Bianjing, the capital of Qi, is about to enter summer. Rong Xi recalled that at this time last year, she had just become a maidservant by Mu Huai's side.
Although Queen Zhai saved her life, she also kept her position.
But everyone in Yongxi Palace knows that a queen who has no name and no support from her mother's family is not as important as the favored Jieyu in this palace.
The Empress had no choice but to leave the Weiyang Palace half a step away, and Emperor Zhuang's concubines were also exempted from the daily morning and evening rituals of greeting the Empress, and they could be lazy and sleep more in these few days.
But the affairs of the harem cannot be left alone. Concubine De gave birth to Chen Wang Mutao for Emperor Zhuang. She is also the most prestigious and virtuous concubine among the four concubines.
Concubine De is as her name suggests, with high moral character and low-key manners.
Rong Xi has been with Yu Zhaorong for so long, not to mention how much he knows these concubines of Emperor Zhuang, but he also knows which concubines belong to the same group and which concubines fight alone.
Her former master was a solo fighter.
Rong Xi also suggested to Yu Zhaorong to show her favor to Concubine De.
Concubine De has a high status, not only has the means to survive in the harem, but also a woman with a generous personality and tolerance.
Yu Zhaorong asked Rong Xi why, saying why he didn't seek refuge with the queen, but chose the unfavored concubine De.
Rong Xi told Yu Zhaorong his thoughts.
She said that there are already many concubines by the queen's side, and the highest ranking among them is Concubine Shu, who is also the former person of her hidden residence.
Concubine Shu once gave birth to the eldest son Murun for Emperor Zhuang, but Mu Run died very early, otherwise Concubine Shu would have a higher status in the palace.
Or maybe it was because of the early death of her beloved son that Concubine Shu's temperament was exceptionally eccentric and withdrawn. Rong Xi knew that Concubine Shu and Concubine Li were not getting along.
And Yu Zhaorong's temperament is slightly similar to that of Concubine Li Gui, and his daily style is very domineering and arrogant.
Concubine Shu would not like her, nor would the queen allow her to join her camp.
Yu Zhaorong was raised pampered and well protected by her family since she was a child, she is always a careless person.
After entering the palace, she was very dependent on Rong Xi, a big palace lady. No matter how big or small, she had to ask Rong Xi for her opinion on everything, and she seldom had her own opinions.
After listening to Rong Xi's persuasion, Yu Zhaorong followed her instructions and wanted to show his favor to Concubine De and take refuge in Concubine De.
But at that time Concubine Li Gui had an unrivaled status in the palace, so Concubine De politely rejected Yu Zhaorong's overtures, not wanting to form a clique among concubines, but only wanted to protect herself.
Rong Xi recalled all the things before, and understood what Concubine De did at that time.
She heard from Dan Xiang yesterday that Concubine Li Gui died quietly in the cold palace last night, Emperor Zhuang ordered someone to bury her hastily, and did not send anyone from the inner court to produce a coffin, only asked the eunuch to find a straw mat Roll up Li Guifei's carbon black body.
After hearing this, Rong Xi's face was very calm.
There are still some fluctuations in my heart.
Emperor Zhuang has a gentle and honest temperament. Concubine Li Gui was treated as the favorite of the Sixth Palace before. She also gave birth to a son and a daughter for Emperor Zhuang. Now this fate is really embarrassing.
Rong Xi didn't sympathize with Concubine Li Gui, but through this incident, she became more aware of the ruthlessness of the Tian family, and kept telling herself in her heart that she should be more cautious in dealing with things on weekdays.
The weather was a bit hot in the afternoon, while thinking about the past, Rong Xi held a round fan and gently fanned the cool breeze.
The corners of the double eaves of the Eastern Palace are soaring to the sky, and there is an old tree hanging slightly at the corners of the eaves, which has become a clever borrowing scene.
Rong Xi wore a jade crown on his head, his skin was pale, and he held a round fan in his hand, but he had a thoughtful expression.
When a court lady came to look for it, she saw a beautiful woman standing under the eaves not far away, and she had an illusion.
The scene in front of me is very similar to a picture of court ladies carefully drawn with fine brushwork.
When Rong Xi and Dan Xiang heard the movement, they looked at the palace maid while listening to the sound.
The palace maid didn't dare to look at Rong Xi's face, but she was still amazed by the combination of her eyebrows, eyes, lips and nose, why did it grow so long
She lowered her head and said respectfully: "Liang Di, Your Highness is returning to the palace, and I call you back to drink soup."
When Rong Xi heard the word "soup", she frowned slightly, and after a while, she said calmly, "Got it, let's pass."
Dan Xiang carefully coveted her master and walked towards the hall.
Rong Xi saw the expression on the maid's face, she always felt that her appearance was too flattering.
To put it bluntly, she had a troubled face.
Beauty is beauty, but it always looks like a concubine.
She is not tall, and she has been a servant for so many years, so she doesn't have the elegant and majestic energy of a lady, and she doesn't have the aura of a courteous wife.
What is most incompatible with the status of the crown princess or the main wife is her delicate voice. Sometimes she feels that the movement is too loud, but she can't control her voice.
With this voice alone, it's normal for others to call her a fox.
Although his current status is still Liang Di, people in the palace are spreading rumors that Mu Huai wants her to be the Crown Princess.
Rong Xi also remembered the man's vicious words that day, but she still felt that it was not true.
If she is a crown princess, then after Mu Huai ascends the throne, she will be Empress Daqi.
He is the lord of the harem who is the mother of the world.
Every time he thinks of this, Rong Xi suddenly feels various complicated emotions.
She is not the kind of vulgar woman who doesn't care about fame and wealth. She is naturally excited to be a queen.
However, he still felt that he had no sense of reality, and was afraid that if he did not do well, he would become Mu Huai's burden instead.
Recently, Rongxi's clothes are as dark as possible, and she also told Danxiang to paint her a decent makeup. She also puts crimson lip balm on her lips every day, trying to make herself look dignified and mature. some.
After arriving in the hall, Mu Huai was already sitting on the Arhat's bed, holding a scroll in his hand, and was concentrating on contemplating.
On the small case, there is a big tonic soup cooked with a slow fire and cooked in a small white porcelain cup.
There are tender chicken, thousand-year-old ginseng, abalone and fish maw from the South China Sea, and some Chinese herbs such as wolfberry.
In summer, if she is not a pregnant woman with a weak physique, she will definitely have nosebleeds after drinking this bowl.
Mu Huai felt that Rong Xi had already returned to the palace, so he didn't raise his eyes, but said to Rong Xi lightly: "Come here, drink this soup."
Rong Xi said yes, but in his heart he was reluctant.
Although the medicine she drank last time did not harm the child, her physique still became weaker because of it.
Mu Huai ordered people to boil this tonic soup for her every day, and she had to drink more anti-fetal medicine than usual every day.
Rong Xi felt guilty for what she had done, and for the sake of her children, she obediently drank it every day.
After putting down the scroll in his hand, Mu Huai picked up the soup cup on the table, frowned, scooped up the chicken inside with a spoon, and sent it to the woman's mouth in a not-so-gentle motion.
While chewing carefully, Rong Xi said softly: "Husband...you always feed my concubine like this these days...my concubine is getting fat..."
Mu Huai raised his eyes and glanced at the woman's face, his face was calm, but there was a hint of joy in his heart.
Finally fattened this woman up a bit.
Mu Huai's tone was calm, and he replied: "How can a woman who is pregnant not be fat? Besides, you are not much fatter, but your face is rounder."
As she said that, Rong Xi subconsciously touched her soft face with her hands, but her expression was a little depressed.
Which woman wants to be fat
But it seems that men don't think so. Recently, Rong Xi always feels that Mu Huai is more willing to pinch her than before.
Mu Huai looked at her squeamish appearance, shook his head helplessly, and said in a low voice: "Go to Concubine De's place later, just sit for a while, if you feel that you are not used to getting along with her, then find an excuse to come back earlier."
Rong Xi nodded obediently, but her heart was not as good as Mu Huai thought.
She is ready to establish a good relationship with Concubine De.
Dan Xiang ordered the people in the Chariot Courtyard to prepare the chariot and the chariot in the afternoon, and there was an eunuch at the back of the chariot holding a winged umbrella fan to shield her from the scorching sun.
After a while, everyone arrived at the Bright Moon Palace where Concubine De lived.
What Rong Xi didn't expect was that there were other concubines of Emperor Zhuang in the Palace of Concubine De.
She knew the appearance of Emperor Zhuang's concubine. In the main hall of the Bright Moon Palace sat Concubine Shu and Wang Jieyu, who was very favored recently.
There is also Xu Xiuyuan, the former residence of Emperor Zhuang when he was the prince.
Seeing her coming here, the concubines with lower status got up from the pear wood armchairs and greeted her.
For some reason, Rong Xi was somewhat nervous before coming to the Bright Moon Palace.
But after entering the palace, even though he saw such old concubines, his heart became very calm again.
She sat quietly behind the seat arranged for her by Concubine De, and Concubine De ordered the palace servants to show her tea in a gentle tone, and then exchanged a few polite words with her, most likely concerned about the emperor's heir in her womb, and her Physical conditions.
Rong Xi answered one by one, with a respectful and calm attitude, without the slightest fear and timidity after climbing from a low position to a high position.
Her conversation had also been deliberately practiced before, without any mistakes.
I thought that this visit to Concubine De was just to sit and have some refreshments.
But things are never as simple as expected.
Rong Xi was sipping tea lightly.
Concubine Shu, who had nothing to do with her before, suddenly opened her mouth and asked her: "Recently, stories about Di Rong Liangdi have been circulating in this palace. It is said that Di Liang's life experience is quite legendary. Chang Siqing was framed by Zhai Zhuo and exiled. I am really curious, I don't know how Di Liang lived when she was living among the people as the daughter of a criminal minister. Liangdi from the palace?"
After hearing this, Rong Xi sneered, but felt that Concubine Shu's sudden question was a bit strange.
Concubine De's complexion was not very good-looking either.
Concubine Shu asked Rong Liangdi this in front of her low-ranking concubines.
It seems to be concerned and curious, but it is actually derogatory.
One is to belittle her from a low background. Even though her father's old case has been punished, she still can't get rid of the low life she lived in the past.
The second is to ridicule her for having means, even if she is reduced to that, she also has the scheming to hook up with the current prince, and she becomes a good concubine in one fell swoop.
Concubine De sympathized with Rong Xi very much.
Like her, there are many courtiers and common people who sympathize with Rong Xi.
She was originally a lady of the official family with outstanding looks, but she became the daughter of a criminal minister overnight.
The life she has lived in these years can be guessed without asking.
If a woman with a low status wants to survive, she is nothing more than a slave and servant, and what is even more miserable is that she is sold to a brothel to become a lowly citizen.
Thinking of this, Concubine De felt that Concubine Shu's words were too much, she probably wanted to insinuate Rong Xi's innocence.
When Rong Xi was about to return to Concubine Shu, Concubine De was one step ahead of her, and said to Concubine Shu: "Recently, there are storytellers in every restaurant in Bianjing telling anecdotes about Concubine Rong Liang. Have you heard?"
Concubine Shu paused for a while when she twisted the grapes with her slender fingers, but her face was calm.
She said: "Sister, how can my sister have the time to inquire about folk affairs?"
Concubine De said slowly: "Since you don't know, just ask your servants in the palace, everyone in the palace knows, why don't you know about my sister?"
Concubine De's tone was quite gentle, but anyone with a discerning eye could hear the coldness in her tone.
Concubine Shu's eyes changed imperceptibly.
Concubine De is really strong now, when Concubine Li Gui was alive, she didn't dare to breathe in front of her.
Now that the empress had an accident, the emperor issued an order to let Concubine De have the right to manage the harem, so she was very proud.
Concubine Shu thought that Emperor Zhuang would let her manage the harem this time, but she didn't realize that the right she wanted was taken away by Concubine De.
Concubine De is in charge of Fengyin, so she is naturally in the limelight.
Concubine Shu expressed her dissatisfaction with Emperor Zhuang the day before yesterday. Emperor Zhuang felt guilty towards her because of her loss of son, and he also loved her a little more than ordinary concubines, but he only allowed her to assist the six palaces.
Concubine Shu kept her dissatisfaction deep in her heart, she looked a little embarrassing, and said to Concubine De: "My sister is not feeling well, go back to the palace to rest first, sister and Rong Liangdi have a slow chat."
After Concubine Shu left, Na Jieyu and Xiuyuan also left the Bright Moon Palace.
Concubine De had a slightly helpless expression.
She ordered her servants to pass the pre-made gold lock and Hetian jade armband to Danxiang who was beside Rong Xi, and said: "Liangdi is still pregnant, so go back to rest earlier, I call You came here because you were thinking about your body, and wanted to see you with your own eyes."
Concubine De regards Mu Huai as a child she looks up to, and because of Rong Xi's poor background, as a high-ranking concubine who is temporarily in charge of all affairs in the harem, she should take care of Prince Liangdi and the emperor's heir,
Knowing that Concubine De is kind-hearted, Rong Xi felt warm in her heart.
But after leaving the Bright Moon Palace, she also deeply felt the difficulty of Concubine De.
It also reminded me of Concubine Li Gui's domineering behavior in front of the queen.
She thought, if she really became a queen in the future, what would the harem Mu Huai leave her be like
Emperor Zhuang's concubine is hard enough to serve, and she has seen all kinds of concubines.
There is nothing to be afraid of.
To be a slave, you must have the loyalty and prudence of a slave.
To be a concubine should be like playing with a pet, and you should use the art of charming to win the favor of your husband.
And as a regular wife, it is my duty to take care of my husband's concubine.
If she really became a queen, it would be her duty to manage and take good care of the large group of concubines that Mu Huai will accept in the future.
Rong Xi has always been a conscientious person, doing what she likes.
Even when he was a slave, he loved his job very much.
But when she thought of the large group of concubines she would face in the future, she still felt dizzy.
*****
That night, Emperor Zhuang's imperial decree to confer the crown princess was finally sent to the East Palace.
When the eunuch read out the imperial edict, Rong Xi knelt on the ground calmly, but felt that the palace people around her were even more excited than her.
In order for her to sit in this position, Mu Huai also made a lot of preparations in the early stage.
First, Yan Juxu, the servant of the Huangmen, occasionally did not do business in the political affairs hall. The emperor and his ministers did not talk about political affairs, but talked about how to write a speech in a serious manner.
Both Mu Huai and Yan Juxu are extremely cautious people, after considering every word, they finally decided on a version.
They created Rong Xi's character as an image of a down-and-out official girl who is still inspiring and tenacious despite being wronged.
At the same time, the viciousness of Zhai's family was highlighted.
Yan Juxu also found several storytellers in Bianjing outside, and asked them how to tell the story so that it could make people cry and embarrass themselves.
By the way, let these storytellers tell this story in the major wine shops in Bianjing recently with Xu's money.
It is a political trick that Mu Huai often uses to let the storyteller create public opinion among the people.
Therefore, storytellers in Bianjing often have contacts with people from the government, and the wonderful anecdotes they tell in wine shops also have a deep purpose.
There are often people from the Jianyuan present in the wine shop, secretly observing the reactions of the people.
Although the people just wanted to have fun, they unconsciously memorized what the royal family wanted them to know.
With such momentum, the people in Bianjing naturally sympathized with and admired Rong Xi. Although she was only a good concubine, she had a very good reputation among the people.
The people outside the Forbidden City of Yongxi didn't know what Emperor Zhuang's concubines were like, but they all knew that the crown prince had Rong Liangdi, and they all knew that Rong Liangdi was born beautiful.
Mu Huai knew very well that Emperor Zhuang believed in astrology and celestial phenomena, so he went to the Taishi Bureau frequently on weekdays. If he wanted to make major decisions, he would always call Taishi Ling into the Qianyuan Hall to inquire about astronomy and weather.
The permanent astronomical institute in the Taishi Bureau and the engraving institute for testing the armillary sphere ① spend a lot of money every year.
Mu Huai didn't really believe in these things, and in his previous life, he almost abolished these two institutes of the Taishi Bureau.
But since Emperor Zhuang believed it, he sent Yan Juxu to communicate with Tai Shiling in secret. When Emperor Zhuang ordered him to go to Qianyuan Hall to talk about celestial phenomena, he said something like this—
"Before one month, the sky of Bianjing was full of auras, and the star of Bo was getting more and more hidden, and there were also clouds. Now, there is a star of Tianbao ② falling on the outskirts of Biandu, and the aura of the Forbidden City of Yongxi has faded, and the auspicious aura has risen greatly. , is truly auspicious.”
After hearing this, Emperor Zhuang couldn't help asking: "In just one month, the sky has changed like this. Can Aiqing know why?"
Tai Shiling's face was calm, but according to Yan Juxu's secret instructions, he connected the Tianbao Star with Rong Liangdi's fetus.
One month ago, Rong Liangdi almost lost her child, so the skyline of Bianjing was in disaster.
One month later, Rong Liangdi's fetus was healthy, and the sky in Bianjing was auspicious again.
Tai Shiling also said that there is always a rising star hanging over the East Palace.
All the words imply that the fetus in Rong Liangdi's womb is Daqi's lucky star.
The two things planned by Mu Huai finally came to fruition, and Rong Xi became Da Qi's crown prince and concubine justifiably.
After the eunuch beside Emperor Zhuang who announced the decree stepped down, Rong Xi still felt unreliable in his heart.
Before Mu Huai returned to the East Palace, Rong Xi listened to the congratulatory words of the maids, and took a bath with their help.
After taking a bath, she let loose her long half-wet hair, and the lotus-colored tulle underwear made her look more feminine. On the desk was an imperial decree to make her a princess.
Rong Xi spread out the imperial decree, carefully looked at the words on it, still slightly surprised in his eyes.
When I felt that I had no sense of reality, I felt that I was hugged by a man from behind.
Mu Huai should have drunk the wine, with the fragrance of alcohol on his body, he rested his chin lightly on the woman's slender shoulder, and asked in a low voice: "Are you satisfied? The lonely princess."
Rong Xi was speechless for a moment, and didn't know what to do to return to Mu Huai.
Thinking about whether she should kneel down in front of Mu Huai now to express her gratitude.
Mu Huai was not satisfied with Rong Xi's reaction.
This woman is not happy to make her a concubine.
Mu Huai walked to the armchair behind the desk and sat down, then frowned, and said to the woman in a deep voice, "Come here."
Rong Xi followed her words and obediently walked in front of the man.
Seeing her dazed expression, Mu Huai felt even more unhappy, and ordered: "Sit down."
As he spoke, before the woman could react, he grabbed her slender arm and made her sit on his lap.
He was a little drunk, and after wrapping the fragrant woman in his arms, he also brushed her long black and smooth hair to one side.
The woman's neck was fair and slender. He lowered his head and angrily left a red mark with his lips.
Rong Xi hissed lightly, and said in a slightly complaining voice: "...husband, didn't you agree not to leave traces here..."
Mu Huai was displeased: "You're so squeamish, there is no squeamishness anywhere in the whole body, you can't even touch it."
Rong Xi caressed that place, and gradually revealed a sweet smile.
The man in front of him seemed fierce and angry.
But she could see some grievances in his eyes.
Rong Xi finally said softly: "I am...very happy...but I don't know how to thank my husband."
After hearing this, Mu Huai touched her eyebrows with his thumb, and when he reached her petal-like lips, he bent down and gently pecked there.
After looking at each other again, Rong Xi could see traces of aggressive intentions in his drunken eyes.
That look was a little dangerous, and he hadn't looked at her like that for a long time.
When Rong Xi was panicking, Mu Huai's thin lips were already attached to her ear.
His voice was deep and mellow, slightly hoarse, and he whispered: "Gu wants you."
Rong Xi's fair cheeks gradually turned red.
Mu Huai's thoughts were deep, and he had been feeding her soup and tonic medicine for a month, probably with the idea of fattening her up before eating.
Ordinarily, it should be possible now, but Mu Huai was drunk, and Rong Xi was somewhat worried.
He also recalled Mu Huai's rough behavior when she was not pregnant.
She still felt afraid.
At this time, Mu Huai had already placed her soft and slender hand in the palm of his hand to play with.
With forbearance in his tone, he said again: "Don't be afraid... Tonight, you will teach Gu how to do it."