Jade Moon

Chapter 7: Chunyin [6]

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evildoer!

Concubine Hua picked up the tea bowl on the table, and wanted to throw it on the ground, but she raised her hand high, but suddenly put it down again slowly. He held the tea bowl as if nothing had happened, stared blankly for a while, and finally took a sip of tea. Putting down the tea bowl, he called his personal maid: "Ah Xi."

Ah Xi bowed forward: "Your Majesty."

"Ask someone to prepare, and I'll send off Concubine Han." Concubine Hua's voice was as calm as water, "After all, they are sisters for so many years."

Ah Xi quietly retreated to make arrangements, Concubine Hua changed her clothes and looked out of the window, but saw that the twilight was rising, the rain was hazy, and the countless buildings in Shangyuan were all integrated into the misty misty rain.

Concubine Han's luggage has been packed, but there is nothing to pack, except for the clothes box. Because of the haste, the Yunrongshui Palace where she lives is full of gloomy clouds and mist, and the faces of the maids are sad. Concubine Hua saw that there were still tears on Concubine Han's face, so she couldn't help feeling sad for the death of a rabbit, and comforted her, saying: "The emperor was only furious for a while, so he sent my sister back. After two days, the emperor's anger dissipated. Thanks to the emperor's eldest son. In terms of face, I will bring my sister back."

Concubine Han was very sad and annoyed at first, but when she saw her, she seemed to be calm, and gave a light gift: "Thank you for your good words, sister." Concubine Hua seemed very sad, and said: "My sister is going to take care. Since the imperial concubine passed away Afterwards, there were only three of our sisters and children left. Concubine Qing was so ill that she sent someone from Tiangong the day before yesterday, saying that it was very bad, and it might not be all right until June. When I heard that, I felt very sad It's like that. When we were in the mansion, we talked and laughed like that, how lively it must be." Concubine Han sneered and said, "Sister, what you said is wrong. When will this palace not be lively? In my opinion, At this moment, it is lively, some people come to watch the excitement, and some people come to join in the excitement."

Concubine Hua just pretended not to understand, and said with a smile: "Sister's words are becoming more and more sharp, and I will go to the Ten Thousand Buddha Hall to learn more with the concubine, and there will be great results."

Concubine Han was furious in her heart, but after thinking about it, she smiled instead: "I'm an ordinary person, I don't have the root of wisdom, I'm afraid I won't be able to comprehend it. On the contrary, my sister is always smart, and she understands things even more. I'm afraid that my sister's cleverness will be mistaken by her cleverness. After so many years of hard work, I actually made wedding clothes for her."

Concubine Hua pursed her lips and changed the topic: "My sister went to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall. If she lacks something to eat and wear, feel free to ask someone to ask me for it. I will take care of it and make arrangements for her."

Concubine Han smiled and said, "Sister, don't worry, thank you for coming to see me, I won't be polite to my sister."

Concubine Hua is the head of the three concubines, and Concubine Han sent out the hanging flower door according to the ceremony. Concubine Hua said very politely: "You don't have to send it, I'm leaving, I should have sent you." Concubine Han said: "Thank you, sister Take care." The maids and officials were all in the distance, but it was Ah Xi who held Concubine Hua's hand, and Concubine Han smiled, and suddenly whispered: "I don't know when I will be blessed to see my sister Jin again. On the other hand, I also ask my sister to be more careful. It's just that the evildoer is the imperial concubine's direct sister, and when my sister looks at her, don't you feel scared?"

Concubine Hua's heart skipped a beat, and she blurted out, "Why should I be afraid of her?"

Concubine Han smiled and said: "My sister is right. My sister is now the master of the harem. Maybe next year the emperor will promote my sister as a noble concubine, and the position of empress is just around the corner. You don't have to be afraid of anything, sister."

Back in her own palace, Concubine Hua felt her palms were cold and covered in cold sweat. She was restless, and after sitting down, holding a cup of tea, she groaned silently. Ah Xi called "Niang Niang" several times before she raised her eyes: "Ah Xi, you also heard Concubine Han's words, tell me, what does she mean?"

Ah Xi replied with a respectful expression: "My Lady, no matter what Concubine Concubine Han meant, she was just talking nonsense. That girl Shu'er couldn't hold her breath, she ruined her mother's affairs, and put her in a dangerous situation. Concubine Han is leaving, There are advantages and disadvantages for the empress. The so-called benefits, if Concubine Han is not eliminated, she will eventually be a stumbling block for the empress in the future; the so-called disadvantages, Concubine Han is impatient and can be used as a pawn. If she goes away, the empress will inevitably miss a good move. Right now The most important thing is that the empress should cheer up and deal with that girl Mu."

Concubine Hua lost her mind for a while, and then said: "It's not my fault, we underestimated that evildoer. The emperor has always looked down on the relationship between men and women. When the imperial concubine is here, although the emperor treats her well, it is only mediocre. I really can't figure out how this evildoer can survive today."

Ah Xi said: "My lady, after this incident, she is already in serious trouble. Concubine Han is the birth mother of the emperor's eldest son. If the emperor is so disregarding of feelings, my lady should make plans early." Concubine Hua sighed for a long time: "I originally thought Taking advantage of Concubine Han's hand to get rid of her, I didn't expect it to be self-defeating. After Concubine Han left, Concubine Qing was so sick that she couldn't get up—she was neither sick nor useful, and there was not even anyone in the palace who could hold her back. Let her go to heaven."

Ah Xi said: "Don't worry, empress, the sky won't turn upside down." The voice was extremely soft, "The emperor is wise and wise, and never indulges in beauty. With the affection between the imperial concubine and the emperor, Long Live God can still make a decision. She is a guilty minister." Orphan girl, what kind of waves can you make? Even if the emperor is bewitched by that monster right now, it will only be for a while."

Concubine Hua stared at her for a moment, then nodded slowly.

Because the emperor's oral order is to leave immediately, even though it is getting late, there should be no delay. Concubine Han's luan sedan chair went out of the Shangyuan, surrounded by her retinue, and arrived at the west gate at the time of You, when the city gate was closed. The city guards didn't dare to open it without authorization, so they had to report it layer by layer. By the time the report reached Prince Yu's residence, it was already past three o'clock in Xu o'clock. Prince Yu is in charge of the police, and he will personally inspect the garrison every day. At this time, Fang came back from the Xingyuan garrison camp. Hearing that Concubine Han was ordered to return to Beijing at night, he felt strange and couldn't help asking: "Why?"

Those who came to report naturally did not know that Prince Yu was the most meticulous in his actions, so after thinking about it, he ordered someone to call the palace supervisor on duty. Because he is also the minister of internal affairs, he is the immediate boss of the palace supervisor. The internal officials on duty did not dare to conceal anything, and told the whole story of the incident. Prince Yu listened calmly, but didn't say anything at the moment.

Because he was stationed in Xingyuan, there was no so-called "big court", but Prince Yu had many affairs under his jurisdiction, so he had to enter the palace every day to see him. On this day, he handed out a sign to see you as usual, and Prince Yu followed the little eunuch into the Li main gate. Fang turned around the Luohua Bridge, pagoda trees were planted all over the path, and the pagoda flowers were just blooming, the green shade was like clouds, and the fragrance of flowers was like honey. But I saw more than a dozen young eunuchs in Qingyi holding the baskets with hooks and sickles, and they were helping the ladders to pick Sophora japonica flowers. The one who took the lead in picking the flowers was Fang Nei Yan'an's internal officer Wu Sheng. Seeing Prince Yu, he hurriedly slapped him with a smile on his face: "My lord, Jun'an." Prince Yu asked, "What are you doing?"

Wu Sheng smiled apologetically, "The Emperor suddenly wanted to eat Sophora japonica cakes, and felt that the imperial dining room was not fresh, Miss Mu ordered us to pick Sophora japonica flowers and steam them by ourselves."

Seeing the bouquets of snow-white Sophora japonica flowers in the basket, Prince Yu couldn't help saying: "I've already picked so many, isn't it enough?" Only take the half-opened and extremely tender ones, and don’t want those with black spots and yellow spots. Pick them up one by one, steam them in a steamer, take their dew, filter them with clean snow gauze, and turn them into pagoda tree dew. It is not mixed with half a drop of water, just use this pagoda dew and knead the noodles to make cakes. Tell me, how many pagoda flowers are enough? I am afraid that the thousands of pagoda trees in the palace can't help steaming. It's really hard for Miss Mu , How did you come up with such a complicated and ingenious method?"

Prince Yu said casually: "This kind of recipe can only be thought up by the extravagant river workers. Mu Zhongping has been a river governor for many years. Since she is Mu Zhongping's niece, she knows and doesn't know it. Strange."

Wu Sheng smiled apologetically, "Your Highness is right."

Prince Yu turned to the little eunuch leading the way and said, "Let's go."

Outside Yan'an Hall in Fangnei, Zhao Youzhi had already greeted him personally, and saluted with a smile, "Greetings to the lord, Long Live Lord is still thinking about it, saying that the snow mountain silver buds newly tributed this year are very good, and I want to give the lord a taste." Prince Yu There was something on his mind, so he agreed casually, and then went straight to the east. Zhao Youzhi didn't turn around to report as in the past, but took a step forward, bowed and called again: "My lord."

Only then did Prince Yu come to his senses, looked at him and asked, "What? Concubine Hua's phoenix is inside?"

The emperor is not lustful, although the middle palace is empty, there are only four imperial concubines in the harem. The imperial concubine Mu's family has passed away, and the three concubines Yuhua, Han and Qing have been replaced. Concubine Han was sent away yesterday, Concubine Qing was seriously ill and stayed in the palace, and did not come to Shangyuan with her retinue, so Prince Yu thought it was Concubine Hua who was there, so it was inconvenient.

Zhao Youzhi replied with a smile: "Today, the new tribute snow-capped silver buds were brought up. Miss Mu made tea herself on a whim, and now she is cooking tea for Lord Long Live to taste. The emperor is very happy, saying that cooking tea is an elegant thing, and no one is allowed to surround it." , Said that there is no need to smoke the tea, and ordered the servants to retreat. Please sit in the straight room for a while, and when the Long Live Lord finishes drinking this cup of tea, the servants will immediately go to play for the prince. "

Prince Yu thought about it, and followed him into the Zhi room. Zhao Youzhi was the most affectionate, he wiped the chairs himself, waited for Prince Yu to sit down, brought tea himself, and said with a smile: "The prince has always been a master at tasting tea, even though my slaves don't have good tea here, I dare not take it." The others are here to perfuse the lord. Although this is not a famous tea, it was picked before the rain this year, please let the lord try something new."

As soon as Prince Yu lifted the lid of the bowl, he could only feel the fragrance, the fragrance was elegant and elegant, and it was not under the silver buds of the snow mountain. He was absent-minded, he boasted casually, and then asked: "Next month will be the Longevity Festival, what does the emperor mean, should we celebrate the festival in Shangyuan, or go back to the palace?"

Zhao Youzhi said with a smile all over his face: "I don't dare to guess the holy will, but..." At this point, he paused for a moment, then hesitated and said, "Based on the humble opinion of this servant, maybe the emperor will stay in Shangyuan for the Longevity Festival." Yu The prince turned the bowl cover with two fingers of his left hand, and said "oh" thoughtfully. Zhao Youzhi smiled and said, "I also listened to what the emperor said casually to Miss Mu that day. Long live Lord said that there are many rules when I go back to the palace, but I am not as comfortable as I am now."

Prince Yu was waiting for his words, raised his head, and looked at him with piercing eyes: "The daughter of a guilty subject cannot be a concubine according to the ancestor's precept."

Zhao Youzhi said: "My lord is right, but there was a special case in the hands of Jing Zongye. Jing Zongye's fifth son, Prince Kang, was born of the daughter of the sinful minister Fengyi. Jing Zongye had a special order. The prince has designated her as a blessed concubine."

Prince Yu frowned slightly, the emperor was young, the eldest son born by Concubine Han was only three years old this year, Concubine Qing gave birth to a son, but died before the full moon, Concubine Hua did not give birth. The eldest son of the emperor is young, so he can't tell what his qualifications are, so it's hard to say what will happen in the future. Seeing his unpredictable expression, Zhao Youzhi didn't say much. He brought up the Hotan White Jade Ruyi Pot to refill the water for Prince Yu, and said casually: "Although this is a custom in our ancestors, the most important point is that the Concubine Fu is the prince. Birth mother, that's why it's a special case. Yi Nubi thinks, I'm afraid that other people may not have the blessing to be able to give birth to a prince."

Prince Yu looked at Zhao Youzhi, but saw that he lowered his eyebrows and looked down, his expression was extremely respectful, and suddenly an indescribable disgust flashed in his heart. Pushing the tea bowl lightly, he said, "Fourth brother is actually a person with the most affection and nature. If he treats everyone with sincerity, he will ignore everything. If anyone dares to play tricks behind his back, I'm afraid it's not as cheap as losing his head." .” Zhao Youzhi still looked respectful, and only said: “Your Majesty has taught you well.”

Prince Yu sighed almost silently. He will never forget that freezing winter day. It has been snowing heavily for several days, and the weather is so cold that even the mind has been frozen. The internal officials of the Salvation Department dared to cut down on the regular charcoal. There were only two small braziers in the palace. The huge Yongtai Palace was like an ice cellar. He wore so many clothes, but he was still too cold. Straight up. The concubine's illness became more and more serious day by day, and she could no longer get out of bed. The court ladies and officials who served her concubine all hid away, and only the seven-year-old he was left to accompany her by her bed. Sometimes the concubine mother fell into a drowsy sleep, and sometimes she was more awake. The snowflakes outside the window hit the window paper, making a slight noise. The concubine mother murmured, "Is it snowing?"

The concubine's mother speaks Sheghul language, and in this whole palace, only a seven-year-old him can understand it. He held his mother's hand, and called softly in the Shefhur language: "Aniang." On the mother's face that was once as bright as the moon, there was only a gray and haggard look, and there was once a pearly luster. There was only sadness in his eyes, and he murmured like a raving: "If it snows on the grassland where we return to Tan, your grandmother would ask the slaves to steam yokan cheese, and I can smell the aroma even in my dreams." "Although he felt extremely sad, he still laughed: "Aniang wants to eat, so Luan'er orders the dining room to do it." The concubine mother shook her head lightly, and said, "I don't want to eat."

But he knew, he knew why A Niang said that. There are a pair of snobbish eyes all over the palace, and the imperial dining room is only perfunctory with three meals a day, how can they add new tricks and order them to steam yokan cheese. Concubine Mu stretched out her hand and touched his face. Concubine Mu's palm was hot, like a branding iron, burning his face. The voice of the mother and concubine was like snowflakes, light and weak: "Good boy, don't be sad, it's Aniang who got you down, this is fate."

In an instant, tears flowed violently. He was not sad, but angry, an anger that could no longer be suppressed. He suddenly stood up and said loudly: "Mother! This is not fate, they can't treat us like this." Without waiting for the concubine to say anything, he rushed out the door.

Countless snowflakes rolled up all over the sky, and the north wind howled and slapped his face like thousands of sharp knives. He ran all the way, and the high palace walls on both sides seemed to be continuous ancient mountains, and there was no end in sight. He could hear the sound of snow splashing under his feet, he could hear his heart beating wildly, and he could hear his rough breathing. There was only one thought in his mind, he was going to the imperial dining room, he wanted a bowl of steamed yokan cheese for his mother, he was the prince, the son of the current emperor. Concubine Mu is so ill, he can't even make her want to eat a bowl of cheese.

Zhenghe Gate, Jingtai Gate, Yongfu Gate... a heavy glazed palace was left behind by his deep and shallow running, and suddenly slipped and fell heavily to the ground. The pain in his knee was piercing for a moment, and he struggled for a long time and couldn't get up. The sound of chaotic footsteps gradually approached, and suddenly I heard a "chi" smile.

He raised his head, and on the high chariot was Dingtang, the second son of the emperor. He was dressed in brocade sable fur, and the thick and slippery sable fur on the windbreaker covered most of his round face. Dingtang saw his snow-stained appearance, leaned forward and backward with joy, clapped his hands and laughed loudly: "You little bastard, Shehu, fell so beautifully, with all four feet in the sky, like a little turtle."

There was a bang in his head, and the blood in his chest seemed to rush into his head immediately. He almost didn't even think about it, he had already rushed forward with all his strength, grabbed Dingtan's arm and dragged it hard. Dingtang was caught off guard, and was dragged off the chariot by him, and immediately fell with a bruised nose and a swollen face, screaming loudly. The internal officials rushed up, but couldn't pull them away, he hugged Dingtang tightly, Dingtang cried and screamed, the two rolled in the slush, he punched and punched hard. Dingtang struggled desperately, punched and kicked, Dingtang was several years older than him, but he didn't know where the brute force came from, and he just refused to let go. Dingtang panicked, weeping, cursing and yelling: "You bastard, Shehu, let me go, I'll tell the queen mother to kill you! Kill you!"

The blazing anger ignited, burning through the heart that had withered and withered for a long time, destroying it all the way, like overwhelming mountains and seas. He let the anger in his heart burn his eyes blood red, he rode on Dingtan, strangled Dingtan's neck tightly, Dingtang suddenly couldn't breathe. The internal officials also panicked, unable to hold his hand, so they had to break his fingers. He desperately refused to let go, Dingtang's eyes gradually turned white, the internal officials panicked and exerted all their strength. Hearing a "pa", his right index finger was suddenly struck by severe pain and he lost consciousness. He was so painful that he almost fainted. The internal officials finally dragged him away and helped Dingtang up.

The index finger was hanging down, he had never felt such pain before, the pain in the finger gradually spread into his heart, the internal officials were busy checking whether Dingtang was injured, he fell into the snow water, no one took a second look. The snow-white finger bones poked out from under the thin flesh, and the blood trickled down the wrist and dripped onto the snow, blooming bright red. He doesn't want to cry, he absolutely doesn't want to cry, even if they broke his hands today, he doesn't want to cry either. The mother and concubine said that on the Huitan grassland, the son of Shehu had never shed blood but not tears. He raised his face desperately, and countless snowflakes from the sky fell into his eyes one after another, each white and crystal clear, like the gentle eyes of his mother.