May 11th is the day when An's family holds a banquet.
For this newly arrived Anjia, the various mansions in Luoyue City were still waiting and watching, until they learned that the King of Zhennan would come in person, and even the concubine would come, so they stopped hesitating and went to An's house one after another, so that they would greet each other early in the morning. There was a long queue of vehicles at the gate of the mansion, blocking the alley completely.
The front door of An's family was wide open, Mrs. An Shao's wife, Mrs. Feng, was welcoming guests at the second gate with the nanny in charge. Today's visitors are all rich or expensive. the nobleman.
When the carriages of Nangong Yue, Xiao Fei and Zhou Roujia arrived, they were immediately ushered in by the Anfu people, and Feng Shi personally led Nangong Yue and his party to the garden in the inner courtyard.
After bypassing a wild goose-winged wall, a group of people walked along a cobblestone path.
Mrs. Feng led the way and introduced the scenery of the yard to Nangong Yue and the others. After a while, they saw a jagged rockery and a small lake beside the rockery. The blue lake water was shining in the sun. Golden shine.
This lake water is not unusual. There is no pond in the garden of any family. What is strange is that a long wisteria flower corridor has been built along the lake. At a glance, the deep and shallow purples are mixed together, which is beautiful. Incredible.
When they walked into the flower gallery, they found that there were pots of peonies competing to bloom on both sides of the flower gallery. Peonies like sunlight but avoid exposure to the sun. It is as gorgeous as layers of clouds, but it is inferior in comparison to the close view, and it will not steal the style of peony.
A group of people unconsciously slowed down in the flower gallery, admiring the beautiful water, mountains, and flowers... At the end of the flower gallery, a large flower shed was built, full of fragrance of flowers, and the flower shed was connected to a double-eave-style The gazebo is covered with yellow glazed tiles, shining brightly in the sun.
At this moment, there was a lot of chatter and laughter in the gazebo and under the flower shed.
Many wives and girls have already arrived, and the female relatives are all dressed in colorful clothes and jewels. At first glance, they can be described as more beautiful than flowers.
Seeing Nangong Yue and her party coming, the surrounding women stood up one after another, ready to greet Nangong Yue.
Mrs. An led a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl to greet her first. After bowing to Nangong Yue, Mrs. An introduced: "Concubine Shizi, this is my third daughter. Her boudoir name is Zhihua."
An Zhi, the third girl from the An family, took half a step forward, and saw her oval face, a pair of big bright eyes under black bangs, and a small cherry mouth slightly raised, she seemed to be a girl who loved to smile.
Today she wore a peach red peony flower engraved silk beanie, a peony bun, and a peony hairpin inlaid with golden silk inlaid treasures on her head. This outfit can be regarded as the scene of today's "Peony Banquet".
Nangong Yue was sizing up An Zhihua, and An Zhihua was also sizing up the three of them indiscriminately. She immediately judged that the young lady standing in the middle must be the crown prince, and the girl on her right who was not as good as Ji was very likely. ** is Miss Xiao Fei, Xiao Fei, and the identity of the other young wife is not difficult to judge, it must be the new second young lady.
An Zhihua is still smiling brightly on the surface, but his heart is full of ups and downs: I have heard for a long time that this imperial concubine's "virtuous name" is outside, but today it seems that she is really impeccable in her life. Mrs. Xiao Fang has just been abandoned by the prince. Logically speaking, Xiao Fang's twin children, Xiao Luan and Xiao Fei, must have an embarrassing position in the palace. When it comes out, people can't find fault, and even feel that the elder sister-in-law of Shizi Concubine is kind-hearted...
This imperial concubine is either a kind-hearted and soft-hearted person, or I am afraid she is a very scheming person-if it is the former, how can she fight so hard that even her own mother-in-law is divorced? !
The more An Zhihua thinks about it, the more vigilant she becomes, but now the Shizi is very powerful in Southern Xinjiang, and the Shizi is the most noble woman in the whole of Southern Xinjiang, who dares to offend the Shizi! Even if she marries into the palace in the future, I'm afraid she will have to respect the princess a bit.
In the pavilion at the back, many female relatives cast their gazes on Nangong Yue and the group. There were scrutiny, speculation, and doubts... Before, how many wives during the spring hunting had ambitiously wanted Xiao Fei to be their daughter-in-law, Nowadays, there are many wives who feel remorse, and even secretly think that they must draw a clear line with Xiao Fei later, so as not to offend the prince.
"My little daughter, An Zhihua, has met the concubine."
An Zhihua greeted Nangong Yue with a smile and a blessing, thinking hesitantly: Should I suppress Miss Xiao to please the concubine
"Drawing a cousin is free."
Nangong Yue raised her hand with a smile, and then politely praised An Zhihua, saying something like "knowledgeable, gentle and demure", then pulled a gold inlaid jade bracelet from her wrist, and gave it to An Zhihua to make it Greeting ceremony.
An Zhihua took it with both hands and put it on her wrist directly, thanking her with a smile.
Afterwards, the female relatives of other mansions in the pavilion also came to pay Nangong Yue well.
When all the female relatives surrounded Nangong Yue and took their seats one by one again, it was already after a cup of tea, and the wives and girls started greeting each other with their acquaintances.
"Miss Xiao." Chang Huanwei stepped forward with a smile and greeted Xiao Fei, completely oblivious to the stiff face of Mrs. Chang behind her.
In the past, Mrs. Chang hoped that her daughter would get close to Xiao Fei more, but sister Wei was reluctant in every possible way. Now Xiao Fei's position in the palace is so delicate and awkward, but her daughter wants to bump into it regardless.
But thinking of Xiao Fei's protection of Chang Huanwei during the Spring Hunt, Mrs. Chang hesitated.
My family is not someone who hates the poor and loves the rich. If Xiao Fei turned his face and refused to recognize anyone because of a moment of downfall, it seems to be too powerful... But the son is still under the command of the eldest son, and if he is too close to Miss Fei, it will be too powerful. Won't it make Shizi unhappy
Mrs. Chang was immersed in entangled emotions alone, and Chang Huanwei had already sat down beside Xiao Fei, and after a while, the two chatted about Qin.
How could Nangong Yue not know the thoughts of these female relatives around her, but she didn't want to say too much, and some people would think that she was just trying to cover up. Besides, she didn't want to find a family for Xiao Fei who could only share wealth but not adversity.
Life is so short and so long, who can guarantee that their life will be smooth and smooth!
Nangong Yue glanced at Chang Huanwei with a smile, and it was the first time she left an impression on this girl Chang. Chang Huaixi, a younger sister, is someone she can associate with. It would be nice if Sister Fei could have more close friends in her boudoir in the future.
Afterwards, the female relatives centered on Nangong Yue, exchanging greetings politely, looking happy and harmonious, as for what each of them had in mind, only they knew.
Everyone sat down for a while, and An Zhihua suggested with a smile: "Concubine Shizi, it's rare for my daughter to meet with the girls present today. It's still some time before the banquet, and the guests haven't arrived yet. Anyway, it's just a matter of waiting." It's boring, why don't my daughter play a small game with a few girls to have fun and get to know each other well. If the Crown Princess thinks my daughter's idea is a good idea, can I give you a lot of money?"
Her smile was brighter than the sunshine outside the pavilion, and a pair of lovely dimples appeared at the corners of her mouth. Coupled with her pretty face and big black eyes, it made her feel good at first sight.
When An Zhihua said this, the girls all whispered to each other, and the atmosphere suddenly became more lively.
Today's Peony Banquet is due to the presence of the Crown Princess, these girls will inevitably appear a little cramped when speaking, if they play a small game together, they can relax.
Nangong Yue didn't intend to spoil the fun, and asked with a smile: "How does Hua Cousin want to play?"
Seeing that Nangong Yue had no intention of objecting, An Zhihua continued with confidence: "Beat the drum to pass the flowers. When the drumbeat stops, whoever has the hydrangea falls into the hand will have to recite a poem. Just eliminated."
At this time, a lady at the side smiled and said: "Concubine Shizi, this idea is not bad. Anyway, it's boring for their girls to sit here with us, so they might as well play by themselves."
"Yes." Another lady also echoed, and then suggested, "Since today is a peony banquet, in my opinion, this poem should also be suitable for a scene, and it must be related to peony. What do you think? ?”
"Madame Yu's idea is good." Nangong Yue nodded and said, "As for the lottery, if anyone wins, I will reward her with a red gold headdress wrapped in silk and inlaid with three-color gemstones."
With the lottery awarded by the imperial concubine, the girls on the side were even more excited, chatting with their friends.
An Zhihua quickly ordered the maid to fetch the hydrangea.
Nangong Yue turned her head to look at Xiao Fei, and asked in a low voice, "Sister Fei..." Do you want to go play together
Xiao Fei shook her head, she always likes to be quiet and not to move, so she likes music, chess, calligraphy and painting, but she has no interest in playing drums to pass flowers, throwing pots and other games.
Nangong Yue brought Xiao Fei out because she wanted her to relax and enjoy the flowers instead of being bored in the palace all day, so Nangong Yue didn't intend to force her.
She smiled slightly at Xiao Fei, pointed to the flower corridor over there: "Sister Fei, I saw that the wisteria flowers in that flower corridor are blooming so well, why don't you go pick some and make some fresh scented tea. Isn't it suitable for the occasion?" Anyway, Xiao Fei doesn't like strangers, so it's better to let her play around casually.
Xiao Fei's eyes lit up, she remembered that her sister-in-law told her that wisteria flowers are not only beautiful, but also can be used as medicine, edible, and used to make wisteria cakes and purple bamboo cakes. It's a good time to make a fuss.
She was about to answer, but she heard An Zhihua on the side rushing ahead, and said with a smile: "The concubine Shi Zi wants to go with me. I also prepared some purple bamboo cakes and wisteria flower wine today, so I can have a drink , the Crown Princess must try it later."
Nangong Yue responded lightly.
Afterwards, Xiao Fei stood up, and Chang Huanwei beside her said excitedly: "Miss Xiao, let me go with you!"
The two girls left hand in hand, one blue and the other emerald, slender and slim, looking like two sisters.
An Zhihua looked at Xiao Fei's back, his eyes flashed, and he became more and more sure of his previous guess.
This kind of thing can be done casually by ordering a maid to do it, but let Miss Xiao do it... Sure enough, the Shizi Concubine seemed to be nice to Miss Xiao, but in fact she was just doing some superficial work.
I am afraid that the biggest purpose of the concubine bringing Miss Xiao here is to intentionally humiliate and humiliate her.
She lowered her eyes halfway, covering the strange color in them.
After a while, the maids in Anfu served wisteria cakes and purple bamboo cakes one after another.
The ladies tasted the pastries, and two maidservants in blue and purple dresses hurriedly brought the musical instruments and hydrangea for drumming and passing flowers.
Although this game is called "Drumming and Passing Flowers", for the sake of elegance, these famous families often use other musical instruments instead of drums, such as Qin, Xiao, Se, and the pipa used by An Zhihua today.
However, it was not the pipa that attracted everyone's attention, but the big red hydrangea in the hands of another little maid.
This is called a hydrangea, but it is actually a huge red silk flower, and a hollow golden hazel ball is covered outside the silk flower. Moreover, the rubies are wrapped in small balls of witch hazel that are as small as a finger. The craftsmanship is unbelievably exquisite and complicated. It is obviously from the hands of a famous craftsman, and it is also very valuable!
When the girls saw the hydrangea ball, they couldn't help but look around. A girl in purple held it in her hand, looked at it again and again, and said fondly, "Miss Ansan, where did you make your golden hazel ball? I also want to see it." Get someone to make one."
An Zhihua smiled slightly, with a trace of pride in his eyes, and said with a smile on his mouth: "My father ordered someone to bring it back to me from overseas. Dayu can't buy it."
Everyone knows that the An family is engaged in maritime trade, so it's no wonder that they can get such a rare and precious thing.
Those girls knew that this golden hydrangea ball was unique in southern Xinjiang and even in the whole of Dayu, and they were even more envious. They held it in their hands and admired it carefully. They praised the exquisiteness of the hydrangea for a while, and praised the elegance of Miss Ansan for a while. .
An Zhihua greeted the girls with a smile and went to play under the flower shed.
According to the number of girls, the maids have formed a big circle with more than a dozen pear wood chairs, and the girls are like birds released from cages, glowing with youthful and charming looks.
For a while, the atmosphere was very lively, and all the ladies in the gazebo also looked in the direction of the flower shed, smiling and talking.
Sitting on Nangong Yue's left hand side, Zhou Roujia said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, this wisteria cake is well made. Although it's a bit sweet, it's just right to go with this Pu'er."
Seeing that there was only half of the hot tea left in Nangong Yue's tea cup, Zhou Roujia hurriedly ordered the servant girl to bring her some more tea, and sent a small plate of wisteria cake to Nangong Yue.
An Zhihua under the flower shed not far away seems to be talking to a girl in pink beside her, but in fact, she has been paying attention to Nangong Yue's movement, seeing Zhou Roujia whispering with Nangong Yue at one moment, and rushing forward at the other. After getting busy, An Zhihua disdained Zhou Roujia in her heart, but at the same time felt relieved.
As long as you see through what kind of person Shi Zifei is. I'm afraid that the other party won't show the mountains and dews, so I don't know how to make a move.
An Zhihua had an idea in her mind, and seeing that the girls had all sat down one by one, she gave instructions to the maid, and then began to beat the drums and pass the flowers.
"clank clank..."
When the sonorous and powerful sound of the pipa sounded, the hydrangea was thrown from An Zhihua's hand and fell into the hand of the girl in pink on her right. He planned to pass the hydrangea to the next girl, but before the hydrangea was released, the sound of the pipa stopped suddenly.
The girls and wives were a little surprised and were taken aback, but An Zhihua smiled, and playfully compared his right hand to remind: "Sister Yu, five breaths of time." During the words, the five slender fingers had been put away It took one and it became four.
Miss Yu was just a little surprised, she quickly realized, and casually said a line that everyone catches: "Only the peony is truly beautiful."
The easier the game is at the beginning, the more challenging it will be when most of the lines have been recited at the end.
After Ms. Yu read the poem, the sound of the pipa sounded again, and the golden and red hydrangeas were tossing up and down between the girls' bare hands...
From time to time, the girls read out poems such as "Who doesn't love peony flowers", "Peerless only Xizi, all fragrances are only peonies", "Peony flowers come out of red crisps", etc. Among them, there are also girls who can only be out of the game because of a moment of urgency. .
The maids moved away the empty chairs from time to time, and after the incense burned, there were only nine top chairs left under the flower shed, that is, nine girls, including An Zhihua.
At this point in the game, most of the girls' catchy peony poems have already been recited by other girls. Although it is not to the point where there are no poems to use, you must beware of other girls saying the poems you have prepared first. Even though it was just a small game, the atmosphere couldn't help becoming a little tense without knowing it.
After Ms. Yu recited "Elegantly known as the first crown among flowers, the old age occupies the spring", the sound of the pipa sounded again...
At this time, Xiao Fei and Chang Huanwei, who had picked a basket of wisteria flowers, came back talking and laughing. In the flower gallery, looking at the lake, smelling the fragrance of flowers, and picking the wisteria really made people feel relaxed. Chang Huanwei also asked Xiao Fei to go to Huanxi Pavilion to enjoy paintings and drink tea someday.
The two girls were talking and laughing as they walked towards this side along the flower corridor.
An Zhihua glanced at Xiao Fei quickly from the corner of his eyes, the light in his eyes flashed, and then quickly made a gesture, the maid playing the pipa immediately understood, and at the moment when the hydrangea fell into An Zhihua's hands, she suddenly pressed the string of the pipa .
"clang-"
An Zhihua seemed to let out a low cry nervously, the hydrangea in his hand came out, slid in mid-air, fell to the ground, and then rolled towards Xiao Fei and Chang Huanwei, until it was a distance away from Xiao Fei. A place a couple of feet away from Fei...
An Zhihua hurriedly stood up, stroked the skirt, then blessed Xiao Fei, stuck out her tongue and smiled livelyly: "Miss Xiao, I slipped my hand just now, can I trouble you to pick it up for me? "
An Zhihua said it playfully and casually, as if he was just asking Xiao Fei for a favor, but the ladies present were not fools, and in an instant, they could hear the provocation from An Zhihua's words. smell.
It's not that there are no maids from Anfu around here. If An Zhihua insisted on letting Xiao Fei, a dignified concubine of the royal family, bend down to pick up hydrangeas for her, wouldn't that mean to humiliate her
It seems that the third An family girl looks lively, but in fact she is not a fuel-efficient lamp.
However, most of the wives were also waiting to watch the show, or took teacups, or ate snacks, or pretended to be admiring the flowers, all wanting to see what attitude the Crown Princess had towards Xiao Fei, while Mrs. Yao, Tian Da The madam and the others have some understanding of Nangong Yue's conduct in the world. They know the temperament of the concubine, and they are definitely not the ones who make trouble. An Zhihua's move may have the intention of currying favor with the concubine, but it is self-defeating.
Xiao Fei looked at An Zhihua coldly, her expression remained unchanged, neither angry nor humiliated.
She was no longer the lonely and self-admiring "Xiao Fei" of the past, and of course she also felt the mockery, indifference, and even malice hidden in the gazes all around her.
An Zhihua and Xiao Fei looked at each other, and their smiles became brighter and brighter. A fifteen-year-old girl only needs to make up with a smile, and she will be more beautiful and eye-catching than those expensive jewelry, makeup and clothes.
At this moment, time seems to have stagnated for a moment, and the surroundings are silent, as if even the wind has stopped.
What a deception! Chang Huanwei frowned slightly, and took half a step forward, but was held down by Xiao Fei.
Xiao Fei looked away from An Zhihua's side, and looked at Nangong Yue in the pavilion.
Although Xiao Fei didn't care about An's family, but after all, An's family was a relative of her elder brother...
Nangong Yue smiled slightly at Xiao Fei.
Xiao Fei instantly understood.
An Zhihua also followed Xiao Fei's gaze to Nangong Yue, and naturally saw Nangong Yue's subtle expressions and movements, but thought that the concubine was admiring her, and felt even more proud.
At this time, Xiao Fei moved.
The smile on the corner of An Zhihua's mouth deepened, he only waited for Xiao Fei to lean over to pick up the ball, but didn't want Xiao Fei to step on the hydrangea ball directly.
"Crack—"
The hollowed-out golden hazy ball was as delicate as a delicate flower, and it couldn't stand the toss at all. With Xiao Fei's casual kick, the golden hazy ball was crushed instantly, and the treasure that was originally worth a thousand gold was almost worthless in an instant. Now, only those few big rubies are still shining in the sun.
The surroundings became quiet again, and everyone could see that this was Xiao Fei's retaliation, simple and rude, yet showing a trace of contempt, as if telling An Zhihua that in your capacity, you are not worthy of me talking to you!