After Yun Fenghuang saw off the emperor, he waited for a while in Yijia Palace. When Wei Hengyan's mother-in-law came, he explained to them before leaving.
Back at Xuanqing Palace, Xie Shi, Xiao Luo Shi and others had already arrived. Duke Yi Guo's wife had already rushed over from Tongxia Palace. When she saw her coming in, she hurriedly got up to greet her.
"I have been ordered to go and pay my respects to the Empress Dowager, and I will come back to talk to you later." Yun Fenghuang glanced at them, nodded slightly, stopped and said, "You guys just serve tea here... I'm so happy to serve you! "
The last sentence is to explain to the Qing Dynasty.
Because they heard that they were under holy orders, no one dared to stop them. But today, little Luo Shi brought Xie Meng and Xie Kuo with him. Yun Fenghuang looked at the hem of her skirt and asked her coquettishly when she would be back: "I haven't seen Aunt Seventeen for a long time. Auntie, don't be gone for too long!"
"Come back quickly, Meng'er, don't make trouble with your aunt." Seeing this, Xiao Luo rushed forward to persuade, "It's not a joke to delay the holy order."
As he spoke, he forced her away. Seeing Xie Meng pouting and looking unhappy, Yun Fenghuang smiled and touched her head: "Auntie, come as soon as you go. Just listen to your auntie, okay?"
He nodded slightly to Xie Kuo, who was looking at him curiously not far away, and then went inside to change into a more formal outfit, and took a chariot to Qingci Palace.
Since the Empress Dowager handed over the power of the palace as early as she became the Empress Dowager, Qingci Palace has always been relatively quiet. However, at the beginning of the year, when she returned from the palace with Ji Sheng, a commoner, she was greeted by the harem every day. It did get warmer for a while - only half a year has passed, and it has returned to quietness, thus revealing a deserted look.
However, the condition of the Empress Dowager was better than Yun Fenghuang expected. Yun Fenghuang originally thought that even if the Empress Dowager had not received the bad news that the Ji family had been destroyed, it was natural for the Empress Dowager to be haggard and so on after being under house arrest for so many days. things.
But after she waited outside for a while and was escorted in alone, what she saw was the Empress Dowager, who looked slightly pale but had a meticulous appearance.
"Why are you here?" The Empress Dowager looked at her indifferently. After watching her salute, she called out lukewarmly and asked, "Today is the day when the married woman comes to the palace for a small gathering. The Ai family didn't pick her up. When you come to ask for an audience, I guess Mrs. Ji doesn’t have such grace... Is this why you came here to talk about this?"
Yun Fenghuang said softly: "I came here to pay my respects on your Majesty's order."
"Excuse me?" The Empress Dowager sneered and said, "He doesn't know what the Ai family is like here? Is it necessary for you to make this trip?"
"Your Majesty misses you very much. He is busy with government affairs and is afraid of neglecting you."
"If he really still has some filial piety towards the Ai family, he should be more respectful to the Ji family." The Empress Dowager said coldly, and after a moment of silence, she asked, "How is the Ji family now?"
Yun Fenghuang followed Chunjia's wishes and said that the whole family was still imprisoned and the court was still quarreling over this matter. Duke Ye Guo had already requested that the whole family return home.
The Empress Dowager had a complicated look on her face, sighed softly, and said, "If I had known today, why would I have done so in the first place?"
She suddenly lost interest and waved her hand to Yun Fenghuang, "It's done, you can go."
Since Chunjia had no other instructions, Yun Fenghuang resigned and left.
On the way back to Xuanqing Palace, she wondered what the purpose of Chunjia's move was.
It is true that as the Empress Dowager said, Chunjia would not know whether Chunjia's imperial grandmother was good or not? No matter how busy he is with government affairs, he will definitely find some energy to keep an eye on Qingci Palace.
Then why send her away like this
Could it be that Cheng Cheng wanted to tell those lies to the Empress Dowager
But does it make sense? To put it bluntly, from the day the Ji family was destroyed, the lives of the three phoenix masters in the harem depended on Chunjia's thoughts. Even if someone of high rank and status, such as the Empress Dowager, really dies right now, for Chunjia, it will only be a little troublesome but not harmful at all.
Even if Chunjia's hands and feet were hidden, she could keep her mourning secret.
It will be a day when the Empress Dowager can pass away, and then there will be bad news.
Yun Fenghuang tried to think from the perspective of the Empress Dowager. If she were the Empress Dowager and was under house arrest, what would she think and do if she heard Concubine Xian come and say these words
She returned to the Huanhua Hall thoughtfully, but as soon as she entered, she heard a noise, mixed with the cry of a little girl. She couldn't help but frown slightly, walked a few steps inside, and asked: "What's going on?!"
They saw Xie Meng pulling Xie Kuo, followed by two little maids of about the same age, confronting several palace people in front of the moon cave door leading to the side hall.
Standing next to him were Chen Zhu and other palace officials, who were persuading in low voices with a look of embarrassment and helplessness on their faces.
Seeing Yun Fenghuang coming, they were all relieved and hurriedly came up to tell them: "Miss Meng wants to see the two emperors. The servants told them about the side hall where the emperors live. No one is allowed to enter without the permission of the empress, but Meng The lady doesn’t quite believe it, this…”
Before he finished speaking, Xie Meng came over angrily: "Auntie, when I was in the palace earlier, where could I not go? I even hugged the eldest prince! Auntie said that no one else would be allowed to go to the side hall to see the emperor's heir. It definitely doesn’t include me, right!?”
"...Why did you think of going to see the emperor's heir?" Yun Fenghuang narrowed his eyes slightly when he heard this. He did not answer her immediately, but asked with a smile, "Didn't you agree to wait for your aunt to come back? What? What you just said is all You're lying to my aunt. After waiting for a while with you, you started thinking about playing with the emperor's heirs?"
Xie Meng was stunned and quickly explained: "That's not the case. I have been waiting for my aunt for a long time. When I saw that my aunt never came back, I took my sister out to play."
Yun Fenghuang smiled and said: "Then you have a younger sister to play with, so what are you going to do with the emperor? How old are the eldest prince and Zhao Qing now, how can they play with you?"
Before Xie Meng could speak, she had already stretched out her hand, and naturally took one by one, leading them towards the main hall, "Okay, now that aunt is back, you two little naughty guys should go back with aunt. Otherwise, Aren’t your aunt’s aunts and sisters-in-law in a hurry?”
After leading the two nieces back to the main hall, they saw Mrs. Xie and others having tea with Mrs. Yi Guogong and chatting in low voices. When they saw them coming in, they stood up and saluted.
Noticing the tears on Xie Meng's face, Mr. Xie and Mr. Luo were both shocked. After being given a seat by Yun Fenghuang without any courtesy, they asked worriedly: "Mother, what did Meng'er collide with?"
The main hall was not very far from the place where Xie Meng was crying, but there were several walls between them and they were covered by lush vegetation, so it was not surprising that they didn't hear any movement.
Yun Fenghuang took out a handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped Xie Meng's cheek. He said nonchalantly, "It's okay. The child is having a tantrum. It's my fault. I should have urged you on the way back."
She brushed the matter aside and turned around to chat with them. She asked about the current situation of the Xie family, Xiao Luo family and others one by one. She even didn't stop at Duke Yi's residence. She also expressed some concern for Concubine Xie and the fourth prince: " Although we are both in the palace, I am busy with affairs, so I have not summoned Concubine Xie for some days. I wonder if she and the fourth prince are okay? Madam, if you need anything, just say it, we are not outsiders."
Mrs. Yi Guogong was already a little numb to her attitude of claiming to be the master, and she smiled calmly: "Don't worry, Madam, everything is fine, there's nothing wrong with it. The fourth prince's eyebrows have grown a lot, looking at Very cute."
She took the opportunity to mention the eldest prince, "But I wonder how the eldest prince is doing now?"
Yun Fenghuang smiled and talked about the current situation of the eldest prince and Princess Zhaoqing. Finally, he asked the palace servants to take Mrs. Yi Guogong to see the eldest prince alone. Mrs. Yi Guogong left, and Yun Fenghuang coaxed her again. With a few fierce words, Mrs. Xie asked her to take her and Xie Kuo to walk in the court for a while, and then talked about the business with little Luo Shi: "Brother Twenty-one came to the palace to talk about it a few days ago. Can I bother my sister-in-law to go back and talk about it?" Brother Twenty-One, just tell me it’s not appropriate and let it go.”
Little Luo Shi didn't know why, but he still nodded: "I will convey this to my twenty-first brother when I get back."
"How is things going at home?" Yun Fenghuang nodded slightly and asked, "Will mother be able to come to the Imperial Capital by the end of the year?"
"I just received a letter from my family two days ago, saying that everything is fine." Little Luo Shi said quickly, "The family is also in favor of the fourth aunt coming to the Imperial Capital. The old lady said that it has not been easy for the empress in the palace these two years. The last time the four Auntie came here just for a quick visit, but whenever there is an opportunity, I always want you two to see each other for more time."
Hearing this, Yun Fenghuang felt reassured. Although her direct grandmother had long since left things alone, her words still carry some weight given her seniority. If the grandmother also supports Jiang's coming to the Imperial Capital, it should not be easy for things to happen.
Having said this, little Luo Shi also said some things that are not suitable to be said in front of others. The main thing is that the Xie family's children encountered right and wrong in the officialdom, some good and some bad: "... The Wei family's children are quite fond of us. "Reluo, this is all because the empress takes great care of their empress Zhaorong in the palace."
"Luo Shi has a marriage agreement with our family. It was fine in the past. Although he looked down on us deep down, he was still polite on the scene. But recently, I don't know why, but he suddenly became cold... "
"Probably because their Concubine Xuan was demoted to Jieyu by His Majesty." Yun Fenghuang snorted and said, "It doesn't matter, your Majesty personally acted as matchmaker for this marriage. If they want to regret their marriage, they can't even think about it. Think about it! Sisters in the family don’t need to feel inferior after passing through the family. This palace’s daughter-in-law of the Xie family is still serving His Majesty. What does a concubine of their Luo family mean?"
Little Luo Shi smiled and said "Yes", but he felt a little disapproval in his heart. As long as Yun Fenghuang defeated the emperor, he would have the status and power to return the favor to his natal family, but Luo Shi's bastard himself had no say in the clan. He How can your wife become so majestic
After the aunt and sister-in-law chatted for some more, Yun Fenghuang asked about Xiao Chen's pregnancy. When he learned that the morning sickness had improved a lot and she felt energetic, he said with emotion: "It's good that she's fine. I heard that she was pregnant before. This pregnancy was very difficult, and I have been worried about it! But I hope that her delivery will go smoothly."
"Thank you to Empress Hongfu, everything will be fine for sure." Little Luo asked curiously, "By the way, I heard that Empress Zhaorong next door was active yesterday?"
"Yes, a little princess was born this morning. It's a coincidence that I rushed my mother-in-law's family to the palace and just happened to be with her." Yun Fenghuang nodded and said, "She is the first child, so it is more difficult. Fortunately, she has a surprise No risk.”
Little Luo Shi subconsciously glanced at her belly and said with a smile: "I heard that the queen went over to stay with her all night last night. It must be because of the queen that the mother and daughter can be safe."
"Don't talk nonsense." Yun Fenghuang shook his head and said, "His Majesty was here yesterday. If he wants to take advantage of it, it is also his Majesty's glory."
Little Luo Shi quickly apologized, and finally said with concern: "Your Majesty, you have had a hard day and night. I should have known that my ladies would not bother you today... Why don't you, my Majesty, just rest first? It's time for my ladies to retire."
Yun Fenghuang smiled slightly and said: "Sister-in-law means well, but Meng'er Kuo'er rarely comes here, so it's better to chat with them."
Xiao Luoshi was a little disappointed when she heard this. After listening to her brother-in-law Xie Fu's words, she had the idea of sending her daughter to the palace with Xie Meng to be raised by Yun Fenghuang, but Yun Fenghuang didn't mention it, and she didn't dare to say it. Just now, seeing Yun Fenghuang's tenderness towards Xie Meng, he thought there was hope, but who knew that he would only stay and talk for a while, or should he send her away
She concealed her emotions and said guiltily: "How can that be done? Next time, please ask Mrs. An Chen to bring them here. How can there be any reason to indulge them even if the queen is tired?"
"Meng'er has such a temper. If you drag her away now, she will definitely give you a headache when she goes back." Yun Fenghuang waved his hand and insisted on having Xie Meng and Xie Kuo come in.
After the two nieces came in, Xie Kuo just paid them back. He was gentle and well-behaved. He only said a few words occasionally, and his attitude was very respectful and submissive.
But Xie Meng was chattering endlessly, and when he got excited, he even knocked a cup of tea over Yun Fenghuang's skirt. Seeing this, Xiao Luo Shi hurriedly scolded his niece and took advantage of the situation to resign.
But when Yun Fenghuang saw Xie Meng's frightened and disappointed look, he felt soft-hearted and said it was okay: "Auntie, go in and change into a dress and come out, and then listen to what Meng'er said, okay? Auntie is also very curious, what happened to the little ball you lost?" found?"
She said this. After all, Xie Meng was not Xiao Luo Shi's daughter. Xiao Luo Shi couldn't force Xie Meng to look at her, so he had to sigh and agree.
Yun Fenghuang went in to change clothes for a long time. Little Luo Shi even wondered if the sister-in-law was too tired and fell asleep inside. Only then did she see her come out with a haggard face, sit down with a smile, and touch Xie Meng's head. , let her continue.
Xie Meng is a child after all. He was dejected after being scolded by his aunt just now, but now he is happy again. He is talking happily about how she found the little ball that had been missing for several days in the huge garden... She is very energetic. , but Little Luo Shi noticed that Yun Fenghuang's face was not very pretty. Although there was always a smile on the corners of his mouth, the tips of his eyebrows were frowned from time to time, as if he was enduring some discomfort.
Little Luo Shi was confused. She felt that Yun Fenghuang should not allow Xie Meng to continue in this situation.
But when I think about Xie Meng being exactly like Yun Fenghuang, he is also the granddaughter of the fourth brother and Yun Fenghuang's niece, and he was raised by Yun Fenghuang in the palace for many years... In terms of closeness, these aunts and nephews are better than me. The sister-in-law is much more affectionate, so Yun Fenghuang is willing to pamper his niece. He has already tried to persuade her once to no avail. If he continues to persuade her, he will inevitably make this virtuous concubine sister-in-law unhappy
When she hesitated, it seemed that Qing Ren who was waiting next to her also noticed it, so he went out and brought some refreshments and asked Xie Meng to speak slowly and eat something first.
It was also a way to let Yun Fenghuang relax for a while.
Yun Fenghuang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, took a sip of tea, and asked Xiao Luo to share it with Xie Kuo: "This tea is specially rewarded by His Majesty. It is better than the one in this palace. You guys can try it and see."
Little Luo Shi tasted it, nodded and said, "It's better than the tea I came to before."
He also secretly winked at his daughter, gesturing for her to compliment her a bit, so as to gain some sense of presence in front of this cousin, so that Xie Meng wouldn't steal all the limelight.
However, Xie Kuo thought for a moment and raised his chin slightly. Before he could speak, Yun Fenghuang's face changed suddenly. He stretched out his hand to hold his chest, pushed Xie Meng away from her side, and turned his head to the side, as if he was vomiting. meaning!
Little Luo Shi was surprised: "Empress?"
This symptom made her think of something quickly, and there was a bit of joy in her eyes. She hurriedly got up and hurried to help Yun Fenghuang with Qingren. Who knows, just when she helped Yun Fenghuang, she saw a flash of joy on her face. The color was blue and black, and the breath was rapidly weakening - this was definitely not a symptom of unexpected joy. Just when little Luo Shi was surprised, he saw Yun Fenghuang struggled feebly for two times, and then fainted!