New Year's Eve, royal family banquet.
Gu Jiu followed Princess Pei into the palace.
This year, Xiao Qin'er didn't come because she was going to be in confinement.
The third wife, Mrs. Cai, is not in good health and cannot enter the palace because she is afraid that she will be angry with the empress.
Just Gu Jiu, Ouyang Fu, Concubine Shen and Concubine Luo, the four followed Pei into the palace.
Several young masters followed King Ning to visit the Son of Heaven.
When you arrive at the Changchun Palace, as usual, you will first say hello.
Concubine Xiao Shu's spirit is not very good, it seems that she has not had a good rest.
She leaned on the Arhat couch, lazily, and asked the female history beside her, "Has Huyang entered the palace yet?"
Nv Shi bowed and said: "The Princess Princess has arrived at the gate of the palace, and she will be here soon."
Concubine Xiao Shu nodded, and then asked Mrs. Pei: "How is the palace recently?"
"I'm tired of worrying about my mother and concubine, everything is fine in the palace."
Concubine Xiao Shu took a sip of the ginseng soup, and then said: "Qin'er will be rewarded for giving birth to the eldest grandson of the palace. When she is confinement, ask her to bring the child to the palace to pay her respects. I also want to see the little grandson. "
Mrs. Pei laughed, "Don't worry, concubine mother, as soon as the confinement is over, the daughter-in-law will bring her and brother into the palace to pay her respects."
Concubine Xiao Shu smiled implicitly, then turned her gaze to Gu Jiu and Ouyang Fu.
"Ouyang Shi, you have been here for three or four years, right? Up to now, you haven't opened a branch for the palace, what's the matter?"
Ouyang Fu looked uneasy, "I would like to tell you my mother, my daughter-in-law has been following the doctor's advice and taking medicine to recuperate. She will get better after the new year."
Concubine Shen also spoke for Ouyang Fu, hoping that Concubine Xiao Shu would not embarrass her too much.
Concubine Xiao Shu snorted coldly, her eyes turned cold instantly, she looked rigid and cold, "I will give you another half a year. If your stomach hasn't moved after half a year, then I will personally reward Liu Ping with the beauty. But you are still Mistress, the child born in the concubine's room must also call you mother."
Ouyang Fu was wronged.
But facing Concubine Xiao Shu, she couldn't utter a word of rebuttal at all, she could only lower her head and respond, "My grandson's daughter-in-law respectfully obeys the imperial edict."
Concubine Xiao Shu hummed, "I know you are sensible, I hope you won't disappoint me."
What can Ouyang Fu say? She could only swallow her grievances and try to show a smiling face.
Then, Concubine Xiao Shu pointed the cannon fire at Gu Jiu again, "Gu Shi, you have been here for more than a year, and your stomach still hasn't moved. What's the matter with you?"
Gu Jiu nodded slightly, and said calmly: "Returning to the empress, the grandson's daughter-in-law and the young master ordered less gatherings and more separations. There is no news yet."
Concubine Xiao Shu said with a serious face: "You are the eldest daughter-in-law of the palace, and I hope that you can take on the heavy responsibility of the eldest daughter-in-law, that is, to add children to the palace, and to spread the branches and leaves for the son.
I hope you can restrain your mind, use it more on the right way, and stop thinking about messy things all day long. As the eldest daughter-in-law, giving birth to a son-in-law is the most important thing right now. "
Gu Jiu raised her eyebrows quietly, what is a mess? How to have a baby has become the most important thing.
Is there nothing else to do in life other than having children
Should I do other things besides having a baby
In short, Gu Jiu couldn't agree with Xiao Shufei's words.
She hid the words in her heart and didn't say a word. At the same time, he said respectfully, "Daughter-in-law will obey your mother's orders."
Concubine Xiao Shu stared at Gu Jiu's abdomen, "I heard that you have been weak and sick since you were young, I'm afraid it will not be easy to give birth. After a year of marriage, your stomach hasn't moved, I have already expected it.
But because of your poor health, you have to work harder to give birth to a son-in-law while you are young. I don't want Liu Zhao's eldest son to be born from the belly of a concubine. "
Gu Jiu narrowed her eyes slightly, what does Concubine Xiao Shu mean? Are you going to arrange a woman for Liu Zhao? It is too much to intervene in her and Liu Zhao's life without even asking her opinion.
However, most mothers-in-laws in ancient and modern times like to intervene in the small lives of their sons and daughters-in-law. After getting the last chicken feather, everyone was full of anger.
Therefore, it is not good to meddle in other people's lives at will.
Concubine Xiao Shu finished beating Gu Jiu, and then started to beat Concubine Shen and Concubine Luo.
Maybe it's because she's in the first grade, and Concubine Xiao Shu's words are a bit long-winded.
Concubine Xiao Shu didn't stop talking until the palace servants reported the arrival of Princess Huyang.
Concubine Shen and Concubine Luo both had sweaty faces, they were so scolded by Concubine Xiao Shu that they couldn't lift their heads.
Princess Huyang dressed up and walked into the hall with a scent of fragrance.
"Mother and concubine, my daughter misses you to death."
Hu Yang threw herself into Concubine Xiao Shu's arms like a little girl.
Concubine Xiao Shu laughed, "You child, you are so old, you have to learn to be careful."
"In front of my concubine, I will always be a child."
Concubine Xiao Shu listened with a happy face.
Chen Min and Chen Lu also came, and the two brothers and sisters greeted Concubine Xiao Shu.
Facing this pair of grandchildren, Concubine Xiao Shu's attitude was slightly indifferent.
Perhaps it is because the two grandsons are both surnamed Chen.
If Concubine Xiao Shu had no resentment towards Concubine Chen, it would be a lie. If Chen Consort died, he would die, and he would also implicate the palace and Huyang.
In Concubine Xiao Shu's mind, when Chen Consort was arrested, Chen Concubine had already been sentenced to death.
As for the two children of Huyang and Consort Chen, who hated the house and Wu, Concubine Xiao Shu naturally didn't like it either.
She blamed Huyang for bringing the two children into the palace, it was really outrageous. Let the emperor see it, maybe there will be right and wrong.
It's just that in front of so many people, she can't directly reprimand Huyang.
She asked: "You are alone in the princess mansion, okay?"
Hu Yang nodded first, then shook his head, "I can't visit the concubine mother in the palace often, my daughter feels very uncomfortable."
Concubine Xiao Shu sighed, "You child, you should also restrain yourself and don't act so ostentatiously."
The princess of Huyang lowered her head, looking obedient and receptive.
Pei sneered secretly: pretend, pretend hard. She didn't believe that Huyang could pretend all night.
Concubine Xiao Shu taught Hu Yang a few words, but Hu Yang didn't refute, but said he was taught.
Concubine Xiao Shu laughed, "If you had been sensible earlier, there wouldn't be so many troubles."
"Mother and concubine, my daughter is already reforming herself. At the end of this year, my daughter didn't ask Brother Wang to borrow money to live. My daughter also wants to rely on herself."
Concubine Xiao Shu was pleasantly surprised and looked towards Mrs. Pei.
Even though Pei was not reconciled, she could only hold her nose and admit that Princess Huyang did not go to the palace to ask for money at the end of this year.
In previous years, as soon as the twelfth lunar month enters, Huyang will come to the door. It can be as little as three or four thousand taels, and as much as eight or nine thousand taels. After all, it takes money to send Huyang away.
Concubine Xiao Shu was very pleased to get Pei's affirmative answer.
She said emotionally: "These years, Huyang, you have finally grown up."
Hu Yang held Concubine Xiao Shu's arm, "My daughter just wants to share the worries of Concubine Mother."
"If you are sensible and know how to restrain yourself, you are sharing my worries."
"My daughter knows. My daughter will definitely save money and learn from my sister-in-law."
After finishing speaking, Hu Yang smiled proudly at Mrs. Pei.
Mrs. Pei was disgusted in her heart, but she still wanted to say a few words of modesty on her face, "I don't have any skills, the prince decides everything in the house, and I just follow the prince's orders."
"Sister-in-law is so humble."
Concubine Xiao Shu glared at Huyang and told her not to challenge Mrs. Pei.
Hu Yang pouted, and sure enough, he stopped attacking Pei Shi.
Concubine Xiao Shu gave Pei family enough face today, just because the news came from the border that Luhou Peiren stationed at the border and made another great contribution.
Lu Hou's eldest son, Pei Meng, led cavalry into the grasslands last month, raided several tribes in Xiliang, beheaded 3,000 people, captured 20,000 prisoners, and captured tens of thousands of cattle, horses and sheep.
The greater credit is that Pei Meng accidentally killed the third son of the King of Xiliang when his family wiped out a tribe.
The good news was delivered to the capital, and Longyan was delighted. The emperor encouraged Pei Ren, Marquis of Lu, and promoted Pei Meng to the rank of general of the auxiliary state, commanding all the envoys. Pei Mengmeng's son is Qianhu.
He also rewarded many treasures to the old lady of the Pei family, and invited Mrs. Luhou to the palace to encourage her.
The Pei family is from the Pei family and the younger sister of Marquis Lu.
At this time, Concubine Xiao Shu naturally wanted to give Pei family enough face. Suppressing Concubine Shen and Concubine Luo, venting their anger on behalf of the Pei family, is also supporting the Pei family.
Pei's body and mind are at ease.
Her elder brother and nephew have done meritorious service, and as a daughter of the Pei family, she is honored.
The next time she entered the palace, Concubine Xiao Shu, as a mother-in-law, would always beat her up.
Only this time, Concubine Xiao Shu didn't say anything serious to her, and even expressed her anger for her.
He was happy in his heart, his cheeks flushed slightly.
Concubine Xiao Shu chatted with her, asking about the situation of the Pei family.
Knowing that Marquis Lu still has a prostitute named Pei Man, who hadn't made any promises about marriage yet, Concubine Xiao Shu's thoughts changed instantly.
There is no suitable person in the palace to marry Pei Man.
The eldest son to the fourth son are all married.
The Fifth Young Master and the Sixth Young Master are both concubines, and are not worthy of Pei Man in terms of status.
Concubine Xiao Shu suddenly thought of her natal family, the Xiao family.
There are still descendants of the Xiao family who are not engaged, so they might be able to match up this marriage.
It's up to Mr. Pei to intervene in this matter.
Concubine Xiao Shu laughed, "Gai Minger will bring Pei Man to this palace to have a look. Lu Hou's daughter must be outstanding in appearance."
Pei smiled and said: "Mother Concubine is right, Pei Man is smarter than her elder sister Pei Yun."
"Really? It's better for the girls to be more lively."
The palace people reminded that the time was coming, and it was time to go to Chenghui Hall for a family banquet.
Concubine Xiao Shu moved her legs, feeling a little uncomfortable after sitting for a long time.
She said: "This year, no one is competing for the position. No matter how much you fight, you can't compete with age, and you can't compete with Li Zhaoyi."
Mrs. Pei asked in a low voice: "Is Li Zhaoyi disrespectful to my concubine?"
Concubine Xiao Shu laughed at herself, "How dare I provoke her. She is the most important person in His Majesty's heart now, and it will be even more serious when the prince is born. Besides her, there is also Jiang Shuyi, who cannot be separated from His Majesty every day. Even The work of serving pen and ink should be entrusted to her. I also heard that His Majesty let her read the memorial and express her opinion, which is getting more and more absurd."
Gu Jiu's heart skipped a beat, is Jiang Yan already so favored
Being able to accompany the emperor, not only read the memorials, but also express opinions on the government, this is not an ordinary favor, it is cultivated by being a queen.
Doesn't the emperor know that such favor is a double-edged sword at all. If you are not careful, Jiang Yan's body can be broken into thousands of pieces.
If the emperor really loved Jiang Yan, why did he put Jiang Yan in such a dangerous situation
If you don't dote on him and go through the entire harem several times, who is qualified to be with the emperor, read memorials, and express opinions on government affairs
Or, the emperor thought that he could live another ten or twenty years, enough to guarantee Jiang Yan's safety, so he acted willfully
Gu Jiu was a little surprised, but also a little panicked.
The emperor's favor is like arsenic with sugar, Jiang Yan was poisoned to death.
Gu Jiu followed the crowd to Chenghui Hall.
When I arrived at Chenghui Hall, I saw Concubine Xue Gui, Concubine Xian and others had all arrived.
Only Li Zhaoyi and Jiang Shuyi were missing.
Concubine Xiao Shu made fun of Concubine Xue, "If I remember correctly, Jiang Shuyi lives in the side hall of Ganlu Palace. Why didn't she come with you. Instead, we old people are waiting for two young people."
Concubine Xue smiled softly, "So that Sister Concubine Shu knows that Jiang Shuyi went to Xingqing Palace early in the morning and hasn't come back yet."
Concubine Xiao Shu pursed her lips and smiled, and said in a low voice: "You sent your majesty a beauty in the hope of being favored by Li Zhaoyi. You must have never expected that you would actually send the biggest threat to your majesty. Now you are riding a tiger. Be careful when Jiang Shuyi rides Go wild on your head."
Concubine Xue Gui's face changed, "She dares! She dared to break away from this palace's control before her wings grew hard. I would cut off her wings at worst."
Concubine Xiao Shu smiled softly, and said: "The imperial concubine is decisive enough. If you want to cut off Jiang Shuyi's wings, I advise you to hurry up. After the new year, I'm afraid the situation will not be under your control."
Concubine Xue Gui stared sideways at Concubine Xiao Shu, her eyes were cold, "Sister Concubine Shu's words, I didn't understand."
Concubine Xiao Shu said: "Your concubine sister, why bother to be humble. You know what I mean. Your Jiang Shuyi is already showing signs of being out of control.
Sister imperial concubine, I sincerely advise you to make a decision early and don't hesitate.
As soon as you hesitate, she will seize the opportunity and get out of your control directly. At that time, you will be lifting a rock and shooting yourself in the foot, and the loss outweighs the gain. "
Concubine Xue Gui frowned tightly, feeling uncertain in her heart.
Concubine Xian was already drinking on her own.
She interrupted and said, "Whether it's Li Zhaoyi or Jiang Shuyi, they are threats from us. Beware of these two joining together to deal with us old people."
Concubine Xue Gui and Concubine Xiao Shu both looked surprised and uncertain.
Concubine Xiao Shu asked softly: "These two can unite? Those two are deadly enemies."
Concubine Xian snorted coldly, "Are we old people the biggest threat to them, or are they the biggest threat to each other
If we don't die for a day, we will always be on top of them, and we won't be able to stir up a big storm. Think about it, how can two people who are so favored be willing
Concubine Xue, if you were Jiang Shuyi, would you deal with Li Zhaoyi first, or the imperial concubine who was on top of you first? "
Concubine Xue Gui snorted, "It's alarmist. The two young men dare to challenge the authority of this palace before their wings grow hard. Do you really think that this palace can't deal with them?"
Concubine Xian looked at Concubine Xue with a half-smile, "If you had a way to deal with Li Zhaoyi, why would you send a beauty to His Majesty to share his favor with?"
"you?"
Concubine Xue Gui was furious.
Concubine Xian smiled coldly, "Those two people seem to be unsuitable, but don't forget, there is His Majesty behind them.
As long as His Majesty supports them, ask yourself, who can bring down those two? It will be even more serious when Li Zhaoyi gives birth to the little prince. Maybe the Queen's position will be taken away by her.
Think about it, we a group of old women in their forties, fifties, and sixties have been immersed in the palace for decades, and when they are old, they are trampled underfoot by a young queen who is not yet twenty years old. That taste, I don't know how the two sisters will feel? "
Concubine Xue Gui and Concubine Xiao Shu exchanged glances, and then looked at Concubine Xian together.
There are only three of them in the harem.
The three of them are the masters of the harem, fighting each other, and no one will obey the other.
But when this balance was broken, all three of them thought of uniting to deal with the two Zhaoyi and Shuyi who were getting better.
The three of them have been fighting for decades, and they are familiar with each other and have a tacit understanding. This sounds a bit strange.
Just because the person who knows you best is your opponent, this statement explains the relationship between the three.
The three of them stumbled against each other, you stepped on my foot, and I punched you, they were all used to it.
However, calling two young Zhaoyis at this time, with Shuyi riding on their heads, was absolutely intolerable.
Those two Zhaoyi and Shuyi, the younger one can be their granddaughter.
Tell them to bow down to the young man, sorry, it can't be done.
Therefore, the three of them must unite to kill the two of them before they really become powerful.
Concubine Xiao Shu said: "We will discuss this matter tomorrow, this is not the place to talk."
Concubine Xue agrees.
Concubine Xian has no objection either.
The praise officer sang and drank, and the emperor came.
Everyone stood up to welcome the arrival of the emperor.
Immediately afterwards, they saw an astonishing scene.
The emperor carried Li Zhaoyi in his left hand and Jiang Shuyi in his right hand, walked into the hall and took a seat.
Li Zhaoyi and Jiang Shuyi sat next to the emperor.
As a seat row, these two actually overwhelm Concubine Xiao Shu and the other three.
This is a red flag.