The water swayed on the sides of the boat, and the willow catkins on both sides floated in the wind. Which family's child caught a green butterfly and fell into the bamboo forest to break the willow flute?
With the arrival of summer, people in cold places had more things to do. Today was the school holiday in Huayuan County, and most of the adults had gone out to work, leaving the children to play with their friends when they were bored.
Deyi Medical School was not to be casually approached, but Deyi Hospital did not have any restrictions. People could come and go as they pleased. The hospital's area grew larger and larger, and there were departments that specialized in treating all kinds of diseases, as well as places for recuperation.
Unless the people recuperating in the hospital were afraid of being disturbed, there would be a sign outside the courtyard, prohibiting unrelated people from entering, and there were even guards at the gate.
If they were not afraid of being disturbed, they could naturally let them in, but as long as they were adults, they would have to register. The local children were exempted from this process and could enter and leave as they pleased. There were signs on the roadside, and the children knew which places were open to play and which places were for the patients to rest.
The best place to recuperate in the hospital was Four Seasons House.
The people who could afford to live in this place were not rich at all. If you charged a normal fee, it would cost three hundred strings of coins a day. Even so, there were still people who wanted to live in this place. After all, they could feel the changing scenery of the four seasons. Even if they wanted to build a snowman made of ice foam, they could do so.
Four Seasons House was also the favorite place for the local children. There was a bamboo forest here, and there were the crisp sounds of birds. During this season, one could break a piece of bamboo to make a flute, or pick a piece of bamboo leaf and put it on one's lips to make a sound. If one played it well, it was said that there were hundreds of birds chirping, but no one had seen it with their own eyes.
Today, the school was closed, and a group of children crowded here. Looking at the sign outside the courtyard, they saw that it did not say that they were not allowed to enter. They cheered and rushed in, chasing butterflies along the way. Then, they entered the bamboo forest, broke some bamboo, and used the small tools they carried with them to make a flute, and began to play with each other.
Her voice wasn't that pleasant to listen to, let alone melodious. However, when one listened to it, one could always feel a kind of joy.
Half a li away from the bamboo forest, there was a small three-story building built beside a stream. Upstairs, a person was sitting with the window open, holding a poetry book in her hand. Listening to the flute sounds coming from not far away, she smiled.
"Empress, are you tired of listening? This servant will make them leave. "As the voice sounded, a person wearing a palace robe gracefully walked over from behind the woman sitting in front of the window.
"Annoyed? Why would he be annoyed? That's the most beautiful sound. It's almost noon. Xiao Zhu, you can get someone to send soup and rice to the little ones. If they want to come here, call them over as well. "
Empress Weiwei shook her head. She continued to read her book and recited, "Not compared to the celestial beings in the mortal world. The green grass is full of love, the flowers show their beauty, the bamboo flute chirps. The most interesting thing is here."
The palace maid who was called Xiao Zhu nodded and smiled. "Empress, you are learning faster and faster recently. If you want to recite a poem, you can just open your mouth and recite it. Isn't it time to reply?"
"Go back? Wait until autumn. "The Empress looked out of the window and said with a hint of melancholy.
"Then I will go and deliver the food to them." The palace maid Xiao Zhu realized that she had said something wrong and hurriedly left.
When she walked down the stairs, she looked back and sighed helplessly. She walked to the kitchen. At this time, another palace maid came out and also looked at the small building. She softly asked, "Sister Xiao Zhu, is the Empress better?"
"Much better. Just now, she was reciting a poem. When she returns to the capital, she won't be bullied by that Wu person like before. Our Empress has learned a lot of skills here. Although she's not that good at reciting poems, it's better than before. She can also play the zither and dance.
Also, that Wang family's little miss, Cuckoo, sent some books on public relations. She won't be so easily tricked like before. Also, the Empress's body is becoming more delicate. After continuous effort, it's that S shape. I don't know how much money Cuckoo spent. "
Xiao Zhu, who had always been partial to Empress Wang, was happy for the Empress.
The palace maid who asked the question walked with Xiao Zhu and said, "Also, Cuckoo's little miss specially sent clothes to wear. No one has ever heard of them. Even I feel embarrassed when I see the Empress wearing them. How could that Cuckoo think of these? Aiya, no wonder Xiao Bao is so good to her."
"Don't say bad things about Xiao Bao and Cuckoo. It's all thanks to Cuckoo's help that the Empress wouldn't have a good life in the palace. There are many capable doctors in the medical academy who can treat the Empress. They say that when she returns, there's a high chance that she will be pregnant. If it's a boy with a handle, the Empress won't have to worry in the future.
With the Empress here, servant girls like us have a good life. If it was another servant, we would probably have to worry about being beaten to death every day. That one surnamed Wu is so ruthless. If she really took over the position, wouldn't her close servant girls bully us to death? "
Xiao Zhu lowered her voice even more, afraid that someone would hear. The palace maid at the side stopped and closed her eyes and prayed to the heavens, "Protect the Empress, protect the Wang family's little miss, protect the Zhang family's little master. If they did something wrong, let me take responsibility. Good people have good karma, good people have good karma."
"Let's go quickly. Even if you don't say it, no one dares to touch the Zhang Family and the Wang Family. Ever since that one surnamed Wu found out that the Empress was brought here by one letter from Cuckoo, she was so angry that she didn't dare to say anything. She and her people couldn't deal with the Zhang Family and the Wang Family. They couldn't do it in literature or in martial arts.
I heard from Xiao Fang from the Department of Internal Servants that a few days ago, when the Zhang Family and the Wang Family sent things to the palace, the things they gave to the Empress were much better than the one surnamed Wu's. In a fit of anger, that one surnamed Wu smashed a beautiful glass jar. In the end, even when the Emperor asked, that one surnamed Wu didn't dare to say that the things given to her were not as good as the ones given to the Empress. She only said that it was accidentally broken.
Even so, for some reason, the Zhang Family and the Wang Family found out. In the end, when the skincare products were sent to the Empress the second time, the one surnamed Wu didn't get a share. In the end, it was Lord Gao from the Department of Internal Servants that spoke on her behalf. Only then did Cuckoo get someone to make up for it. That one surnamed Wu cried the whole night, feeling wronged, but she didn't dare to complain. Even though she's favored, Cuckoo isn't afraid of her. "
When Xiao Zhu talked about this, her eyebrows were raised in exultation, as if she had defeated Wu Huifei.
"Really? How come I didn't know? Hmph, that damned Xiao Fang, he didn't tell me anything. The next time he comes, I'll put more salt in his food. No, salt costs money, and soil.
I heard the guard in charge of this courtyard say that staying in the Four Seasons Workshop for a day costs three hundred strings of coins. Even though it's not bad, it's also not that good. However, our Empress eats a meal specially prepared for her. There's a time limit, and there's also water used for bathing, good things to apply on her body, and a person specially sent to give her massages.
If we really want to calculate, adding up all of these, it's estimated that the cost of a day is more than six hundred strings of coins. The scariest thing is that a few days ago, that young lady Cuckoo had someone send a set of clothes made entirely of pearls. When the Empress put it on and stood there without moving, she looked like a dignified and noble person. However, once she moved, she couldn't cover up what was supposed to be covered up. It's so embarrassing. When we go back, His Majesty will definitely stay with the Empress every day. "
When the palace maid at the side was talking about other people, her face blushed like a ripe peach.
Xiao Zhu's eyes were filled with tears as she listened. She also talked about this matter, "There's more. He even found a top prostitute from the best brothel to teach the Empress about the ways of the boudoir. When we go back, let's see if that Miss Wu can still occupy His Majesty. Hmph!"
"Great, the two of you are gossiping here. It's over, it's over. If you don't want me to complain, then tell me everything that you said just now."
Just as the two of them were talking, another palace maid suddenly walked over from the side of the fork in the road and spat out threatening words.
"Sister Xiao Die, we didn't say anything. We didn't say anything. The Empress asked me to send food to the children playing in the bamboo forest. I have to go quickly. Otherwise, they'll have to go back after they're done playing."
Xiao Zhu refused to admit it no matter what. She tried to cover it up and wanted to run away.
"Don't run, I'll go arrange it. Go and find the Empress immediately. Tell her that there's news from the palace. Wu Huifei told His Majesty that she's not feeling well and is preparing to stay here for ten days to half a month. Also, visit Empress Wang at the same time. I reckon that she's not coming with good intentions.
Don't delay it, "Xiao Die held onto Xiao Zhu and said worriedly.
Xiao Zhu opened her mouth in shock. "Ah? Wu Huifei is coming? Ah, will she fight with the Empress over Four Seasons Restaurant? Then Sister Xiao Die, go and arrange the food for the children. I'll tell the Empress so that she can prepare early. "
After saying this, Xiao Zhu hurriedly turned and ran back. Xiao Die also quickened her pace and went to the kitchen. The last palace maid stood there and pondered for a while. "I have to go and tell my sisters too. Don't say anything wrong and let Wu Huifei have something on us. Why did she insist on coming over?"
When Xiao Zhu returned, Empress Wang was still reading the poetry anthology. This poetry anthology was also organized by Wang Juan. It was filled with good poems written by scholars. There were even colorful pictures in the anthology that allowed people to better understand the artistic conception expressed in the poems. There were also annotations at the bottom of each poem. Most of the love poems were about the scenery, including Wang Juan's own words and songs that specifically described the affairs of the boudoir.
Empress Wang was reading the book. At this time, she was reading the poem that Wang Juan had just added. It was the Song of the Burial of Flowers that many people in Wang Juan's era would memorize.
'Flowers wilt and fly, filling the sky. Who cares when the red disappears? … It's hard to keep the soul of a flower or a bird. The bird is speechless and the flower is ashamed … Once spring ends, the beauty becomes old, the flower falls and the person dies. '
Empress Wang quietly cried as she read. Just as she was about to wipe her face with her hand, she suddenly thought of something. She took out a handkerchief from the beautiful purse at her waist and pinched it between her thumb and middle finger while the other three fingers were slightly raised. She held her wrist out and gently dabbed it on her cheek. Only then did she let out a long sigh and said to herself,
"Cuckoo is really too much. She must write something that makes people cry. It's probably a poem that others don't know. So many scholars think that they are outstanding. I really should let them read this poetry anthology and let them know what it means to be a woman who is not inferior to a man. Look at this poem, 'If life is only like the first time we meet, what is the autumn wind sad painting fan?' Ordinary changes, but the heart of an old friend, but the heart of an old friend changes easily. Eh? It looks like it's not finished. Why did it stop at the end?
Sigh! If only Cuckoo and Xiao Bao were my children. With the two of them, no one would dare to think about my position. I don't know if I'll be pregnant when I go back. "
"Empress, Empress, bad news, bad news. The one surnamed Wu is here. Oh, it's Consort Hui. The news just came from the Zhang family. Many people in the palace don't know about it."
Before Little Bamboo arrived, her voice came first. Then, she heard the sound of her footsteps running up the stairs.
Empress Weiwei frowned. Seeing Little Bamboo running up, she said softly, "Don't panic. She didn't do anything to me in the palace. Do you think she can overturn the heavens in Deyi Hospital? If she wants to come, then let her come. Do what you need to do. "
"Empress, what if Consort Hui wants to snatch the Four Seasons Workshop?" Little Bamboo was still worried.
"Is this Empress's place a place that anyone can snatch? Let's not talk about this Empress' status. Even if it's other concubines, as long as they were invited by Cuckoo, they can stay wherever they want. Unless the Emperor is here, no one can even think about taking over. "
Empress Wang felt vexed, but she wasn't worried. Even if Consort Hui had the guts, she wouldn't dare to cause trouble in Deyi Hospital.
"Then, then this servant will wait on the Empress here and won't go anywhere. This servant is afraid that she might bring something for the Empress to eat." Little Bamboo decided to stay.
Empress Wang didn't reject this time. "If you want to stay, then stay. When she comes, remember to behave properly. Don't embarrass me. Do you know where her entourage is?"
"I don't know. She probably didn't prepare any ceremonial guards and came here secretly. She must be up to no good," Little Bamboo mumbled.
Before she could find someone to ask, a woman in charge of this place came in to report.
"Empress, Consort Hui will probably arrive at the pier in another two hours. From the pier to here, it will take another three hours. She will probably arrive before evening."
"Got it." Empress Wang Weiwei nodded. The person who came left immediately.
"It seems that what others say is right. As long as one enters this small river, no one can keep any secrets. Consort Hui must have already made arrangements. She thought that she could secretly arrive, but she was still discovered."
Empress Wang sighed at the ability of the Zhang Family and Wang Family to control this place.
*****
Wu Huifei had indeed come. She was sneaky and didn't prepare any ceremonial guards. She thought that she could come to Deyi Hospital without anyone knowing. The palace had blocked the news very well.
Unfortunately, she brought too many people. Even if she didn't prepare any ceremonial guards, she still had to bring more people to serve and protect her. With so many people entering the river, how could the Zhang Family and Wang Family not pay attention? Even if she didn't use the Zhang Family and Wang Family's boats and didn't dock on the river, she still wouldn't be able to hide.
The patrol boats on the river were not only useful in case of emergencies, but they were also responsible for collecting information. During the day and at night, they had to patrol the river. What kind of people were rowing on the boat, what kind of people were on the deck, and all suspicious things had to be reported.
This section of the river was in another county. If it was the section in Sanshui County, they would have been able to determine who was on the boat. The information collection work here wasn't so good.
At this time, Wu Huifei wasn't as free as before. Since Wang Juan brought Empress Wang to Deyi Hospital, the plan that Wu Huifei wanted to use completely lost its effect.
At that time, she was about to succeed. Empress Wang had already met the expert and was willing to listen to him to hold a meeting. She was so close. However, Wang Juan's letter arrived. Once Empress Wang left, all her plans fell through.
After hearing the people from the Internal Servants Department say that Empress Wang had a good life here, Wu Huifei began to worry. It wouldn't be easy to deal with Empress Wang again. The management here wasn't loose. It seemed that anyone could come in and out, but in fact, it wasn't the case at all.
Wu Huifei wanted to deal with the Zhang Family and the Wang Family the most, especially Wang Juan. Of course, she didn't know that Wang Juan had calculated well before doing this. She only thought that Wang Juan was suddenly good to Empress Wang on a whim.
"Wang Juan, Wang Juan, don't fall into my hands. Otherwise, I'll make you beg for death." Sitting in the cabin, Wu Huifei held a necklace made of pearls in her hand and said angrily. She looked at the necklace and threw it aside. She stared at the necklace for a while, then took it back and continued to hold it. This necklace was also sent by the Zhang Family and the Wang Family.
If it weren't for the beauty of the jewelry sent by the Zhang Family and the Wang Family, Wu Huifei really didn't want it.
As she held the necklace, she became angry again. This necklace was already good. Each pearl looked the same size, a few sizes bigger than soybeans. It looked very beautiful. However, the one given to Empress Wang was prettier and the pearls were bigger. Was it because she was a concubine and Empress Wang was an empress, so there was such a big difference?
"Your Highness, we're almost at the pier of Huayuan County. When we arrive, do you want to rest at the pier or go directly to Deyi Hospital?"
Wu Huifei also had a palace maid serving beside her. She went out to take a look and asked others how much time was left. When she estimated that it was about time, she asked Wu Huifei.
Wu Huifei looked at the palace maid and thought for a while, then said, "Go directly to Deyi Hospital and see if they'll be flustered. I want to know where they'll arrange for me. If they're not, I won't let them off. Isn't Empress Wang in Four Seasons House? When the time comes, I'll talk about how good Four Seasons House is and see what they'll do. "
Wu Huifei really wanted to deal with Wang Juan directly, or ask Wang Juan to go to the palace to cause trouble. However, she didn't dare to do so. If she went to deal with her, she would be in someone else's territory. It was very likely that something unexpected would happen. If she asked her to go to the palace, she couldn't directly use force to deal with Wang Juan. She could only set a trap and let Wang Juan fall for it.
However, Wu Huifei thought about it and felt that even if Wang Juan really did something wrong in the palace, the Emperor and Gao Lishi wouldn't do anything to Wang Juan. Firstly, she was young, and secondly, she was very useful. Most importantly, she had a great reputation. If she was dealt with in the palace, what would the world think of her?
Of course, the most important reason was that Wu Huifei was afraid of death. She heard that Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan took out a bunch of weapons when they met the Emperor. Who knew if they really took out all their weapons? If there was a more powerful weapon that could be used to perish together with others, it seemed that it would be easy for her to die if she had to deal with her.
Zhang Family and Wang Family had too many strange things. Just thinking about it made her worried.
Wu Huifei had been depressed for a long time, so she thought of coming to see Empress Wang to see if she could still be a threat to her. At the same time, she could also create some trouble for Zhang Family and Wang Family's Deyi Hospital and test their reaction.
If she could draw Zhang Family and Wang Family to her side, that would be good.
It was with this idea that Wu Huifei secretly came out, wanting to catch the people of Deyi Hospital unprepared. At the same time, she really wanted to see what this Deyi Hospital looked like. Although she had seen it on the model, it was different from seeing it with her own eyes. She could also enjoy the good things here.
After traveling for a few days, Wu Huifei really didn't want to stay on the ship anymore. At noon, the fleet finally docked at the dock. In order to continue to keep it a secret, Wu Huifei directly got on the ship and directly pulled the car out. Then, the group of people flew quickly to Deyi Hospital.
In fact, as soon as they left the dock, Deyi Hospital was not far away. There was a hospital building here. It was close to the dock so that it was convenient for people to see the doctor. However, Empress Wang's place was still very far from here. If they drove normally, it would take two hours. When the team was big, they were afraid of danger, so they naturally slowed down.
Wu Huifei sat in the car and felt the bumpy situation in the car. She was quite satisfied. The car was specially installed with shock absorbers, and the road was very flat. She opened the two curtains of the car and looked out through the layer of gauze, saying,
"Zhang Family and Wang Family are really not bad. There are not many people who can govern the place so well. Unfortunately, it's really a pity. Why can't they see the situation in the imperial court clearly? If they had come here earlier, I could have helped them go further."
If Wang Juan heard this, she would definitely laugh heartily. Wang Juan didn't take her seriously. Zhang Family and Wang Family didn't need a concubine in the imperial harem to develop.
The palace maid sitting next to her, who was ready to serve her at any time, observed her expression and echoed, "You're right. They still don't understand. In my opinion, this place is just so-so. It's not as good as Chang 'an."
"What do you know? Chang 'an is naturally good, but it's the capital of a country. This place is not. Look at the road, it's not narrower than Chang' an's, and the surrounding scenery is very good. Look at the pedestrians coming and going. If it's just a county, how can there be so many people? How can it be so prosperous? "
Wu Huifei looked at the situation outside and said. There were indeed many people outside. Some were in cars, some were riding horses on the side of the dirt road, and more people were talking and laughing on the sidewalk. She looked at the clothes of the people coming and going. The styles were good, and the materials were good. Even if there were people wearing linen, it was fine linen.
With nothing to do, the children playing were even more amazing. Their clothes were all made of cotton, and their small faces were clean. They were no different from the children in the capital, and even more lively. This showed that the people in the county lived a good life. At least the children didn't suffer.
"It's better to hold and be full; it's better to hold and be sharp; it can't be protected for long. The hall is full of gold and jade; it can't be guarded; it's proud of wealth … "
While she was looking, the children playing outside began to recite the Tao Te Ching. In Wu Huifei's ears, even if she didn't want to admit it, she couldn't help but be moved by the ability of Zhang Family and Wang Family to govern.
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