◎Queen Choi◎
The Shangshu's wife was over fifty years old and had three sons and one daughter for Shi Zhengrong. She was a poor wife who accompanied Shi Zhengrong every step of the way.
Shi Fuli was originally allowed to have a concubine, but he died of illness a few years ago. The reason why he wanted to take a concubine now was because a distant relative who was out of reach came to seek refuge, and it turned out that he was right.
Mrs. Zhou was so angry that she refused to take a concubine. The children in the family also persuaded the Minister of History, but they never thought that he insisted on taking the Zhang family as if he was possessed by a demon, which made the chickens and dogs restless.
The Zhou family threatened Shi Shangshu with death, but still could not stop Shi Shangshu.
This matter turned out to be quite a big deal, and it was widely spread in the market. Later, Yongning gave Zhou a way out and brought her into the palace to meet Queen Cui Wenxi.
No, after listening to Mrs. Zhou's story, Cui Wenxi sympathized with her and said: "We have gone through the road for decades, there is no reason why we can't cross this hurdle. If it were just Mrs. Zhou, it would be contrary to your wishes." That’s all, my children also complained, this is really the result of Shi Shangshu being unreasonable.”
Mrs. Zhou wiped away her tears and said, "I have never blushed in the years that I have been with Mr. Zhang. Only accepting Mrs. Zhang makes me feel like I have a lump in my throat."
Yongning asked deliberately: "As far as I know, there was a room for concubines in the Shi's mansion, why can't they accommodate the Zhang family?"
Mrs. Zhou said emotionally: "To be honest, Mrs. Zhang would be just an ordinary woman, but she has evil intentions. After losing two husbands in Pingzhou, she hooked up with a wealthy businessman, and was later raped by the wealthy businessman. The wife of the wife was sent away, and she made a lot of money from it and squandered it.
"After losing all these years, I thought of coming to visit my relatives, and wanted to repeat my old tricks in the Shi family. The children in the family saw the doorway at a glance, and advised Shilang not to take advantage of her. However, Shilang had no money and salt, so for the Zhang family It made the chickens and dogs restless.
"Today, I brought the scandal at home to your Majesty. I have no choice but to do it. If a woman with good works and good conduct comes in, I will have nothing to say. Except for the Zhang family, I can't tolerate her."
Cui Wenxi asked: "Now that you have come to my Jingren Palace, what do you want?"
Mrs. Zhou knelt down and said, "I would like to ask the empress to make the decision. Please ask Shi Lang to take back my order."
Cui Wenxi frowned slightly, wondering: "After all, this is the family matter of the Minister of History. Although I am the queen, I am only the wife of the back house. If I interfere in the family affairs of the former officials, it will not be tenable to speak out."
Zhou's lips moved, wanting to say something, but she finally endured it.
Yong Ning said at the right time: "Chang Yue is very smart. Such trivial matters will definitely not trouble you." He added, "It's not easy for me to see Madam Zhou. She is a woman who lives in the back house and has no natal family to rely on. She is very weak." Yes, if you don’t help her, no one will stand up for her.”
Cui Wenxi looked at her and said: "It is difficult for an honest official to intervene in household affairs. Your Majesty will not let me interfere."
Yong Ning: "Hey, if Shi Zhengrong forced his first wife to death in order to take a concubine, and his personal ethics were compromised, ask Erlang if he still dares to use such an official?"
Cui Wenxi covered her mouth and couldn't help but think of the allusion of "jealousy", and said with a smile: "I have an idea, but I don't know if you dare, Mrs. Zhou?"
Zhou said with tears in her eyes: "As long as I can make Shi Lang change his mind, I dare to do anything."
Cui Wenxi sympathized: "You do have such a heart to honor him, so I will give him a test. As for the result, it depends on whether you can bear it."
So she explained her idea to Mr. Zhou in detail. Mr. Zhou was shocked at first, and then nodded repeatedly.
After the two parties reached an agreement, Cui Wenxi sent them away and then went to Chongzheng Hall. At that time, Zhao Yue was reviewing memorials. When she heard Eunuch Wei informing her to come, she immediately stopped what she was doing.
Cui Wenxi entered the palace to perform blessing rituals with him.
Zhao Yue stepped forward and held her waist, asking: "Why did Yuan Niang want to come here?"
Cui Wenxi said: "Yongning brought Shi Shangshu's wife Zhou to Jingren Palace earlier and asked me to make the decision for her."
Zhao Yuetou said: "It is difficult for an upright official to deal with household affairs, so Yuanniang should not interfere in this matter."
Cui Wenxi said sternly: "I'm just a housewife, so naturally I can't take care of the household affairs of the former officials, but since they have taken my way, I have to treat them with an attitude, right?"
Zhao Yue did not refute this, knowing that she was smart, so he asked: "What bad thing do you want me to do again?"
Cui Wenxi laughed and couldn't help pinching him, "Well, Shi Zhengrong is a third-grade official after all. I can't lose his face because of the affairs in the back house, so I thought that you, Erlang, would come forward to invite him and leave the rest to me." I am."
Zhao Yue pointed at her, "What do you think?"
Cui Wenxi: "Of course we should settle this matter without damaging his dignity, so as to avoid criticism from the public." He added, "If the Minister of History forced his first wife to death because of taking a concubine, and his personal ethics were compromised, Erlang, do you dare to continue?" Reuse this person?"
"this… "
"I, as a woman, all know what a gentleman's virtue is. If Shi Shangshu forced his poor wife to death because of an outside woman, this move would definitely be reviled by the world. Such a pillar of the country with unworthy morals, Erlang's heart How is it judged?"
Zhao Yue lowered her eyes and said nothing.
Cui Wenxi pulled his sleeve and said: "Erlang agreed to it, you just need to summon him."
Zhao Yue said helplessly: "Don't cause trouble, it will be bad if it can't end."
Cui Wenxi nodded, "Don't worry, Erlang, I know what to do and I won't cause trouble."
So Zhao Yue took advantage of the break to summon Shi Zhengrong into the palace and dealt with it privately without making it public.
In the Chongzheng Hall, Zhao Yue talked to Shi Zhengrong about the rumors he had heard recently, mentioned his wife's request to the Central Palace for justice, and asked Shi Zhengrong what his attitude was.
Shi Zhengrong felt that he was losing face, but he did not want to get angry, so he only said: "Your Majesty, this is my family matter. It is really inappropriate for a lowly and ignorant person to bring trouble to the middle palace. Please don't get to know her." "
Zhao Yue folded her hands and said seriously: "I don't want to take care of your housework, but since you have asked for help in the middle palace, you have to give me an attitude." Dang Zhi and Wei Gong were fair and said, "Go and invite the queen over."
Eunuch Wei responded yes.
After waiting for a while, Cui Wenxi was supported by Feang Ling and entered the hall. Shi Zhengrong quickly stood up and saluted.
Zhao Yue glanced at Cui Wenxi with an expression of watching a good show.
After Cui Wenxi bowed and sat down, he deliberately said: "As the saying goes, you should marry a virtuous wife. As far as I know, there is only one concubine in Shi Shangshu's family. That concubine died of illness a few years ago, and now he has two concubines. Your wife Zhou refused, crying, making trouble, and hanging herself, which is really outrageous."
Zhao Yue sang a double act and said, "Shi Aiqing, why doesn't your wife agree?"
Shi Zhengrong frowned and explained Zhang's origin in detail. What he saw in his eyes was another scene. He pitied her for being widowed and helpless in her early years and came to seek refuge with her.
It's funny to say that the Zhang family was a distant relative of the Zhou family who had nothing to do with her, and ended up becoming a concubine in the Zhou family. I guess not many women could bear this.
Cui Wenxi was well aware of men's rebellious psychology, and echoed Shi Zhengrong: "Listening to Shi Shangshu's words, it is true that Mr. Zhou is ignorant of the general situation."
Seeing that she understood him, Shi Zhengrong couldn't help but complain, saying that Zhou was vulgar and most people at home would tolerate her to do whatever she wanted, which was why she cried, made trouble, and hanged herself, becoming more arrogant and domineering.
Cui Wenxi followed his words and said: "I also think there is nothing wrong with Shi Shangshu taking a concubine. Since Mrs. Zhou has asked for her today, she must give her an explanation. Why don't we just deal with it in front of us?" Forget it, it will save people from talking about it, it is an insult to politeness."
After saying that, she looked at Fengling, who went down to invite Mr. Zhou into the hall.
After a while, Mrs. Zhou came into the palace to pay her respects. Shi Zhengrong couldn't help but be stunned when he saw her figure.
Cui Wenxi ignored his surprise and said to himself: "Ms. Zhou, just now I asked the Minister of History about the appointment of the Zhang family. It is reasonable and well-founded. Why don't you agree?"
Zhou responded: "This person has bad conduct."
Shi Zhengrong didn't like hearing this and retorted: "Why did she misbehave?"
Zhou's confident expression of his behavior in the palace seemed to Shi Zhengrong to be trivial matters, and the empress also felt that there was no need to be so fussy about it.
However, Mrs. Zhou insisted that Mrs. Zhang had a bad style and could not allow her to enter the house.
Cui Wenxi was puzzled: "It's not a big deal for a man to take a concubine. Mrs. Zhou, your move is really unreasonable." [Read novels and add QQ group 521721998]
Mrs. Zhou's eyes turned red in anger, and she kowtowed: "Please make the decision for me, if Shi Lang insists on marrying Mrs. Zhang, I will do whatever it takes. I will die today to express my will!"
These words frightened the three people present.
Cui Wenxi said angrily: "How can it be inappropriate to cry, make trouble, and hang yourself once?!"
Seeing her getting angry, Shi Zhengrong was afraid of making things worse, so he quickly said: "Wan Niang, please don't mess around!"
But the Zhou family refused and said bitterly: "I can't accommodate Zhang family. If Shi Lang insists on taking her into the house, I will die here today!"
"you!"
"Insolent! How can the palace tolerate a shrew like you misbehaving!"
Cui Wenxi became more and more angry, while Zhao Yue on the side did not say a word.
Shi Zhengrong was also angry that Mrs. Zhou didn't understand the general situation, and said with a serious face: "Mother, please don't mess around. This is the palace, not the four-dimensional world in the back house!"
Zhou still refused to listen and said angrily: "Since Shi Lang is determined to marry Zhang, I will leave my concubine's life today to congratulate you and the two of you on growing old together." After saying that, he kowtowed to him three times and was about to hit the wall and commit suicide. , but was dragged down by Eunuch Wei and others.
This move was really unseemly.
Cui Wenxi was completely irritated and pointed at Mrs. Zhou and said: "You are simply a foolish woman who ruined your future for a concubine. Since you are seeking death and survival, I will help you today."
Immediately order people to prepare poisonous wine.
It was originally a bet that she wouldn't dare to drink, but at least everyone present felt that she didn't have the guts.
Who would have thought that Mrs. Zhou was really determined to die? After hesitating for a moment, she looked at Shi Zhengrong with tears in her eyes while holding her poisonous wine. He was frightened for a moment and shouted: "Mother, please don't do this!"
Zhou's tears were as follows: "I, I would like to congratulate Shi Lang and Xiao Zhang on growing old together."
Then drink it all in one gulp.
Zhao Yue watched this bloody drama silently, thinking, Oh no.
The poisonous wine entered his throat and killed him instantly. The corners of Zhou's mouth were slowly bleeding, and he forced himself to thank the emperor for his kindness. Then he fell to the ground and died.
It was then that Shi Zhengrong realized that he had gotten into a big trouble. He crawled over to look at her without a sound. He hugged her and cried bitterly. He seemed to regret it and said with tears in his eyes: "Mother, please don't do this! Don't do this!"
Cui Wenxi sighed heavily, "He was a fierce man, so he should be buried with dignity."
Shi Zhengrong was completely anxious and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, please send me the imperial doctor! Please send me the imperial doctor!"
Zhao Yue said helplessly: "Shi Aiqing, that is poisonous wine, there is no way to save it." After a pause, he added, "Since Shi Aiqing insists on accepting the Zhang family, now no one can stop him, he should be happy, why did he become like this again?" Like?"
Shi Zhengrong then said sadly: "I regret it, I regret it. After all, my wife is a married couple. Although there are many shortcomings, she is the first wife who has followed me and supported each other..."
Zhao Yue: "But she can't tolerate you accepting the Zhang family."
Shi Zhengrong burst into tears and said, "I don't like the Zhang family anymore. I only want my late wife."
Cui Wenxi said calmly: "Belated affection is worse than grass. Since she has chosen to marry you and the Zhang family, why are you so sad?"
These words hit Shi Zhengrong's heart so hard that he couldn't help but burst into tears.
Cui Wenxi deliberately tormented him and waited until he cried heartbrokenly before telling Mr. Zhou to stop pretending to be dead.
Zhou's resurrection made Shi Zhengrong stunned on the spot, feeling sad and happy at the same time, crying and laughing at the same time.
Looking at the man in front of her who insisted on marrying Zhang, Zhou's heart seemed to have gone through a test of life and death.
Cui Wenxi thought she would be happy. After all, Shi Zhengrong had changed his mind. Who would have thought that Zhou had completely understood the situation and said, "I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to help me understand."
Cui Wenxi asked curiously: "What did Wu understand?"
Mrs. Zhou replied: "Belated love is worthless than grass. Since Shi Langjun is in love with Mrs. Zhang, I can't compete with her husband for decades, but I still risk my life and make such a joke. It's really a joke." Stupid. I have figured it out. Shirou can take me as a concubine if he wants. I agree."
But Shi Zhengrong waved his hand and said: "Mother, I understand, I don't want to take concubines anymore, I won't take any concubines anymore."
Mrs. Zhou said humbly: "I'm disrespectful. It's really disrespectful to live or die for an outsider. I will cherish my life in the future and never feel sad about this matter again."
Cui Wenxi: "That means Wu understands."
Mrs. Zhou: "Thank you for your advice, I understand."
Cui Wenxi looked at Shi Zhengrong again and said, "Shi Shangshu, what should you do with Mr. Zhang?"
Shi Zhengrong responded: "Go back to where you came from."
Cui Wenxi: "That's it."
Eunuch Wei made a "please" gesture, and the couple thanked them and left.
Zhao Yue, who had been silent all this time, couldn't help but asked curiously: "I remember that Uncle Fourth Emperor did not agree to reconcile with Yuanniang at the beginning, why did he agree to it later?"
Cui Wenxi didn't answer and asked: "Guess."
Zhao Yue shook her head, she was really curious, "How did you force him to make peace with you by pouring ecstasy soup on him?"
Cui Wenxi looked at him sideways, "I won't hang myself by crying, making trouble, and hanging myself."
Zhao Yue commented: "With the method you just used to deal with the Minister of History, you shouldn't be so stupid."
Cui Wenxi pursed her lips and smiled, "Erlang, what do you think the Zhou family will do to Shi Shangshu after he returns?"
Zhao Yue: "..."
Oh, it’s about to end.
As expected, within a few days I heard rumors that Shi Zhengrong had sent the Zhang family back to Pingzhou. A large number of gentlemen knelt down and begged the Zhou family for forgiveness every day because the Zhou family was so disheartened that they wanted to reconcile with him. .
She is not even afraid of death, so why should she be afraid of reconciliation
Fortunately, she won the bet. Shi Zhengrong still had feelings for her, but his mind was temporarily bewitched. If she loses the bet, she can take this opportunity to see the true face of the person next to her.
When Cui Wenxi asked her if she dared to test human nature, she gave it a go.
Although I saved Shi Zhengrong, my heart was still a little cold and I couldn't finish the story for a while.
Common people heard that the Zhou family drank poisonous wine in Chongzheng Hall to express her will to death. Shi Zhengrong regretted it. Later, the Zhou family came back from the dead and restored the relationship between the couple. They were all aroused by this bloody plot and gossiped. desire.
Cui Wenxi was also inspired by this and believed that the personal morality of courtiers should be linked to their political performance. They are the public officials and should set an example in everything they do. If their moral conduct is lacking, who would be willing to respect it
Zhao Yue believes that there is a certain truth and it has a certain binding force on the conduct of officials.
So Cui Wenxi proposed that officials' personal ethics should be included in the assessment. A qualified official should have a positive influence in all aspects.
When the courtiers below heard the news, they howled all over the place and rebuked Cui for being jealous, Cui ruined me, Cui was inhumane and so on.
Those courtiers over-interpreted the incident and believed that the trigger was caused by the family affairs of the Minister of History, so they extended it to the fact that the Cui family did not allow the courtiers to take concubines.
Cui Wenxi: "..."
Then you are not allowed to take concubines.
The author has something to say:
Courtier: Cui has gone too far! !
Zhao Yue: My dear friends, wouldn’t it be better to spend the time spent in the back house looking for promotion at work
Courtier: The evil feudal society! !
Courtier: The evil boss! !
Zhao Yue:. . . .