In the past, King Gaomi also had a house full of wives and concubines, but since his third son died in infancy fifteen years ago, and his concubines and others were infected with the epidemic and died overnight, only the couple and the surviving family members were left in the palace. Two sons and two daughters.
When Sheng Suihe was led to the court by King Gaomi himself, Princess Gaomi and the eldest son Rong Qingzuo's family were waiting here first. Although Princess Qingfang, who had already left the court, was not there, the second son Rong Qingzui and the unmarried Princess Huihe were also nowhere to be seen.
However, no one present mentioned what those people meant. The princess who was looking forward to seeing Sheng Suihe walked in the door excitedly stood up to greet her: "Hou'er, you are back!"
Princess Gaomi had obviously dressed up specially to welcome her youngest son after a long separation: she wore a peacock robe with a green background and gold embroidery over the shoulders, a maroon pleated skirt with fish and algae patterns, and a wide jade girl's belt wearing a flower phoenix; On the bun is inserted a gold-backed wooden comb inlaid with jade, a pair of gilt hairpins inlaid with rice beads and pearls, a jade-studded pavilion step shake and other headdresses; beside her ears is a pair of white jade and red gold earrings inlaid with gourds and hollow money patterns; on her wrists is a A suet-fat jade Ruyi cloud-patterned peace bracelet with golden phoenix rows and gold stacked coral bead strings; a gold folded silk treasure on the chest to cover the pavilion drop collar; a jade-inlaid gold treasure and exquisite heron and egret sash ring hanging on the skirt... Although this outfit did not have a grand ceremony. It's complicated, but it's also very grand.
Considering her long-term illness, she would usually not insert more green hairpins. However, she was so solemn at this moment, which showed how much she valued Sheng Sleeping Crane.
The prince and his wife next to them also had red eyes. They stood up behind the princess and sighed: "Third brother, you can come back. God has blessed me in Gaomi Palace! My mother and concubine have shed tears almost every day for you over the years. If you were If I come back later, I won’t know about my mother-in-law... "
"Thank you for your hard work, Princess." However, Sheng Suihe had a calm expression and said plainly. Not only Princess Gaomi was stunned, but Rong Qingzui was also stunned and said, "Third brother, why do you still call me Princess?"
"The child told me on the way that the Sheng family has been very good to him over the years, and he has no memory of the past, so even though he has seen the result of blood recognition with his own eyes, he is still very unfamiliar to us." Simply at this time, King Gaomi He came up and explained, "So I can't call you 'Father' or 'Mother' for the time being. Let's be more tolerant."
There was helplessness on his face. If Sheng Suihe just said that he couldn't say "Father," he would admit it. After all, it was fifteen years apart. It was no wonder that the father and son were like passers-by; but in the face of the haggard and short-lived person, His own mother, Princess Gaomi, actually said that she could not call her "mother concubine". King Gaomi felt somewhat sad for the princess.
After all, Princess Gaomi has longed for her son so much over the years that even her political enemy Zheng Guogong was moved by her. How come Sheng Sleeping Crane, who is missed, doesn't feel anything at all
But the legitimate son who had just been found was still the heart of the princess that she had been pregnant with for fifteen years. King Gaomi did not dare to say anything harsh, so he had to smooth things over for him now, "Fortunately, the child is back, and the future is long. Let's There’s no need to rush, right?”
Although Princess Gaomi was disappointed, she was even more reluctant to say bad things about Sheng Suihe. After hearing this, she nodded repeatedly: "These are small things. As long as you are good, it is more important than anything else!"
While she was talking, she personally reached out to hold Sheng Suihe's arm, wanting to take him over to sit down. Who knew that Sheng Suihe took an unintentional step to the side, but her arm was in vain!
The attention in the hall was focused on Sheng Sleeping Crane, and naturally everyone saw this scene.
Although the wife of the Crown Prince, Mrs. Qi, frowned slightly, she felt that her brother-in-law, who had just been found, was a bit spoiled. After all, she was also her biological mother. She hadn't seen him for more than ten years, so she felt strange. As for this, there was always a barrier. Alienated
However, the expressions of King Gaomi and Crown Prince Rong Qingzui changed. They looked at each other with deep shock and confusion in their eyes...
"Hou'er?" What the father and son thought of, Princess Gaomi also thought of, and subconsciously called out, her outstretched hand froze in the air, despair gradually appeared on her brows, "Don't you..."
"Princess, this junior has been away from home for many years and has become accustomed to the current name." Sheng Suihe turned his head and said calmly, "So you call me 'payer'. Please forgive me for not being able to match you. After all, for this junior For me, this name is like another person and has nothing to do with this junior!"
"Furthermore, I don't know how you found out that I am the bloodline of the prince and princess."
"It's just that now the Gaomi Prince's family is reunited, but I don't know if the Sheng family, which has treated its juniors as if it were its own children over the years, still has the mood and opportunity to reunite as a family?!"
There was a cold look in his eyes, and he did not hide his unhappiness, "After all, Zheng Guogong's wrath may be nothing to the Gaomi Palace, but to the Sheng family who controls a corner of Nanfeng County... it is enough to frighten the entire family. Isn’t it?!”
Although Sheng Suihe's words were very rude, Gaomi Wang and his wife and Rong Qingzui both breathed a sigh of relief!
"He'er, you don't have to worry about the Sheng family!" The princess said immediately, "They raised you as their own child, that is, the mother-in-law's reborn parents! Even if the mother-in-law is shattered to pieces, she will never let them suffer in the slightest. It’s hurt and affected!”
When she spoke, her eyes were fixed on King Gaomi like a knife. King Gaomi hurriedly said: "That's right! Father has already made arrangements for this matter. Later, we father and son will go to the study to talk slowly. Father promises to protect Sheng." Home!"
After the couple comforted each other for a long time, Sheng Suihe's expression softened. At this time, the wife of the Crown Prince Qi looked at the opportunity and said: "Father, mother and concubine, please let the third brother sit down and drink some water before we talk?"
"Look at how stupid I am!" Princess Gaomi patted her head when she heard this and sighed, "I haven't even let the child sit down yet!"
This time she reached for Sheng Suihe's arm again. Although Sheng Suihe frowned, he didn't let go.
Seeing this, King Gaomi and Rong Qingzui were somewhat relieved.
After sitting down, the princess and Sheng Suihe introduced Rong Qingzuo and his wife: "This is your eldest brother and sister-in-law."
Because Sheng Suihe said that he could no longer remember things before he was five years old, the princess said in detail, "You brothers are all named 'Qing'. Your eldest brother is called Rong Qingzui, also known as Youti. He is nine years older than you. He I married your elder sister-in-law when I was sixteen. Your elder sister-in-law is the daughter of Qi Jianxun, Minister of War, and is one year younger than your eldest brother."
Sheng Suihe then got up and met his brother and sister-in-law, but he had something to say before him, so he only called them "the prince" and "the prince's wife" at this time.
The prince, Rong Qingzuo, looks exactly like the King of Gaomi. The father and son are almost cast from the same mold. At the moment, he is wearing a pair of deer brocade clothes with red beads and a pair of nests, a wide jade belt with a pine bullfight, a gold crown on his hair, and a tulle turban. The emerald finger is stretched, the white jade hangs from the waist, looking handsome and proud.
It's just that his demeanor is far less graceful than the King of Gaomi, and is a bit dull. Therefore, although he is much younger than the King of Gaomi, when they stand together, he is reduced to a foil and does not stand out.
He welcomed Sheng Sleeping Crane's return. He looked at the brother he hadn't seen for more than ten years with joy in his eyes and brows.
The crown prince's wife, Mrs. Qi, is twenty-eight this year. Judging from her silhouette, she should be very beautiful as a girl. However, perhaps because her figure was out of shape after giving birth, she was very fat now. If you look around, you can see that she has three or four chins. This figure can hardly be said to be good-looking even if she is decorated with gorgeous clothes and pearls.
Especially in China, fatness is not considered beautiful.
It seems that Mrs. Qi also understands this. The maids around her are all plain and unattractive, and they are all very plainly dressed.
At this moment, he looked at Sheng Suihe and said a few words of greetings and greetings with a smile. Seeing that Sheng Suihe only listened and did not answer, he was a little embarrassed and asked someone to bring him a meeting gift. It was a set of the Four Treasures of the Study, which he personally handed over. In Sheng Suihe's hand: "My wife and I have owned this set of items for some years, but we have never found anyone worthy of using them. Fortunately, the third brother is back. It is not a waste to give such things to the third brother."
Sheng Suihe thanked her lightly, and after sitting back, Princess Gaomi reminded her grandchildren: "Why don't you go see your third uncle quickly?"
Behind Mr. and Mrs. Rong Qingzuo stood four children, one boy, three girls. The boy was the youngest, he looked only five or six years old, and his eyebrows were very similar to Qi's. The eldest of the three girls was about twelve or thirteen years old, and the remaining The two have the same appearance, but they are a pair of seven or eight-year-old twin sisters. They both have curved eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, fair skin and jade faces, and are beautiful and cute.
Hearing this, he came over to serve tea to Sheng Suihe in order of age, and announced his name: the eldest is Junrong Xiaxin of Jian'an County, who is thirteen this year; the twin sisters are Junrong Yuexin and Yun Xin of Guangchang County. Yang Junjun Rong Yixin is both eight years old. The youngest boy is two years younger than the sisters, named Rong Lingzhan.
Mrs. Qi added from the side: "Lingzhan has two younger brothers, one is four years old and the other is three years old. They are named Lingtiao and Lingsui respectively. Two days ago, my mother went to stay at a hot spring village outside the city and took them with her. Went. Because that Zhuangzi is a long way from Chang'an, I don't have time to call back today, so I can only go back and make up for the big gift to my third brother."
"It's okay." Sheng Suihe's attitude towards these nephews and nieces was obviously much gentler. After calling them one by one, he took the greeting gift that he had prepared long ago from the accompanying Gongsun Xi and gave it to Rong Ling. Tiao Tiao and Rong Lingsui also gave Rong Xia's share, asking her to hand it over to her two younger brothers. She then touched Rong Lingzhan's head and asked, "Is this child enlightened?"
"Lingzhan was born in the middle of the year. This child has a weak body and bones. We want to wait until his birthday before he is enlightened." Rong Qingzuo said hurriedly, "I can't study for my brother. When the time comes, we still have to choose the husband. Ask third brother to help me palm my eyes."
Mrs. Qi saw that her parents-in-law were particularly interested in her newly recognized brother-in-law, and said specifically: "Speaking of which, Lingzhan showed off to others for a long time yesterday. He has an uncle who is number one! I hope he can learn three things in the future." My brother is half smart, and I, as a mother, am very satisfied."
Although these words were deliberately intended to please, they were also the sincerity of the Qi family. Although this brother-in-law seemed to be very alienated from the palace, he fought his way out of a remote and remote place like Nanfeng County and won the title of No. 1 Scholar in this science. , Diligence is definitely hard work, but it also shows qualifications. Of course, mothers want their children to be smart.
"Children of the imperial clan are not allowed to take part in the imperial examinations. As the number one scholar, I will be in vain." However, when Sheng Suihe heard this, he raised his eyebrows and said calmly, "This child will be able to succeed in the imperial examination in the future. What I learned before He has learned something but it may not be useful, so it would be more appropriate to ask the prince for advice."
Rong Qingzuo and his wife were immediately embarrassed, but Princess Gaomi who was above them immediately gave them a fierce look, apparently blaming them for not opening the pot. Although the status of the legitimate son of Gaomi Wang was very noble, Hanchuang had worked hard for more than ten years to pass the exam. The number one scholar, because his background is about to be in danger, can Sheng Suihe feel happy
While Princess Gaomi secretly scolded her eldest son and eldest daughter-in-law for being ignorant, she turned to Sheng Suihe, immediately changed her face to a gentle and loving one, and said in an almost cautious tone: "He'er, as parents, we must I will fight for justice for you and never let your years of hard work go to waste!"
As he spoke, he cut out King Gaomi's eyes fiercely and signaled him to express his position quickly. Just as King Gaomi was about to speak, a servant from outside came in with an uneasy look and reported: "Your Majesty, Princess: The princess has brought someone here."
King Gaomi didn't think much after hearing this, and said: "Hou'er... He'er has finally been found. Lingxue, the elder sister, should come over quickly to meet her. Let's ask her to come in!"
But the servant hesitated and said: "Your Majesty, Princess Princess..."
Before he finished speaking, Princess Qingfang, who was listening to the noise outside, had already walked in first and scolded him: "My father has said that we brothers and sisters should meet each other. Why are you disobeying here?"
As soon as she came in, King Gaomi and his wife didn't say anything. King Gaomi even said with a smile: "Qingfang, you are well-informed. He'er just came back, and you came here!"
Who would have known that after Princess Qingfang crossed the threshold, two people, one tall and one short, were revealed behind her. The tall eyebrows and handsome eyes looked somewhat like a sleeping crane. They were none other than Princess Hui and Princess, the legitimate daughter of the royal family. ; The short man is sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a curtain to cover his face, and his exposed hands are also wrapped in white cloth. This appearance of a serious injury that has not yet healed, combined with his appearance at this moment, must be that of the palace. The second son Rong Qing was drunk.
I don’t know why, but after seeing the appearance of these two children, King Gaomi, who was originally smiling, and the princess, who was trying to make Sheng Suihe happy, both had dark faces at the same time!
Even the Crown Prince Rong Qingzui frowned slightly and looked at Princess Qingfang with disapproval.
Feeling the momentary depressive atmosphere in the hall, Princess Qingfang's smile was a little stiff. She stood still and said with a smile: "Father, mother, concubine, and eldest brother and third brother, I think, today Since it is the day when the third brother comes back, we should have a family reunion! So I specially called the second brother and my little sister over."
King Gaomi looked at his eldest daughter expressionlessly and said calmly: "Why do you have to worry about so many things after leaving the palace? Have you ever served your husband's parents-in-law well?"
"..." The princess looked at her coldly for a while, then suddenly picked up the tea bowl in front of her, threw it at her body, and said in a serious tone, "Get out!!!"
Princess Qingfang, who had come here dressed up carefully, was now showered with tea, and a lot of tea foam was still stuck on her cheeks. The tea and makeup dripped down her clothes, and she looked miserable. She had a mixture of embarrassment and dilemma on her face, wringing her hands and opening her mouth slightly, but she didn't know what to do
Behind her, Rong Qingzui's face was hidden in the curtain and his expression could not be clearly seen, but from the hand he clenched instantly, it was clear that he was excited; Princess Huihe's eyes were red, as if asking for help and begging for mercy. He looked at the sleeping crane not far away.
But Sheng Suihe just looked at her indifferently, his eyes full of indifference.
Rong Qingzuo and his wife looked at each other, feeling embarrassed and helpless. However, as the eldest son and eldest daughter-in-law, they had to stand up and smooth things over: "Father, Queen, mother and concubine, please calm down! I will send someone to send them back to their respective places right now!"
"Are they both biological flesh and blood?" After Rong Qingzu finished speaking, Sheng Suihe, who looked like it had nothing to do with him, suddenly turned to Gaomi Wang and his wife and said calmly, "Then why can't you stay to see them? "