Every winter, there are many mansions in the royal capital that hold stove-warming parties, large and small. Nangong Yue also often goes to Yongyang Dachang Princess’ mansion on weekdays. She is already familiar with it, but this time the stove-warming event is a little different. Yong Yang posted a post and invited many princes, ministers and honorable families in the capital.
For a time, most of the kings were shocked.
Everyone knows that Princess Yuncheng likes to be lively and likes to hold various banquets in the mansion, but Princess Yongyang is different. There are no large-scale banquets held in the Princess Mansion throughout the year, and Yong Yang himself rarely attends banquets in Beppu.
But she just organized this stove-warming party for Wen Yu. Nangong Yue even learned from Fu Yunyan that Yong Yang had invited several princes and princesses, which shows how much she attaches importance to Wen Yu, her grandson.
Early this morning, Nangong Yue specially dressed up carefully, and put on a rose red slanted skirt with a lotus pattern, a plum pink pleated skirt underneath, and a silver gilt filigree in her bun. The flower-shaped hairpin inlaid with rubies reflects her skin as smooth as jade, and she is more delicate than flowers.
Xiao Fei looked at her, a flash of surprise flashed in her eyes, and she blurted out praise: "Sister-in-law, you are so pretty!"
She spoke sincerely, without any trace of politeness, which made the maidservants beside her snicker, as they were already used to Xiao Fei's straightforward temper.
Nangong Yue said with a smile: "Sister Fei, your outfit today is also very good-looking."
Nangong Yue's words are not polite words. Xiao Fei's outfit today is one of several new clothes made for the new year. She is wearing an emerald green embroidered silver and white plum blossom beige, with a pair of silver and white floral satin. The horse-faced skirt, black silk and a transparent emerald jade distraction, looked extremely elegant, and matched Xiao Fei's cool temperament very well.
Both of them were ready, so they immediately set off for Yongyang Dachang Princess's mansion. It was still early, but Nangong Yue always didn't like to come during the most crowded time, and would rather go as early as possible.
Furthermore, if she came earlier, she could go and talk with Yong Yang, and let Yong Yang know Xiao Fei.
Nangong Yue thought she had arrived early, but she didn't expect anyone else to arrive earlier than her.
When she got off the carriage at the second gate of the Princess Mansion, Fu Yunyan came up to meet her, and whispered to her: The third princess has arrived.
Nangong Yue was speechless when she heard that, the palace is no better than the outside. The third princess is about to leave the palace, and she still has to go to pay her respects to the queen first. In addition to the huge palace, the gates of the palace are lined up. It will take at least half an hour just to go out of the palace, and then come to the princess mansion... What? It will probably take an hour and a half.
Of course Fu Yunyan knew it well, and exchanged a tacit look with Nangong Yue.
Xiao Fei didn't know about these things, so her expression was very calm and indifferent.
The three girls walked forward, and soon, Wufutang appeared in front of them. Nangong Yue whispered to Xiao Fei: "Grandmother Yongyang is very kind, and your elder brother and I treat her like a real grandmother. Don't be too cautious."
"Yes." Fu Yunyan nodded and echoed, "Grandmother and grandfather Ling were both generals in the army decades ago. They cherish each other, and our two families are considered family friends. Grandmother will be very happy to see you."
Xiao Fei nodded thoughtfully. She knew that the Red Feather Army led by Princess Yongyang was once under the command of her grandfather, but she didn't know that the two families still had such friendship.
During the conversation, they had already arrived outside the main hall of Wufu Hall, and the third princess' surprised voice came from inside: "Cousin Yu, so the princess of Zhennan Prince is still your savior?"
"I will always remember the kindness of the concubine Shizi to me." At the same time as Wen Yu was speaking, Nangong Yue and the other three entered the room, and his eyes immediately turned to this side.
There are currently five people sitting in this room, besides Yong Yang, Wen Yu and the third princess, Mrs. Fu and Fu Yunhe are also there.
"Yue'er is here!" Yong Yang, who was sitting on the grand teacher's chair at the main seat, waved with a smile when he saw Nangong Yue, and then looked at Xiao Fei, "This one must be A Yi's younger sister. Bar?"
Xiao Fei hurriedly saluted Yong Yang: "Fei'er has met Her Royal Highness Yong Yang."
Yong Yang had already learned from Fu Yunyan that their aunt and sister-in-law got along well, and said with a smile: "Sister Fei, just follow your brother and sister-in-law and call me Yong Yang's grandmother."
Xiao Fei glanced at Yong Yang unexpectedly, it was the first time she saw such a neat old woman like her. She looked at Nangong Yue again, seeing Nangong Yue nodding towards her, she changed her words politely, and saluted again: "I have seen Grandma Yongyang."
Yong Yang smiled more kindly, took off a jade pendant from his waist and gave it to Xiao Fei.
Afterwards, Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei went to salute the third princess. The third princess waved her hands gently and generously to signal them to excuse them, and then said with a smile: "Concubine Shizi, I just heard Cousin Yu talking about you. The concubine is still Cousin Yu's savior. The concubine is really 'doing good without wanting others to know', which I admire."
Nangong Yue smiled slightly, and responded: "Your Highness, the princess, is serious, it's just a matter of raising your hands."
At this time, Wen Yu stood up, bowed to Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei politely, and said: "For Shi Zifei, this is just a small matter, but for me, it is a major event that changes my fate."
"What Cousin Yu said is true." The third princess echoed softly, a pair of black and bright phoenix eyes glowed with a gleam of spring, as if spring had come early.
After everyone was seated, the third princess said softly: "Grandmother Yongyang, Cousin Yu, I heard that the plum grove in the princess mansion is very famous, and the plum blossoms are blooming just right these days, you can take me to appreciate the plum blossoms later."
"That's natural." Wen Yu nodded, then looked at Xiao Fei, and asked with a smile on his lips, "Miss Xiao must be the one who loves plums, right?" A smile that makes people feel good when they see it.
Xiao Fei's outfit today can be seen at a glance, so she was not surprised and nodded in agreement.
Wen Yu's eyebrows became more gentle, and he said: "Then Miss Xiao will also come with us to Meilin later."
Hearing this, the third princess's expression froze immediately, and she quickly concealed the sullen look in her eyes.
Nangong Yuezheng said to Xiao Fei: "Sister Fei, the plum forest here at Grandma Yongyang's place is indeed a masterpiece, according to Liu Niang's statement, their Princess Mansion claims to be the second, and only the palace dares to be the first! "
Speaking of later, Nangong Yue had already taken on a bit of teasing, but Fu Yunyan didn't take it seriously, puffed out her chest confidently, and said, "It was originally, grandma, don't you think so?"
Yong Yang was also amused, Mrs. Fu sighed helplessly: "Liu Niang, you really don't know how to be modest." This child is really worrying, and finally she will be married this year...
Xiao Fei's eyes were shining brightly, she nodded repeatedly and said: "Sister-in-law, Liu Niang, then I must go and see."
The pretty face of the third princess froze a bit, and just when the smile on her face was about to be lost, a servant girl came into the room and told Yong Yang: "Your Highness, the eldest princess of Yuncheng, the eldest son, the original The second son and the head of Liushuang County have arrived at the second gate!"
Yuan Yuyi and the others came, Nangong Yue and Fu Yunyan exchanged glances, Fu Yunyan was about to go to the second gate to greet her, when another maid hurried over and reported: "Your Highness, First Prince, Second Prince, Fifth Prince The car with the fourth princess has arrived at the intersection!"
At this moment, there is still a stick of incense from the time written on the invitation, and even most of the guests have not arrived yet. Obviously, the princes and princesses attach great importance to Yong Yang, the aunt, and it is true, Yong Yang Not only was she deeply respected by the emperor, but she was still one of the best figures in Dayu's army even after she had handed over her military power.
After a while, the eldest son of the Fu family and the young wife of the Fu family led the four princes and princesses, as well as Yuan Yuyi and the others. Yuan Yuyi and the fifth prince had always been close to Nangong Yue, so when they entered the room, they all nodded slightly to Nangong Yue, and Nangong Yue naturally smiled back.
With the addition of these people, the originally empty main hall suddenly became crowded, and the atmosphere was very lively.
It took a quarter of an hour for everyone to finish the ceremony. Han Lingguan looked at the third princess with a smile and said, "Sister Sanhuang, why did you come here early by yourself and didn't tell us?" He glanced at the fourth princess, as if to say, why did you leave your six-year-old imperial sister behind and come out of the palace alone
Han Lingguan's words were probing, and he also felt strange in his heart, the third princess had never been close to Princess Yongyang's mansion before, so how could she be so courteous today
Thinking about it, Han Lingguan glanced at Wen Yu calmly, and Wen Yu shook his head indistinctly, indicating that he didn't know either.
The third princess never thought of taking the fourth princess out of the palace. When Han Lingguan said this, a trace of embarrassment flashed in her eyes, and she said with a gentle and pleasant look on her face, "Second brother, I I happened to get up early today, and I happened to be free, so I came here first."
Everyone knows that is just an excuse.
Han Lingguan didn't chase after him hard, but just thoughtfully.
Seeing that there were too many people, it was not convenient for Yong Yang to speak, so he simply ordered Fu Yunyan and Wen Yu to take them out for a sit-down, leaving only Yuncheng to talk with him in Wufu Hall.
The cold wind was blowing outside, and even though they were wearing thick cloaks, all the girls couldn't help shrinking, especially the six-year-old fourth princess, whose tender cheeks were still flushed red from the cold, and she was beaten. a sneeze.
The third princess said softly: "Fourth sister, since you are not feeling well, you should rest in the palace."
These words sounded like the older sister cared about her younger sister very much, but every word and every sentence had the meaning of reproach, which made the bystanders feel uncomfortable, but they couldn't find fault.
The fourth princess is young but very sensitive. She glanced at the third princess timidly. In fact, she didn't feel uncomfortable. It was just that her nose was itchy due to the cold wind.
At this time, a servant girl from the Princess Mansion smiled and smoothed things over, saying: "Your Highness, Princess Concubine, County Mistress, Miss Xiao, the fire dragon in Wangmei Pavilion has been burning all day and night, and it is now on fire. Please bear with me a little bit."
Soon, Wangmei Pavilion and Dongyun Pavilion appeared ahead, and the group split into two groups. Wen Yu took the eldest prince and others to Dongyun Pavilion, while Fu Yunyan led Nangong Yue and the others to Wangmei Pavilion.
As the servant girl said, Wangmei Pavilion is very hot, even a thin spring shirt is enough. As soon as the girls entered the room, they couldn't wait to take off their cloaks. The maids of the princess mansion were very clever, and immediately brought hot ginger tea to the fourth princess.
After drinking a cup of stomach, the complexion of the fourth princess looked much better.
"Cousin Yan," the third princess called softly, "I heard that you can see the plum grove from Wangmei Pavilion here, why don't you take me to see it?"
The third princess has the highest status in this Wangmei Pavilion. Since she made this request, Fu Yunyan is both the master and the cousin, so she can only agree to it.
Fu Yunyan led the crowd up to the second floor. From the window on the southeast side of the second floor, one could see the plum grove next to Wangmei Pavilion at a glance, among which white plums, winter plums, and red plums were blooming in the cold wind!
The nearest plum trees can be picked almost by the window!
Xiao Fei was already fascinated by watching it. Although she also participated in the plum appreciation banquet in Yuncheng last time, it was still early winter at that time, and only a few wintersweet bloomed. Now it is the plum appreciation festival.
The third princess felt a little regretful as soon as she approached. Although the southeast wind was not blowing today, she could feel the cold wind as soon as she approached the window. She was thinking about whether to use an excuse to go away. Footsteps going upstairs.
It turned out that several female relatives from the mansion had arrived. They heard that the third princess was on the second floor, so they came up to greet her.
The third princess took advantage of the opportunity and leaned against the charcoal basin surrounded by a group of female relatives.
But Xiao Fei still stayed in the distance and stared at Mei Lin obsessively, muttering to himself, as if he was reciting some poem.
Seeing Xiao Fei's fascination, Fu Yunyan said with a smile: "A Fei, why don't I take you to Meilin for a walk first?" There is Grandma Fu accompanying the third princess and other female guests, Fu Yunyan took Xiao Fei away temporarily Come on, it's not too rude.
Xiao Fei looked at Nangong Yue questioningly, Nangong Yue said with a smile: "Sister Fei, let's go together."
Yuan Yuyi was already shivering from the cold, and hurriedly said: "You guys go, I won't go, it's such a cold day, I'd better hide in the house!"
Fu Yunyan shook her head and said with a sigh: "Cousin Yi, I have already told you that you should move more on weekdays so that you won't be so afraid of the cold. You see, Ah Fei is from the south, and her body is better than yours."
Yuan Yuyi glanced at Fu Yunyan angrily, "I've told you too, women are the ones who please themselves, and you should pay more attention to your appearance on weekdays, have you heard of me?"
The two cousins are used to bickering, but the atmosphere is very harmonious.
Xiao Fei looked at them, with a slight smile in her cold eyes. She used to envy their close cousin relationship, envied them and sister-in-law for having such close boudoir friends, but now she doesn't envy them. Yes, she and sister-in-law are the same as them!
Several people went downstairs talking and laughing, but Yuan Yuyi still didn't follow them out in the end.
Fu Yunyan, who put on the cloak again, led Nangong Yue and Xiao Fei towards Meilin, and said, "A Fei, this is your first time in the capital, and you must have never participated in the furnace meeting in the capital. There are warm pavilions and warm pavilions." As she spoke, she pointed to a pavilion looming in the plum grove and said, "Look, that is it."
Several large screens are used around the pavilion to block the cold wind.
Nangong Yue explained from the side: "The heater is buried underground in the warming pavilion, so the pavilion is as warm as spring." As long as you keep out the wind, drinking some wine in the warming pavilion and admiring the winter plums is very elegant, so The elegant literati in the capital still like to hold this kind of stove-warming party.
It was the first time Xiao Fei heard of it, and found it extremely novel.
Fu Yunyan waved his arms boldly, "Come on, let's sit in the warming pavilion!"
The three of them went deep into the plum forest without haste, and gradually, they heard an elegant sound of the zither coming from the forest...
Listening to the direction, the sound of the piano was actually coming from the direction of the warm pavilion.
The person who played the piano is obviously very skilled at playing the piano, one play, one wave, one press... all are just right. A picture of "plum blossoms in the wind, jade and silver dancing gently"!
Xiao Fei moved her ears, and blurted out: "It's "Three Lanes of Plum Blossoms"!"
As the saying goes: "One plum blossom, clear the wind; two plum blossoms, make snow; three plum blossoms, make light and shadow", in the elegant and melodious piano sound, there are some snowflakes falling from the sky, adding to the sound of the piano. A bit of artistic conception.
The cool snowflakes fell on the skin and turned into snow water. Xiao Fei recovered from the sound of the piano and said: "Sister-in-law, Liu Niang, since there are people in the warm pavilion, let's look back at the Mei Pavilion first."
Fu Yunyan thought about it too, if the man in the warming pavilion was a man, it would be bad if he collided with him.
She was about to respond, but she heard the voice of the Fifth Prince from the warming pavilion: "Sister Yue, Cousin Yan, you are here too." While speaking, the Fifth Prince walked out of the warming pavilion, followed by the Second Prince Han Lingguan.
The three girls rushed forward to salute the two princes. At the same time, the sound of the piano in the warm pavilion stopped suddenly, and a familiar figure walked out.
"Brother Yu!" Fu Yunyan called out in surprise, "You were the one who played the piano just now?... I never thought that my cousin's piano skills are so good!"
Wen Yu nodded, showing a bit of embarrassment, and said: "Let my cousin, Shi Zifei, and Miss Xiao laugh at you."
Xiao Fei replied solemnly: "Mr. Wen is very good at playing the piano, but you are too obsessed with playing the piano. You should try to think about it more in terms of artistic conception and state of mind, and you will definitely be able to improve to a higher level."
Those who don't know Xiao Fei well, or those who are narrow-minded, will be annoyed when they hear this. Fu Yunyan already knows Xiao Fei a little bit, and was about to explain a few words to Wen Yu, but Wen Yu sincerely He said: "Listening to what you say is better than reading ten years of books. Wen Yu has been taught. Miss Xiao is good at the piano. I don't know if I can give you some pointers in the future."
Although Wen Yu is the grandson of Yong Yang's grandmother, he is a man after all, so it is not appropriate to ask Xiao Fei, a woman in the boudoir, to give advice. Nangong Yue was about to refuse, but Xiao Fei spoke first, and said bluntly: "Mr. I am better than me, I am ashamed of myself. The way of Qin art lies in the state of mind, and when the state of mind is reached, Qin art will naturally improve by leaps and bounds."
Wen Yu said modestly: "What Miss Xiao said is true."
Xiao Fei nodded, her expression seemed to say that children can be taught.
Lily almost didn't laugh, and gritted her teeth to hold back.
This is really Xiao Fei's temperament! Nangong Yue smiled and said: "Your Highness, it's starting to snow, let's go back to the Nuan Pavilion." Especially the fifth prince, his health has gradually improved over the years, but After all, it is still a little weaker than ordinary people, and it is not suitable for snow.
Han Lingguan looked up at the sky and praised: "Auspicious snow heralds a good year, my great-aunt really knows how to choose the day, this plum is naturally to match the snow!"
During the conversation, a group of people walked out of the plum forest, headed towards the Nuan Pavilion, and then parted ways. Nangong Yue and his party looked back at the Mei Pavilion.
Just as Nangong Yue and the others took off their cloaks, they heard footsteps coming downstairs. The third princess came down surrounded by a group of female guests and walked up to them.
The third princess looked a little stiff, but she still said in her usual gentle voice: "Cousin Yan, did you go to Merlin with the second and fifth brothers just now? Why didn't you ask me to go with you?!"
Just now the third princess happened to see Nangong Yue and his party bid farewell to the second prince by the window. At first she didn't take it seriously, but when she saw Wen Yu was among them, her whole face turned dark.
She couldn't help wondering if Nangong Yue and Fu Yunyan were deliberately trying to match Wen Yu and Xiao Fei... The third princess became angrier as she thought about it, and hurried downstairs.
Although the third princess was smiling, her tone unconsciously revealed a hint of questioning. She thought she was hiding it well, but everyone present could hear it. Fu Yunyan first frowned unhappily, and finally said calmly: "Third Princess, we happened to meet the Second Prince and His Highness the Fifth Prince in the Merlin just now, if the Third Princess is interested, I can also take His Highness to the Merlin let's go."
It's very cold, and it may not be possible to meet... The third princess suddenly lost interest, and said with a little embarrassment: "I'm just talking casually." She quickly glanced at Xiao Fei, thinking Still unhappy. Even though she is the high and mighty Princess, why is it that Fu Yunyan, Aunt Yongyang, and Wen Yu are all more affectionate to Xiao Fei
At this time, following the servant girl's singing, the two princesses Yongyang and Yuncheng arrived.
All the female relatives hurriedly got up to greet them and saluted respectfully.
Yong Yang has a straightforward temperament, and has always disliked these polite social things. After letting the girls excuse him, he went up to the second floor with them, and sat down one by one according to their status.
The maids served plum blossom tea, and after drinking the tea, Yuncheng cheered together and said: "Little aunt, you know that I always like to be lively, and it's rare that so many young girls came here today, and there are many talented women among them. How about giving them a chance to show off?"
Before Yong Yang could speak, the third princess got up and said gently: "What my aunt said is, let me play a piece of music today."
Since the three princesses volunteered, no one objected.
After a cup of tea, the third princess sat down behind the qin table, and a sonorous and powerful qin sound soon flowed out from her slender fingers...
Nangong Yue raised her eyebrows slightly, isn't this the "House of Flying Daggers" that she once played at the Jinxinhui
Most of the female family members present heard it, and they were a little surprised. After all, today is the stove meeting. Playing the elegant "Three Lanes of Plum Blossoms" will add elegance, and the murderous "House of Flying Daggers" is always a bit weird!
But I have to admit that the third princess's piano skills are really superb, not only can't find any faults, but it is not easy for a woman to play such strong piano music.
They also knew that Nangong Yue once won the Baiyue Saintess at the Jinxinhui with a song "Ambush from Ten Sides", so today the three princesses are provoking Nangong Yue, or they are purely to cater to Yong Yang who was born in the battlefield. like
Everyone secretly speculated... Before they knew it, the sound of the piano ended.
Immediately, a lady clapped her hands and praised: "The third princess is indeed extraordinary in piano skills, I am afraid that she is also one of the best in this royal capital!"
The other lady also catered loudly, praising the third princess again and again, but Yong Yang and Yun Cheng didn't say anything.
A dark light flashed in the eyes of the third princess, she stood up, and said with a smile: "I have heard for a long time that Miss Xiao from Zhennan Palace is not only beautiful, but also has outstanding talents. I wonder if I can show you today?"
But the eyes of all the female relatives in the room lit up, and they heard a hint of provocation from the words of the third princess. Xiao Fei's appearance is similar to that of Xiao Fang's. She is a beautiful little beauty, but she is definitely not beautiful. Besides talent, Xiao Fei has been in southern Xinjiang in the past. This is the first time she has come to the capital. Who knows How talented is she!
So the compliment of the third princess is definitely not what she meant on the surface. It turns out that the third princess is at odds with Miss Xiao from Zhennan Palace!