都深深陷没在厚重的宫墙之下，只有一道道深黄琉璃瓦屋脊、高高翘向天际的飞檐和檐上九个欲飞的压角兽，求救似地浮出墙头。她们的脚步声在宫墙间空寂地回响着，直走到最北头，也不曾见到一个人影。要不是骄阳似火，真会令人感到阴森可怖。
出百子门，向东直行，到了御花园。佟妃走得很累，天气又热，鬓发都被冷汗湿透了。乍一走进这座松柏如盖的御花园，阴凉的风顿时使她打了个寒噤。
这边是千秋亭，对面是万春亭。福临刚立她为妃的时候，不是常到这里来的吗？他们不是十分恩爱吗？那时她还把"千秋”“万春"当作佳兆呢……不到一年，她就失宠了。生了一个皇子，也没能挽回她的厄运。他有了皇后，还会有皇贵妃、贵妃；还会册立很多很多的妃嫔、贵人、常在、答应；她们还会为他生许多许多的皇子皇女。多子多孙，这是皇家的愿望，也是皇家的规矩，不然和千秋亭、万春亭遥遥相对的东西二门，为什么命名为"百子门"、[千婴门]呢？
午门钟鼓齐鸣，打断了佟妃的胡思乱想。皇后进宫了，中宫有了主人。一年多的幸福、甜蜜、期望、野心，如同一场春梦，消失了；如同御沟里的河水，流逝了。留下来的，只是那个小皇子，刚刚三个月。在紫禁城高大厚重的宫墙内，那小小的婴儿，是她唯一的亲人……她不敢恨谁，甚至不敢恨自己命苦。怨望，是宫妃失德的一项罪过。不妒嫉、不申辩，才算恪守谨顺之道。此时，她只热切地想要见到她的儿子。--按出生时序，他是顺治皇帝福临的第三个儿子。
孩子刚落地，就被保姆抱走，交到早已预备好的乳母手中，养在乾东五所。佟妃只在孩子满月时见过他一面：乳母抱他到太后宫中朝见祖母时，她和其他宫妃以相同身份抱了他一会儿。宫里有规矩，尽可以有宫妃在自己宫中养育其他宫妃所生的皇子皇女、甚至亲王的子女--当然，这是对宫妃的特殊宠幸--却不许亲生母子同居一宫。清代吸取历代母以子贵或子以母贵，因而结党乱政的教训，采取了这种违逆骨肉之情的宫规。
今天，不是去看望孩子的好机会吗？
她抬手抿了抿鬓边的乱发，掸了掸宫袍上并不存在的灰尘，庄重而有信心地走向琼苑东门，步履稳健，不要人搀扶。
两个宫女惊异地互相望一眼，紧紧跟上。
佟妃并不由长宁左门折向南，走东一长街回宫，却头也不回地继续往东走。宫女又互相看了一眼：娘娘难道要绕远走东二长街吗？
千婴门下，佟妃停步片刻，毅然转身向北。宫女惊慌地喊了一声：“娘娘！”佟妃象没听到一样，径直走向乾东五所大门。两个宫女紧跑两步，拦跪在佟妃面前，哀求似地齐声喊着：“娘娘！……”佟妃细眉一竖，瞪起圆眼怒喝道：“想挨鞭子吗？"宫女无奈，只得让开。佟妃简直是凭着直觉，一脚踏进第二所，一眼就看见保姆抱着她