December 12th is the day when Nangong Yue and Mrs. Zhou made an appointment to go to the Heavenly Palace to pray for blessings.
In the early morning, the warm winter sun shines lightly, shining warmly on the body.
Early in the morning, in front of the Tianshang Palace, the largest Mazu Temple in Luoyue City, incense was burning as usual, and believers came to offer incense devoutly.
Nangong Yue didn't want to mobilize the crowd, so she and Xiao Fei and Xiao Ni traveled in an ordinary green-covered carriage, while Xiao Luan was accompanying him on a tall white horse. Today Xiao Luan was wearing a purple The golden gown with Liuyun bat pattern, his black hair tied high with a silver crown, and his horseshoes fluttering, seem to be quite dashing.
Coupled with the accompanying several guards, all tall and mighty, a group of chariots and horses traveled all the way, attracting a lot of curious eyes. Those believers and common people secretly speculated that they did not know which family members of the rich family came to offer incense. .
The servants of the palace had come to Tianshang Palace three days in advance to say hello, so Mrs. Miao Zhu Cheng had been waiting there early, and when she saw the carriage approaching, she hurriedly greeted her.
The carriage stopped in front of the gate, and the maid carefully helped Nangong Yue, Xiao Fei and Xiao Ni off the carriage one by one.
"Mrs. Xiao, Second Young Master Xiao, Elder Miss Xiao, Third Miss Xiao, please." Mrs. Cheng saluted respectfully, because she had been instructed in advance and did not dare to disclose the identities of Nangong Yue and her party.
Under the guidance of Miao Zhu, a group of people went to the west chamber.
Aunt Cheng walked ahead, her heart still beating loudly.
I heard that the second son of the palace and the newly engaged young lady Zhou are going to come here to pray for blessings. Madam Cheng is very honored and favored. If it were not for the people of the palace who told the eldest son and concubine not to disturb the people, Madam Cheng really wanted to close the temple today, so she would not be blind The person accidentally disturbed the nobleman.
After much deliberation, Mrs. Cheng deliberately sealed off the west side hall and the west chamber to prevent irrelevant people from entering and leaving at will. She just hoped that today's blessing will go smoothly.
In the future, news of Zhennan Prince's Mansion coming here to pray for blessings will spread, and the incense in the Heavenly Palace will definitely be even more prosperous!
Thinking about it, Mrs. Cheng narrowed her eyes with a smile, and enthusiastically led Nangong Yue and others into the courtyard gate of the west wing, and said, "Mrs. Xiao, Mrs. Zhou and the others are inside..."
As soon as you enter the courtyard, you can see a small bamboo grove in front of you on the right. Outside the bamboo grove is an octagonal pavilion. At this moment, several female family members of the Zhou family are waiting in the pavilion.
Although the agreed time was Si time, how could everyone in the Zhou mansion dare to keep the concubine Shizi and Second Young Master Xiao waiting for a long time, they had already arrived half an hour earlier.
According to the rules of Nanjiang, on the day of praying, the female relatives of both parties will be present. The second wife of Zhennan Palace is a widow, and the third wife has no daughter-in-law, so Nangong Yue only brought Xiao Fei and Xiao Ni. As for the Zhou mansion, apart from Zhou Roujia, mother and daughter, Tuesday's wife, Mrs. Lu, also brought their two daughters. As soon as they heard the commotion outside the courtyard, the five members of the Zhou residence all got up and went out of the octagonal pavilion to meet them.
Zhou Rouhui who followed at the back looked at Xiao Luan in disbelief, her nails almost dug into her palm. She stared at Xiao Luan intently, heard that Xiao Luan was ignorant, heard that Xiao Luan was idle, and heard that Xiao Luan was greedy for beauty... I didn't expect that he was so handsome and handsome, and he was the second son of the palace... What such good luck!
In an instant, the original hesitation in Zhou Rouhui's heart disappeared completely, a flash of determination flashed in her eyes, and she followed her with lowered eyes as if nothing had happened.
"I've met my mother-in-law." Xiao Luan bowed to Mrs. Wang generously, and looked like a human being.
"Excuse me, excuse me." Mrs. Zhou said hurriedly, with a hint of embarrassment in her words.
This is the first time she has seen Xiao Luan. Although she has already heard some things about Xiao Luan from her daughter, she is still a little uneasy in her heart, fearing that the second son Xiao, who has a concubine in the house, will treat this low-marriage There was an opinion about the marriage, and it was only at this moment when she saw Xiao Luan's calm expression that she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as this Second Young Master Xiao has no objection to the marriage, it's fine, what I'm afraid of is that he was unwilling at the beginning, and then gradually turned into disgust...
Thinking of her suffering in the Zhou Mansion for so many years, a bit of bitterness emerged in Wang's heart, and she said to herself, as long as her daughter lives well. It doesn't matter if the Second Young Master Xiao is unreliable, as long as the daughter becomes a concubine and gives birth to a son and a half in the future, no one else can surpass her in this life! ...It's just a concubine, how can she make waves in the palace.
Thinking about it, Wang felt a lot more relaxed, and exchanged a few words with Xiao Luan in a moderate manner.
Everyone has seen the ceremony one by one, no matter what they think in their hearts, everyone's performance at this moment is elegant and decent.
Nangong Yue looked at the time and said: "The auspicious time is coming soon, second brother, Miss Zhou, it's time for you to pray for blessings."
Xiao Luan glanced at Zhou Roujia, and responded quickly, Zhou Roujia knelt down and blessed her, her fair cheeks were stained with blush.
Under the guidance of Mrs. Cheng, the group moved to the west side hall. From a distance, they saw four open doors in the side hall. In the hall, there was a statue of Mazu, one person tall, with bright colors and lifelike features. That kind smile makes people look calm.
Nan Gongyue, Wang Shi and the others stopped outside the hall and watched Xiao Luan and Zhou Roujia walking towards the hall side by side. Both of them were probably a little nervous, and their backs were slightly stiff.
Zhou Roujia was really nervous, she felt her heart beating wildly, but when she stepped across the threshold with her skirt, Xiao Luan's voice suddenly came from her ear: "The flower cakes you made are delicious."
Her footsteps paused for a moment, and she subconsciously turned her head to look at Xiao Luan.
He was looking at her, and their eyes met for a moment in mid-air.
Smelling the smell of incense in the palace, Zhou Roujia calmed down, smiled slightly, and said, "You weave it very much like Xiao Hui."
Xiao Luan's eyes lit up, and he said complacently, "I think so too." He knew that she must have discernment.
While talking, the two walked into the side hall, stopped in front of the futon, then knelt down together, clasped their hands together and prayed silently.
I hope they will grow old together in the future!
Hope they have many children in the future!
Hope they are safe and sound in the future!
…
After three kneelings and nine kowtows before the statue of Mazu, the two walked out of the side hall again.
At this moment, the previous tension faded away, as if the two of them suddenly had a common little secret and a mutual understanding just now, the atmosphere between the two of them softened a lot.
Seeing this pair of bi people, Nangong Yue couldn't help but smile. She understood the meaning of this custom in southern Xinjiang. Before getting married, it would be wonderful for the young couple to make a wish for a common future.
Nangong Yue eagerly thought that after Ah Yi came back, the two of them would come to pray together.
Seizing the opportunity, Lu seized the opportunity to talk to Nangong Yue quickly, covered her mouth and praised: "Concubine Shizi, sister-in-law, look at these two children, they are really talented and beautiful, aren't they?!"
Hearing this, Zhou Rouhui's pupils in the back shrank, and she stared at Lu Shi in disbelief. The disappointment at that moment seemed like she had been betrayed. She gritted her teeth secretly, thankful that she lived in the long room recently, so she never had the chance to tell her mother what she thought...
Nangong Yue just smiled and didn't answer Lu Shi's words.
Wang Shi also remained silent. If it was the old Wang family, she would definitely help smooth things over, but after the incense incident, Wang's heart has completely turned cold, and she finally sees through this sibling. As an aunt, she can even do such vile and vicious things. , this kind of person is not even worth flirting with her...
Be polite to her, and she will only treat herself as a bully!
Unexpectedly, Nangong Yue and Wang shi were so disrespectful to themselves. Lu shi's expression froze for a moment, but he could only continue to smile as if nothing had happened.
In the stiff atmosphere, Zhou Rouhui asked softly: "Concubine Shizi, auntie, mother, can I go to the palace to worship Mazu?" She smiled slightly, trying to show her most beautiful smile, charming and charming.
When Zhou Rouhui said this, Zhou Roujin immediately echoed, "I want to go too."
Since it is rare to come to the Mazu Temple, Nangong Yue originally planned to let the girls go to worship, and said with a smile: "Sister Fei, sister Ni, let's go to worship together." She also wanted to pray for A Yi and the Southern Border Army , I hope they return victorious as soon as possible.
Then, several people also entered the hall to worship Mazu and asked for a lottery, let alone what each person asked for.
By the time they came out of the side hall, it was almost noon, Mrs. Cheng took them back to the west wing, and a few helper women neatly served a table full of vegetarian dishes.
The female relatives sat at a table, and Xiao Luan, the only male, was led to eat in the courtyard next door.
Although the Su Zhai in Tianshang Palace is not bad, it is still a little worse than Anlan Palace. While eating, Nangong Yue was thinking that perhaps she could go to Anlan Palace with Han Qixia and Xiao Fei some other day.
When Su Zhai was halfway through, Zhou Rouhui whispered something in Lu Shi's ear, then stood up with a bit of shame on her face, obviously she was going to clean the room.
Zhou Rouhui took the maid out of the wing room, and everyone continued to enjoy the vegetarian meal. When the table was full, Zhou Rouhui hadn't come back. Nangong Yue's heart moved, and she gave Baihui a subtle wink.
After following Nangong Yue for so many years, Baihui immediately understood what her master meant, and retreated quietly.
After a while, Baihui came back and whispered something next to Nangong Yue's ear. Nangong Yue's lips were pursed into a straight line, and a cold light flashed in her eyes.
Some people! It's really hard not to die until the Yellow River!
Nangong Yue wiped the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, and left the wing room under the pretext of changing clothes.
The subtle changes in Nangong Yue's body did not hide from the eyes of the group, and everyone else looked at each other in blank dismay.
Knowing daughter Mo Ruomu, Lu Shi suddenly thought of something and looked to his right hand. It must have been too long for Sister Hui to clean the room...
Her sharp gaze suddenly looked at Zhou Roujin on the other side, but Zhou Roujin's eyes were half-closed, and she seemed a little uneasy.
Lu's heart sank in an instant. She really wanted to ask Zhou Roujin what her sister had done, but she couldn't ask because of the presence of Wang and Zhou Roujia.
Under Baihui's guidance, Nangong Yue strode towards the courtyard next door.
"Elder Concubine, this way."
Baihui led Nangong Yue into the yard, and then headed towards a wing room on the west side of the yard.
At the door of the wing room, a servant girl in a blue dress fell unconscious on the ground. It was Zhou Rouhui's personal servant girl—she was ordered by Zhou Rouhui to keep watch here. When Baihui came to investigate just now, she gave her a palm Knocked out.
Nangong Yue's master and servant both ignored the maid, and were about to cross the threshold when they heard Zhou Rouhui's soft and sweet female voice from the room: "Second Young Master, I feel so uncomfortable..."
"Miss Tuesday, where's your maid?" Xiao Luan's voice followed, "Forget it, since you're not feeling well, I'll call the doctor for you."
"Second Young Master, wait!" Zhou Rouhui raised her voice a little excitedly, "Actually...in fact, I have always... always admired Young Master!"
Nangong Yue's brows frowned even tighter, she strode across the threshold, her steps paused, her small nose moved slightly.
At this moment, the room is filled with a faint scent of incense, which makes people feel uneasy. This smell is...
Nangong Yue's face turned gloomy, this Zhou Rouhui is really courageous!
Not only did she hook up with her future brother-in-law, but she also lighted such lowly incense. If she succeeds, the reputation of the Wangfu and Zhoufu will suffer!
Nangong Yue continued to walk forward, Baihui was about to pick up the curtain for Nangong Yue, but Xiao Luan said again: "You said you like me?" Xiao Luan's tone was a bit weird, "Miss Tuesday, I, Xiao Luan, think Merry but not nasty, what do you think?"
"Then... of course." Zhou Rouhui said hastily.
There was silence.
This Zhou Rouhui might have misread Xiao Luan... Nangong Yue hooked the corner of her mouth with a broken smile, and nodded slightly to Baihui.
With the sound of bead chains clashing, a man and a woman in the room all looked in the direction of the curtain.
"Shi... Shi Zifei!"
Zhou Rouhui blurted out in disbelief, the panic in her eyes couldn't be concealed: How does the third sister do things! How could it be the concubine who came, it shouldn't be...
Nangong Yue looked at Zhou Rouhui with a half-smile, at this moment, Zhou Rouhui's right hand was firmly grasping Xiao Luan's right arm, her chest was pressed against Xiao Luan's arm, and she was about to throw herself into her arms.
It's a pity that Zhou Rouhui probably hasn't understood Xiao Luan's subtext until now.
Zhou Rouhui must have inquired about Xiao Luan in advance, knowing that Xiao Luan had a concubine in the house before she got married, so she dared to throw herself into her arms so boldly, thinking that since Xiao Luan is greedy for beauty, as long as she flatters her a little, she will It is easy to take the bait, and when the raw rice is cooked, in order to protect the reputation of the two families, she will be able to marry into the Zhennan Palace on behalf of her sister.
But she pretended to be smart, so she didn't understand Xiao Luan's temperament at all.
Xiao Luan may be a dude, he may be ignorant, he may not have achieved anything, but it doesn't mean that he has no virtue.
Although Xiao Luan had Pianpian in the room, she was raised as a concubine with the permission of her elders.
It is not uncommon for children of aristocratic families to have several common rooms in the house before their big marriage, but Xiao Luan took concubines first before marrying a wife. There's nothing wrong with that either. At most, people will talk about two sentences about being young and romantic, which is harmless.
However, just as he and Zhou Roujia got married, Zhou Rouhui came to hook him up. If the two really had an affair, it would be a scandal with his sister-in-law. It was not romantic, but indecent!
In an instant, Nangong Yue's thoughts were already spinning, and sometimes she had to rejoice that Xiao Fang's defeat in this life was too early, and did not affect the behavior of the two brothers and sisters Xiao Luan and Xiao Fei too much.
Xiao Luan didn't expect his sister-in-law to appear suddenly, and saw himself "chatting" with a woman, even though he always thought he was romantic and suave, he couldn't help showing embarrassment, and avoided Zhou Rouhui's hand in fear.
Xiao Luan coughed dryly, cleared her throat, and wanted to explain: "Sister-in-law, I..."
"Second brother, this room is not clean, let's come out and talk." Nangong Yue gave Zhou Rouhui a meaningful look.
Does the princess know? ! Zhou Rouhui shrank her body, bent over and bowed her head. She was so ashamed that she almost wanted to dig a hole and bury herself in it. Her heart was full of despair, but she had no way out!
The only thing she can grasp now is Xiao Luan's pity!
"Second Young Master!" Zhou Rouhui stepped forward again, trying to hold Xiao Luan, this time, Xiao Luan was prepared, and retreated in fear of avoiding it.
Baihui dodged and stood between Zhou Rouhui and Xiao Luan. She grabbed Zhou Rouhui's right wrist like lightning, and said without a trace of ups and downs, "Miss Tuesday, I've offended you!"
She had no expression on her face, and looked at Zhou Rouhui with burning eyes, there was no trace of apology on her face.
Zhou Rouhui wished she could slap Baihui's face, but she could only pretend to be weak and pitifully look at Xiao Luan: "Second Young Master, I am really..."
She didn't have a chance to finish her words, Baihui saw that she was ignorant, so she just slapped Zhou Rouhui on the back of the neck with her palm, Zhou Rouhui rolled her eyes and fell down limply.
The next moment, a hysterical voice sounded: "Sister Hui!"
A ginger-yellow figure flashed past, Lu Shi rushed over excitedly, knelt on the ground, looked at Zhou Rouhui nervously, and shouted: "Sister Hui!... What did you do to Sister Hui?" She stared almost aggressively. With hundreds of flowers.
Not only Mrs. Lu came, but also several other people from the Zhou Mansion standing at the door - Mrs. Wang, Zhou Roujia and Zhou Roujin all came, except for Xiao Fei and Xiao Ni.
Looking at the scene in front of her, Zhou Roujin was a little dumbfounded. She obviously brought her mother and eldest sister here on time. Why does something seem wrong
Xiao Luan glanced at Zhou Roujia with a guilty conscience and nervousness, and thought: She won't misunderstand, right? I didn't provoke her sister! Although I like beauties, I also know what to do and what not to do!
Nangong Yue looked at Lu Shi, and said calmly: "Mrs. Zhou, you should ask what Ling Ai did? What does she, an unmarried girl, wear with a sachet containing 'Peony Spring'?" Only brothels can use " "Peony Spring" is a kind of incense that adds to the fun, just spreading this word is enough to ruin the reputation of all the girls in the Zhou Mansion.
Peony spring? ! Xiao Luan suddenly realized, it's no wonder that when Zhou Rouhui approached, he smelled a sweet smell and felt hot all over... Thinking, he showed disgust, covered his nose and took a few steps back.
Lu's face was as pale as paper, and his heart sank: How could Sister Hui do such a stupid thing! ... There is no evidence for this matter, and it can be fooled by a few words, but with Mudanchun, it is solid evidence.
Lu Shi was angry and anxious for a while, but Zhou Rouhui was her daughter after all, a piece of flesh cut from her body, how could she let others ignore her.
Lu's heart was in a mess, and she wanted to try to confuse her, but Nangong Yue was not interested in talking to her at all, and this mother and daughter were like dogs of a feather. In the final analysis, Zhou Rouhui is nothing more than a learned man.
Nangong Yue ordered Baihui: "Baihui, you 'personally' take Tuesday girl to 'General Zhou'! Ask General Zhou to give us an 'explanation' to Zhennan Palace." She deliberately added accents on certain words.
Hearing this, Lu's face became even uglier, and he blurted out: "No, no!"
Mrs. Lu hurriedly looked at Mrs. Wang and Zhou Roujia, and begged: "Sister-in-law, sister Jia, please beg your concubine, we are always one family. Sister Hui is still young, so she will know her mistake!" Mrs. Lu was very anxious, A pair of eyes were red, unconsciously, the eye sockets were filled with tears.
Got it wrong
Some people will never be satisfied, never know their mistakes.
Wang looked away, and blessed Nangong Yue: "It made the Crown Princess laugh."
For a moment, Lu Shi almost collapsed.
It would be great if Mrs. Wang could be hardened. Nangong Yue didn't say any more, with a simple gesture, the servants of the palace quickly took away all the people in the second bedroom of the Zhou family.
After such a thing happened, Wang was ashamed and ashamed, she just wanted to go back quickly, this time no matter what the master said, she had to seek justice for her daughter!
Thinking of this, Mrs. Wang bowed her knees again and offered to leave embarrassedly.
Wang Shi and Zhou Roujia were about to leave, Xiao Luan hesitated for a moment, and couldn't help calling Zhou Roujia: "Miss Zhou..."