As soon as the eunuch was summoned, all the concubines and maids in the flower hall of Jiaofang Palace lifted their spirits. Rong Xi led the crowd to get up from the main seat, and respectfully bowed to Mu Huai.
Although the seniority of the concubines is high, they are still different from the emperors, so they must curtsy to Mu Huai according to the rules.
Mu Huai's eyebrows were sharp, his eyes were sharp and seductive, and his voice was cold and ordered: "Get up."
After getting up according to the words, Rong Xi motioned to the maids in the flower hall to set up an armchair for Mu Huai in the main seat, but she wondered in her heart, why did Mu Huai come over suddenly
Sitting beside Rong Xi, Mu Huai coldly glanced at all the concubines present with his deep black eyes.
For some concubines, he couldn't even remember their faces and surnames.
After Concubine Hui sat down again in a panic, her wrinkled eyes were dodging, deliberately avoiding Mu Huai's cold stare.
She is the most bullying and afraid of the tough, she has been used to Mu Huai's brutal behavior before, and when she thinks of the tragic fate of Concubine Li Gui and Concubine Shu, she dare not even look at Mu Huai.
Wang Jieyu, who was sitting beside Concubine Hui, smiled lightly.
She saw Concubine Hui's embarrassment, and thought to herself, if I knew today, why bother
Everyone in the whole palace knows that the new emperor has the most surly and vicious temperament, and his tactics are also very tough.
As for Queen Rong, she is the woman whom the emperor puts on top of his heart.
Concubine Hui knew this too, but she dared to provoke Queen Rong as if her brain was flooded.
The new emperor came today by coincidence, just in time for the eccentric words that Concubine Hui said to the queen.
But even if it was unfortunate that the new emperor didn't bump into him, if this Concubine Hui really annoyed the empress, then the empress only needs to blow a few words of pillow wind into the new emperor's ear, and she will suffer.
After Mu Huai let everyone sit down, he said nothing.
The emperor's innate majesty made everyone present dare not act rashly. Concubine Hui felt that the new emperor's gaze had been on her, and she couldn't help shivering.
Concubine Hui repeatedly winked at Wang Jieyu, but Wang Jieyu ignored her.
Wang Jieyu knew in her heart that Concubine Hui wanted her to take the initiative to tell the new emperor about her illness, so she would also find an opportunity to follow her back to Tangyu Palace.
She said she was sick in the morning and didn't want to come, but Concubine Hui ignored her feelings.
Now, why should she help her
Wang Jieyu pretended to take a sip of tea, and stopped looking at Concubine Hui.
Concubine Hui gritted her teeth resentfully, and after a while she finally got up tremblingly. Mu Huai spoke first, and said to him, "The Emperor... I am not feeling well in this palace, so I will go back to Tangyue Palace first."
Seeing that Concubine Hui was about to take the maid out of the flower hall, Mu Huai's eyes were filled with coldness, he winked at the eunuch, and the eunuch stopped Concubine Hui after he understood.
Concubine Hui couldn't get out, feeling more and more panicked.
Mu Huai's cold voice sounded beside her ears: "Why is Concubine Hui leaving as soon as I sit down?"
After Concubine Hui was overwhelmed by Mu Huai's cold voice, she had no choice but to sit back in her seat.
It seems that the emperor is determined to support the empress today. He is really too arrogant to indulge this woman, as if he has been dazed.
Mu Huai glanced at Concubine Hui, and asked again: "I just heard that Concubine Hui is not very satisfied with the palace I built for the empress? What do you mean, all the money saved by the empress is spent on this palace?"
Concubine Hui's eyes flickered.
After all, there is a Zheng family who has been a general for generations behind her. Although Qi is still peaceful now, other countries in the Central Plains are eyeing.
If Mu Huai wanted to use troops at that time, he had to win over her mother's family in advance. Once Concubine Li Gui and Li Rui died, the only powerful generals in Beijing would be the Wang family, the Yin family and her Zheng family.
Concubine Hui expected that Mu Huai would still give her some face.
Since the emperor asked her why, she also wanted to have a good talk with him.
Concubine Hui looked sullen, and she gained confidence in her heart, and said: "The empress manages the harem well, and the emperor saved ten thousand taels of silver during the two months of your east tour. Originally, the palace and the sisters who served the late emperor were all Jue Empress is not from a high family background, that's why she is so frugal, and they all praise her. But today, when Ben Gong came to Jiaofang Palace to give congratulatory gifts, he found that the Empress's bedroom is so extravagant. The empress used all the saved silver to decorate the palace."
As soon as Concubine Hui's words fell off, Mu Huai's brows gradually became cloudy, and he turned his head to glance at Rong Xi beside him.
Rong Xi's expression was very calm, and he didn't show annoyance because Concubine Hui said that she had a low background.
Mu Huai was not so calm, he suppressed his anger.
It was obvious that his Xi'er had been working so hard to take care of the affairs of the harem, and wanted to share his worries for him, and also shared his worries for him.
But such a hard work, not only is it not flattering, but in the eyes of Concubine Hui, she has become a sanctimonious and greedy for money.
It really doesn't make sense.
Seeing that the aura surrounding Mu Huai was not quite right, Rong Xi shook his head at him.
Mu Huai ignored it, and refuted Concubine Hui with a colder voice: "The empress is the master of the harem, and the bedroom where she lives also represents the dignity of the Tian family. I have no other concubines, and the Qianyuan Palace is the place where government is governed, so it is a regular place to stay on weekdays." In the palace of the Queen."
These words have already shown everyone that this palace is not built for the empress alone, as the emperor, he also lives there.
In this way, whoever dares to make a half-sentence will really be out of his mind.
Mu Huai's words were aggressive, and Concubine Hui's expression was obviously at a loss for words.
But Mu Huai still didn't intend to let it go.
He also said: "Before the east tour, I ordered the Ministry of Households to allocate the silver taels for the construction of the queen's bedroom. Although I was not in Bianjing for the past two months, I used the treasury to allocate a lot of silver taels to various states and counties to build canals and embankments. Many kilns and warehouses have also been set up. The silver taels saved by the queen in the past two months have all returned to the national treasury, and have also been added to the two small counties in the east of the Qi border."
As soon as these words fell, the other concubines present also felt that they had wrongly blamed the queen.
Before, they were more or less dissatisfied with Rong Xi because of Concubine Hui's instigation.
Although they would not be as brainless as Concubine Hui, who dared to show empress face to face, they secretly disliked this beautiful young empress.
But when the new emperor made such a well-founded statement, they knew where the rest of the money had gone.
Mu Huai's tone sank a bit, and he asked Concubine Hui again: "May I ask, Concubine Hui, where did you hear that the empress used all the saved money to decorate the palace?"
The few words that the new emperor said to Concubine Hui before, there is still a little bit of respect for the elders.
But the tone of this sentence is like reprimanding the courtiers in the court.
But the new emperor's anger was originally a well-founded anger, who made Concubine Hui too short-sighted.
The concubines nearby were watching Concubine Hui's joke calmly.
Concubine Hui's expression was embarrassing, remembering that when the concubine Xian had not given birth to Mu Huai in the past, she was just a showy face, but after she had Mu Huai, a talented mother was valued by her son, and she was promoted to the concubine position by relying on Emperor Zhuang's favor.
The emperor's grandfather was only a servant of the city gate, and he used to be her grandfather's subordinate.
Concubine Hui scolded secretly if there were things that were born by mother but not raised by mother.
Concubine Xian died early, and the new emperor had no one to teach him, and he didn't know the rules.
A few years ago, the new emperor was still a cripple who couldn't walk. Now that he has become the emperor in this dynasty, he is still showing off his might in front of his elders.
No matter how the Ninth Five-Year Supreme Emperor, wouldn't he have to look at his father's face and respect them, the old people of Emperor Zhuang
Concubine Hui's complexion also darkened a little, and she said to Mu Huai: "Emperor, your mother and concubine died early, and I also watched you grow up. I also hugged you when you were young. No matter what, You should also remember the goodness of the late emperor to you, and respect this palace."
Rong Xi didn't take people like Concubine Hui too seriously in her heart. Although she always likes to provoke troubles, she is stupid and not so sinister.
I also know that Concubine Hui's mother's family influence is very important to Mu Huai, even if she doesn't respect her as a queen, she didn't do anything excessive to her.
Concubine Ke Hui's words really touched people's hearts.
Anyone with a discerning eye can hear these words, Concubine Hui is belittling Mu Huai's mother and concubine for leaving early, that's why he doesn't respect the elders and has no education.
Rong Xi was no longer silent, and was about to open his mouth to rescue Mu Huai.
However, a smile gradually appeared on Mu Huai's lips.
His voice was low, and his tone calmed down a bit: "Since Concubine Hui mentioned Royal Father, I also feel that even if Royal Father is no longer alive, I really should do something for Royal Father to show my filial piety."
Concubine Hui thought that her words had awakened Mu Huai's conscience, and she felt a little proud of herself.
Only to hear Mu Huai pretending to be deep again: "But my government affairs are complicated, and some things have to be entrusted to Concubine Hui."
Concubine Hui was puzzled and asked, "What does the emperor want me to do?"
Mu Huai's eyes were dark, but his tone was calm and he said: "I want to build a royal nunnery in the east of Bianjing City. Father's three-year mourning period has not yet expired. Since Concubine Hui is thinking about her father, she goes to that nunnery to pray for her father. stop."
Concubine Hui's complexion changed.
There was such a custom in the previous dynasty. If the emperor died and the new emperor succeeded, the concubines who had no heirs would go to the nunnery to shave their hair into mud to pray for the soul of the late emperor.
Concubine Hui stammered, "This... this...":
— "Does Concubine Hui not want to pray for the emperor?"
Mu Huaifu asked again in a deep voice.
Concubine Hui couldn't tell the truth, that would be disrespectful.
But who would like to let go of the good life in the palace and go to that nunnery to eat fast and chant Buddha
Concubine Hui was anxious, she pointed at the concubines around her, and said: "Since I was praying for the late emperor, why did I only let this palace go to the nunnery? They are also the late emperor's concubines and have no heirs. Why didn't the emperor choose them?" They go."
Wang Jieyu's beautiful eyes finally turned cold, and she quietly gouged out Concubine Hui's eyes.
Unexpectedly, Concubine Hui was so stupid and vicious that she wanted to take them, the late emperor's concubines, into the water together.
Most of the Emperor Zhuang's concubines present were not favored, and they didn't have that much deep affection for Emperor Zhuang. No one would really want to go to the temple to pray for Emperor Zhuang.
Rong Xi saw that the expressions of all the concubines present had changed, and their eyes showed their disgust towards Concubine Hui, so she understood.
It turned out that Mu Huai actually used a trick to divert the water to the east.
Sure enough, Mu Huai followed what Concubine Hui said, and said to the other concubines present: "Concubine Hui just suggested that you also go to pray for the emperor. Do you have any objections to this?"
"The construction of the royal nunnery will take time, and all the concubines and concubines can stay in the palace until the New Year's Eve, and return to live in the palace after the funeral of the emperor is over." Mu Huai said again.
The rest of the toffees present were not too young. They thought that after Emperor Zhuang's death, they could live a leisurely and prosperous life, but once they went to the nunnery, it would be an endless life of poverty.
Even if they only stayed in the nunnery for three years, they all thought it was too long and hard to bear.
But those concubines didn't want to hate the new emperor with a strong temperament, and they poured out all their resentment on the broken-mouthed Concubine Hui.
If it wasn't for Concubine Hui, how could the new emperor let them go to the nunnery to pray for blessings
But this matter could not be refused, all the concubines and concubines could only reply in unison: "I have no objection, I would like to pray for the late emperor."
The concubines in the flower hall left one after another, and Rong Xi knew in his heart that Concubine Hui would not have a good life after returning this time.
The rest of the concubines are not vegetarian either, they will definitely unite and target her together.
Originally, Rong Xi thought that Mu Huai's temperament was impatient and violent, and he was easily overwhelmed by anger.
But what happened today changed Rong Xi's view of Mu Huai.
Concubine Hui has a hateful face, and Mu Huai is angry, but she can rationally come up with a strategy to deal with her, without losing the dignity of the emperor, and her words are also reasonable, enough to convince the public.
But Mu Huai's time and talent should be put in court or used on the battlefield.
How can you sit in the crowd of women and fight with these concubines
Rong Xi shook her head helplessly, but Mu Huai's trick of bringing disaster to the east also inspired her.
Seeing that those annoying concubines finally left Jiaofang Palace, Mu Huai held the slender hand of the woman beside him in his palm and played with it carefully.
Rong Xi knew that when Mu Huai returned to her place, he often wanted to relax and have some fun.
Even if she is a queen, she can't always be the same as the speaker, she must say something to Mu Huai who is an emperor.
Rong Xi recalled that the reason why many queens in the previous dynasty were not favored by the emperor was also because of this. Being a regular wife would definitely be more far-reaching than a concubine serving as the husband's master, but men don't necessarily like women to do this.
After clarifying these reasons, Rong Xi knew that not only did she want to secure her status as a court lady, but she also wanted Mu Huai's favor.
After all, the queen is also one of the women beside the emperor, she should not just put on a dignified air, but also please the emperor.
Maybe in the future when Mu Huai has a harem, she will no longer be the only favorite.
But in the past few years, she has to work hard to become the most important woman in Mu Huai's heart.
Thinking about it, Rong Xi didn't mention the matter just now, nor was he stupid enough to persuade Mu Huai not to treat those concubines like that.
Mu Huai led her to the side hall of Jiaofang Palace.
The two sat behind the Luohan bed, Mu Huai looked at Rong Xi's extremely beautiful smile, but felt that her smile didn't reach his eyes at all.
The last time I took her out of the palace to have fun, her smile was real.
Now this smile is a disguise of deliberate flattery.
Ever since this woman became a queen, she has been speculating about his thoughts all the time. The more he pampers her, the more frightened she becomes.
All kinds of performances are still the same as before, they are serving him as the master.
Rong Xi knows when to laugh and when to be angry, and every move suits his heart.
But Mu Huai still felt that something was wrong.
On second thought, it would be good if Rong Xi was still by his side.
She became his first wife and gave birth to their child safely. If he had any other demands, it would be hypocritical.
At this time, the sun outside the sill window was pouring on the Arhat's bed, and the side hall was warm and pleasant.
Rong Xi peeled the bright yellow tangerines with slender white jade fingers like water onions, which reminded people of the poem - "Wu Yan wins snow, and slender fingers break new oranges".
After Rong Xi handed the orange petals to the man's lips, Mu Huai lowered his head and ate the orange petals.
The taste of tangerine is the same as the taste in his heart.
Sweet and sour.
Taste carefully, with a slight astringency.
After Rong Xi finished feeding him the oranges, she smiled and gently wiped the corners of the man's lips with a silk handkerchief.
She has exquisite eyebrows and eyes, and her concentrated appearance is very beautiful.
Mu Huai didn't want to immerse himself in the astringency in his heart, so he bent his fingers and scratched the little queen's delicate, upturned nose, and said in a warm voice: "Queen Lao will accompany me to the Qianyuan Palace and help me grind ink."
Rong Xi agreed docilely.
On the way to Qianyuan Hall, the two rode side by side in a chariot each.
Rong Xi took out a silk handkerchief from Hua's sleeve, and while twisting the handkerchief, slightly bent her index finger, and pressed it to her lips.
Just now, she had a plan in her mind, and the private enmity between her and Queen Mother Di was laid out in front of her.
Empress Dowager Zhai lives in this world for a day, but the thorn in her heart cannot be pulled out.
Rong Xi sat on the chariot, and glanced at the dignified and handsome man beside him.
Everything she had was given to her by this man.
If she wanted to plan something, she would naturally rely on the power of this man.
But what she wanted Mu Huai to do for her would probably touch his bottom line as an emperor.
No matter how much a man dotes on her, if she crosses this line, Mu Huai will very likely not tolerate her, and even become murderous.
Mu Huai is also quite entangled with the Empress Dowager Di's affairs recently.
He also glanced at Rong Xi at the side, and asked, "See what I'm doing? What's on my mind again?"
Rong Xi's mind was punctured, but she replied softly: "The emperor doesn't look at my concubine, how would I know that my concubine is looking at you?"
Mu Huai frowned and shook his head, his deep voice was full of helpless connivance: "The teeth are getting sharper and sharper."
Rong Xi didn't say any more, she seemed to casually look up at the blue sky of Bianjing again.
In order not to dirty Mu Huai's hands, and to get rid of the Queen Mother Zhai, she might really have to be a disaster.
*****
Before that day, Mu Huai inspected the drought prevention results submitted by various states and counties in the Qianyuan Hall.
During his eastward tour, he assigned the important tasks of drought prevention to officials in various places. After returning, he also ordered the Ministry of Households to allocate money. Recently, he sent officials from the Ministry of Industry to supervise construction in various places.
But Mu Huai was cautious, and he was still worried about those local officials, fearing that they would ignorant of the imperial court's money, and thought that he would send some censors to the counties and counties to monitor after a while.
But I saw the grille leaking out of the window, and it was getting late.
Then he felt that it was time to go back to Jiaofang Palace and fall asleep with the little queen.
Mu Huai took pity on Rong Xi's frail body. Although she was always in high spirits, she would deliberately restrain herself, and did not dare to be too presumptuous.
Tonight, he was going to simply sleep with the woman.
After Bianjing entered winter, Rong Xi's hands and feet were always cold, and he would pamper women every night.
The government affairs were suspended, and when Mu Huai arrived at Jiaofang Palace, he found that the woman hadn't greeted him personally at the gate of the palace tonight.
Ordinarily, the palace man would have told her in advance when he would arrive here.
Mu Huai felt strange in his heart, but he didn't ask the palace servants too much, thinking that the woman might be tired, so he fell asleep before him.
He walked softly and slowly to the back of the bedroom, only to find that Rong Xi was not only awake, but also dressed strangely.
I saw the petite beauty with a greasy face, although she was wearing plain white pajamas, but she was wearing a snow fox waistcoat. She didn't have her long hair loose as usual. Some fluffy accessories.
It looks like a little vixen.
Mu Huai couldn't figure out what kind of tricks this woman was playing with him, so he scolded with lowered eyebrows: "How decent is it to dress like this?"
Rong Xi was not afraid of his reprimand, but walked up to the man with small steps.
She walked in front of the man, and the soft fur on Xuehu's waistcoat also inadvertently rubbed against the back of his hand.
Rong Xi's eyes were red, his appearance was docile and obedient, and he looked like a snow-white rabbit.
Mu Huai restrained himself, wanted to hold this torturer in his arms and rub it, and then asked in a low tone, "I was asking you something, why didn't you answer?"
Rong Xi raised her eyes timidly, and glanced at the man.
Under the flickering candlelight, the lines of Mu Huai's neck are intertwined with light and dark.
Rong Xi saw just now that his Adam's apple rolled slightly.
She figured out his likes and dislikes very clearly, and Mu Huai really is a person with bad tastes.
Rong Xi's eyes rolled slightly, still intentionally showing a timid expression, but suddenly threw her petite body into the arms of the tall man in front of her.
She wrapped her slender arms around the man's waist, and the snow-white hair on her body tickled him very much.
His heart itched even more.
Finally, Mu Huai couldn't bear it anymore, and couldn't help but reached out and touched her fluffy head, and asked in a low voice, "Why are you acting like a baby all of a sudden, what do you want from me?"
His voice was hoarse, and his eyes were darkened.
At this moment, Rong Xi raised her eyes again, and looked at the man's forbearing and handsome face with a little temptation.
After that, she stood on tiptoe, and put her soft lips against the man's ear, and murmured softly, "Your Majesty... the bruises on my concubine's knees have disappeared."