In short, this New Year was spent in a warm atmosphere. Apart from the unrest in the court, the capital was peaceful and nothing special happened. If there was anything special, it was unknown when Jin Er and Lu Zhu had started to talk. Although the young couple quarreled every day, anyone with a discerning eye could see that their relationship had improved a lot.
Indeed, before the New Year was over, Jin Er came over to ask for a favor and asked Xiao Shao to talk about Jiang Ruan's marriage. Jiang Ruan's maidservant matched Xiao Shao's secret guard. In terms of status, it was Lu Zhu who climbed up the social ladder. In the first place, Lu Zhu was not a child of the household, but rather a maidservant that had been bought from outside the residence. After following Jiang Ruan, she could be considered to have been lucky enough to become a second-rank maidservant. After the incident with Bai Zhi, she filled in the gap and became a first-rank maidservant. Even so, this did not mean that she and Jin Er were on equal footing. Jin Er had been working for Xiao Shao for many years. The Jinyi Guards were also particular. Those who could enter Xiao Shao's service were considered to be trusted aides. Although they were secret guards, they were still comparable to a seventh-ranked military official. In addition, Jin Er's appearance was not bad. The Jinyi Guards were very well-off. If these conditions were placed in an ordinary family, the door would be broken by the number of people seeking marriage. It was a loss. Jin Er followed Xiao Shao and usually did not have such thoughts. In addition, his parents' hometown was outside, so he did not have a lot of trouble with women.
But then again, this Jinying Wang fu had always been a place where men were abundant and women were scarce. A large group of men were trapped together. Lu Zhu was such a delicate little girl. She was smart and had a sweet mouth, so she was very popular in the fu. Usually, there were many servants from the fu who came to court her. When they heard that Lu Zhu and Jin Er's marriage had been set, they were naturally very disappointed. They only thought that one of Furen's maidservants had been snatched away.
When Lian Qiao and Jiang Ruan talked about this matter, she was overjoyed, "Of the two of them, one is like a firecracker, and the other is very crafty. When they meet, they will quarrel. I don't know how they fell in love. Thinking about it, it is really interesting. "
Jiang Ruan was sorting out the newly delivered account books. When she heard this, she glanced at her and said, "They fell in love, but did you fall in love?"
Lian Qiao's laughter stopped abruptly. Her face flushed red as she said, "Miss, what are you saying?" In her anxiety, she used the way Jiang Ruan had addressed her before she was married. Lu Zhu opened the curtain and giggled when she heard what was said. "Naturally, there are some who have closed their eyes. I heard that Ye Feng Ye, the imperial bodyguard, occupied the fu's willow tree for half the night yesterday, playing the flute."
Speaking of this matter, it was another topic of conversation in Jinying Wangfu. The Young Master of Jinying Wangfu, Xiao Shao, was a taciturn gourd. Every single bodyguard under him was an expert in the field of love. He had a set of methods to please a lady. Even Ye Feng, who usually looked more mature, also imitated those scholars and poets who wrote 'A Phoenix Seeking for a Phoenix under the willow tree'. His direction was in the direction of Lian Qiao's house.
Lian Qiao was both embarrassed and annoyed. She stamped her feet and said, "I … I can't win against Miss in an argument. It's better to go out!" After saying this, she jogged out of the room. Behind him, Dewdrop put her hands on her hips and laughed, "You're angry? What's there to be angry about?"
After all, Lian Qiao had been raised in the fu. Although she was shrewish, she still scrupulously abided by etiquette. When she heard about her own love affairs, she naturally felt shy. Lu Zhu, on the other hand, was bold. At a young age, she had wandered the streets and alleys and had been stained with the atmosphere of Jianghu. Jiang Ruan looked at her appearance and for a moment, she was somewhat absent-minded. She recalled that when she first met this child, it was the first year after her rebirth. At that time, she was alone in the rural residence and had no one to rely on. This child had a kind heart and stubbornly insisted on following her. In the blink of an eye, things had changed. Her enemies were either dead or injured. The more she lived, the more glorious she became. Fortunately, Lu Zhu had not followed her in vain. In the end, she could be considered to have found happiness.
Jiang Ruan put down the teacup in her hand and pulled Lu Zhu to her side. She withdrew the smile on her face and looked at the smiling young girl in front of her, "Lu Zhu, have you thought it through? If you've decided, it's him?"
"He" naturally referred to Jin Er. As long as it was a maidservant, before the mistress made the decision to marry someone, she would still symbolically ask for the maidservant's opinion. Lu Zhu lowered her head and immediately raised it again to smile at Jiang Ruan. Lu Zhu's set of spotlessly white teeth were very brilliant, "It's him, Miss."
Jiang Ruan nodded. Although Jin Er looked unreliable and was used to having the appearance of a playboy, a person like him who was used to seeing the brothel knew better than others what she wanted. Moreover, Lu Zhu was not a fool, so there was no reason for her to be bullied by Jin Er. It was just that Jin Er had proposed this marriage in a hurry. She did not know what Jin Er was thinking. Since both sides had agreed, Jin Er also wrote a letter home to inform his parents in Jiangnan. Lu Zhu's contract to sell herself was in Jiang Ruan's hands. Naturally, it was up to Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao to decide on the marriage. They would only have to wait until the end of next summer to complete the marriage.
"I will let you marry in style." Jiang Ruan said, "You have no parents, so leave the matter of the dowry to me."
Lu Zhu was stunned and raised her head in disbelief, meeting Jiang Ruan's gaze. Jiang Ruan smiled at her, and Lu Zhu's eyes immediately reddened. She only said, "Miss, how would this servant dare …"
"There is nothing to dare or not dare. At that time, I made it clear that since you risked your life to follow me and gamble on an unknown path, now it's time to pay back. Even if you go to the casino to gamble, there will be a prize. Just treat it as a profit. "
What kind of words were these? Lu Zhu wanted to laugh, but at the same time, she also felt like crying. She knew that Jiang Ruan usually treated people with alienation. Even her personal maidservants, such as Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao, who were her personal maidservants in the past, seemed to have her own secrets. She was not very close to them, and unlike other masters, she was always smiling and joking with them. Following Jiang Ruan, Lu Zhu had only seen danger. Jiang Ruan even used violence to curb violence. She seemed to always be ice- cold, but deep down, she was extremely protective of her own people. Usually, she was just not good at expressing it, but she actually … She was a very gentle person. Lu Zhu thought with tears in her eyes. Jiang Ruan couldn't help but laugh. She did not care about these things.
Just then, Jin Yi came in and handed the letter from the palace to Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan let Lu Zhu go and read it herself. It was a letter from Xuan Pei. There was nothing written on it. First, he wished her well in the New Year, then he complained that he could not see Jiang Ruan while he stayed in the palace. It was all thanks to his status as a prince that he was not free. Finally, he said that the Emperor was in a bad mood and the atmosphere in the palace was relatively gloomy. It was better not to enter the palace. After reading the letter, Jiang Ruan put it in the candlelight and burned it. However, her heart could not calm down for a long time. The Emperor was not in a bad mood, but was seriously ill. She knew this from Xiao Shao. Xuan Pei, this child, was originally unwilling to talk about his grievances. After his rebirth, his temperament had changed greatly. The more he did not mention anything about the palace, the more suspicious it seemed. Jiang Ruan stared at the burning ashes in the candlelight and slowly pondered.
…
At the same time, in a quiet courtyard in the capital, a man in grey stood in front of the window and threw the paper in his hand into the flickering candlelight. The candlelight very quickly engulfed the somewhat yellowed paper. It was unknown what it was made of, but it also carried a strange fragrance. After a long while, he slowly curled up his red lips and said, "So that's how it is."
"Daren, the Holy Maiden's edict has yet to arrive." The subordinate inquired.
Yuan Chuan smiled, "There's no need."
The subordinate was startled. He saw the man in grey suddenly reach out and lift his hat, revealing a full face. It was not entirely accurate to say that it was a full face. It was half a mask, and on the mask was a ghost face that was baring its fangs and brandishing its claws. It was very terrifying, but the half of the face that was revealed was very handsome. Such a face with a mask should have given people a mysterious sense of beauty. However, when this person appeared in front of them, there was a sense of mystery, but there was no sense of beauty. This was because it was completely destroyed by a pair of green eyes. These green eyes were long and narrow, like those of a fox. On a human face, it was like a monster, giving people an inexplicable sense of fear. It was a very sinister feeling. The subordinate shivered and hurriedly lowered his head, not daring to meet Yuan Chuan's eyes. Yuan Chuan did not even look at him, and slowly said, "The Holy Maiden has already entered the capital."
The subordinate suddenly raised his head, and said with some disbelief, "This …" When Yuan Chuan entered the capital, the Holy Maiden had not yet entered the capital. Now, there was not even a word about this. How did she suddenly come to the capital of the Great Jin Dynasty? The subordinate was still guessing, but he saw that pair of fox-like green eyes glance at him indifferently. He could not help but feel a chill in his heart, and had no idea what to do. Yuan Chuan slowly smiled again. His lips were red, as if he had put on the best rouge. They were even more beautiful than a woman's, and when he smiled, there was an indescribable demonic charm. He said, "Is the edict of the Holy Maiden something that you can casually guess?"
"I don't dare, I don't dare, I don't dare." The subordinate immediately broke out in a cold sweat. He only heard the person above him say with a slight smile, "Really, seeing that it's your first offense, I'll spare you."
The man was about to thank him when he suddenly felt a chill in his chest. Looking up, he saw a speck of silver light on his chest. A small and exquisite scimitar, only the size of a thumb, had accurately pierced his heart. His eyes widened, and his face began to turn black. After a short while, he collapsed. His blood was black, and it was obvious that he had also been poisoned. Yuan Chuan smiled coldly, and then slowly looked out of the window. Only then did he sigh, not knowing whether it was joy or sorrow. In the quiet courtyard where there was still a corpse, his sigh was especially terrifying. "Human life is nothing more than grass." He slowly smiled again, and a strange light seemed to flash in his green eyes. Looking at the empty space, he muttered to himself, "You, how long can you live?"
…
In the palace.
In the imperial study, there was a thick stack of memorials on the table in front of the Emperor. His body was getting worse, and his speed of reading memorials was much slower. However, every day, big and small matters in the country never stopped, and the more tired he was, the higher he was. Eunuch Li timely served hot tea and said, "Your Majesty, take care of your body, and take a rest."
The Emperor shook his head, and then felt a little hungry. He frowned and asked, "Who was that just now?"
"It was Dong Xiuyi." Eunuch Li quickly said, "She came to deliver lotus seed porridge to Your Majesty."
Ever since Wang Lian 'er and Jiang Dan disappeared from the palace, the new batch of beauties that came in were not particularly outstanding. The only one left was Mu Xirou, who had a cold personality and did not take the initiative to serve others. One day, the Emperor accidentally saw Dong Xiuyi in the garden, and only then did he remember that this was the official daughter of the capital governor.
If it was said that the official daughter of the capital governor was sent to the palace, it was a little thought-provoking. Firstly, most of the people who were sent to the Palace were here for riches and glory, but the position of the Administrator of the Capital would not be good even if he climbed up in this lifetime, so there was no need to use his daughter to exchange for a stable career. Secondly, this Dong Xiu Yi did not deliberately seek favour and was somewhat unknown. If the Emperor did not see her by chance that day, he was afraid that he would continue to be in the darkness of the palace.
But now, Dong Xiuyi's personality was a little dull, but the porridge she made was not bad. The lotus seed porridge was refreshing and delicious, and the Emperor often asked her to make it. As a result, Dong Xiuyi became a woman who was close to the Emperor.
The Emperor waved his hand, "Bring it here."
Eunuch Li ordered the little eunuch outside to bring in the lotus seed porridge that Dong Xiuyi put down.
At the same time, in the deep and serene palace corridor, a woman in embroidered clothes walked alone, and the eunuchs and palace maids beside her greeted her respectfully. This Dong Xiuyi looked like she was not favored in the beginning, and often bullied her. Who knew that she was able to get close to the Emperor's body, so it was said that the wheel of fortune changes, and now it was the turn of this palace maid who gave others a look to be trembling with fear. But that finely dressed woman did not seem to see it at all, and her eyes were somewhat deep.
After returning to the courtyard of the side hall, Dong Yinger ordered the eunuchs and palace maids to leave. She sat in front of the dressing mirror and took out a wooden box from the bottom of the wooden cabinet. In that box, there was a fresh lotus seed, and on top of it, there was something that looked like honey. Recently, the Emperor's appetite was light, and he could not eat anything that had a strong taste. The lotus seed was clear, but it tasted bitter. Many people in the world were unable to endure the bitter taste, especially when it came to the food of the Emperor. One had to say that the lotus seed was marinated with honey to remove the bitter taste, and the porridge that was boiled out was more fragrant and sweet. But … Dong Yinger reached out and took out a sachet from her waist, and took out some white powder from inside. That powder also had a strange fragrance, and when it was sprinkled on the lotus seed, it was submerged by the fresh honey, and only smelled more fragrant. That little eunuch's smiling and fawning words seemed to be transmitted into her ears, "Lady Xiuyi's lotus seed porridge is very good, and His Majesty cannot leave it every day. This skill can be said to be better than the chefs in the Imperial Kitchen. This servant sees that in the future, His Majesty and Lady Xiuyi will only get closer and closer, and will not be able to leave Lady Xiuyi. "
Dong Yinger put away the sachet, and her eyes fell on the lotus seed that seemed to be no different from other things, and her lips slowly bloomed into a smile. However, that smile was a little stiff, as if someone was forcefully pulling on her skin to force it out. It looked a little strange.
The Emperor naturally could not leave her, and not only could he not leave her, he would become more and more dependent on her, or it could be said that he was not dependent on her, but the lotus seed porridge that she made. Things that could make people addicted would not be noticed by others, and even the most brilliant imperial doctor would not be able to see it. They would only think that the Emperor liked the porridge that she made. In order to not arouse suspicion, she naturally would not make porridge every day. In fact, anything was the same, as long as it could make the Emperor addicted.
She slowly grabbed her skirt, and remembered what that person from the Palace had said to her earlier: The General fu intended to marry Miss Zhao as a wife for the Jiang family's Eldest Master, and now they were discussing the matter of exchanging geng cards. Jiang family's Eldest Master, Jiang Xin Zhi, and Zhao family's Miss, Zhao Jin. Dong Yinger suddenly closed her eyes and took a deep breath, but in the end, she could not bear it anymore, and she swept everything in front of her to the ground. The palace maid waiting outside jumped in fright, and suddenly wanted to come in, saying, "Lady Xiuyi!"
"Get out!" Dong Yinger angrily shouted, and the people outside immediately went silent, not daring to move. She looked at the broken pieces of porcelain on the ground, and a trace of resentment flashed through her eyes.
In this world, why was there someone with such a good life? They had the same birth, and how was she inferior to others, but she was thrown into this deep palace to gradually wither. Why? Since it was like this, it was better to go to hell together. After all, she would not be so lonely.
…
A certain house in Jiangnan was embroidered with black walls and white tiles. It was very exquisite, and the style was elegant. With one look, one could tell that it was a wealthy family. At this moment, the manservant outside the door hurriedly ran in, shouting, "Madam, Madam!"
The woman sitting in the main hall had a kind and amiable appearance. She was only in her forties, and looked dignified and virtuous. Although she was old, it could be seen that when she was young, she must have been a beauty. Wearing a honey colored silk jacket, she scolded with a smile, "Running so quickly, I didn't cut your tongue. Speak slowly. "
The manservant smiled embarrassedly, and took out a letter from his chest, saying, "Madam, the young master has sent a letter!"
"Erlang has sent a letter?" When the woman heard this, she stood up, and her face immediately showed an expression of uncontrollable joy. She said, "Quickly let me see."
The manservant hurriedly handed it over with both hands. The woman took the letter and impatiently opened it to read. She read ten lines at a glance, and read very quickly. After a few seconds, she finished reading. Immediately, a rebuking and smiling expression appeared on her face. When the servant girls and older women saw her application, they were all somewhat curious. They asked, "Madam, how is the second young master?"
"This child." The woman patted her chest and said, "He hasn't replied a single letter all year round. He really doesn't put me, his mother, in his eyes. He has already decided on such an important matter, and only replied at this time, really …"
The older woman who was serving her tea at the front was even more confused. She asked with some doubt, "What is Madam talking about? Is it that the second young master has been promoted?" Since she said it was an important matter, and her own Madam's face did not show any sad expression, it should be a promotion. Thinking of this, the older woman also smiled, "If it is so, then it is a very joyous matter. We should celebrate."
"It is a joyous matter, but not a promotion." The woman also smiled, "It was Erlang who asked Wangye to arrange a marriage. He just came back to tell us."
"This …" The older woman asked, "Which family's young miss is it?"
"It is a first-rank servant girl of Wangfei." The woman said with a smile.
"Servant girl? That side is still a slave. With Second Young Master's status, I'm afraid … "The older woman deliberated over her words and carefully looked at the woman's expression.
When the woman saw her like this, she smiled again and said, "I know what you are thinking in your heart. You feel that my family's Erlang has been wronged. However, since Wangye has shown kindness to our family, if it wasn't for Wangye, how could we have lived like this? We would have long become a pile of dirt. Our family is not an official's family, we are just doing business. That girl's status is not high, but it is not an unsuitable family. "
"Furen," The older woman was still somewhat unwilling, "Even though we are not an official's family, we are still a large family in Jiangnan. With Second Young Master's status, what kind of decent family's young miss can't he find, but …"
The woman slowly looked at her. The older woman knew that she had said the wrong thing and immediately became slightly uneasy. She only heard the woman sigh and say, "What do you think Erlang's status is? Erlang is willing to work for Wangye. After so many years, there are very few letters a year. I'm afraid that what he does is dangerous. With this kind of danger, that usually pampered young miss would be willing to marry him. This marriage was personally asked by Erlang to Wangye. Even if Erlang himself and the child are to his liking, I, as a mother, have no reason to stop them. Alright, since Erlang is Wangye's subordinate, Wangye can make his own decisions. Wangye thinks this marriage is good, and I also agree. I think that Laoye will not do anything wrong. If one does not keep his word, he will not stand. The people by Wangfei's side will not be wrong. "She thought of that calm and cold black-clothed youth and a smile floated onto her face.
This woman was so understanding, the older woman did not say anything. Also, there was nothing wrong with the woman's words. The older woman gradually smiled and said, "That is a joyous matter. If the marriage is done early, it won't be long before furen will have another golden grandson."
"The eight characters haven't even been set in stone, and you are already making it so lively." The woman rebuked, but the smile on her face became even more joyous. As they spoke, they heard someone say from outside, "Mother, what are you talking about to make you so happy? Erxi should also be happy to hear it."
"Da Granny." A group of servant girls and older women hurriedly greeted with a smile. A young woman walked in from outside. This woman had a matron's hairstyle. It was the fu's Da Granny. The woman smiled and said, "We are talking about your second brother's marriage. You came at the right time. I will talk with you." As the woman spoke, she suddenly stilled and looked behind the young woman. It was a young girl wearing a pink lined jacket. She was about sixteen or seventeen years old. Hearing the woman's words, she raised her head with a smile and bowed to the woman. "Greetings to furen."
"This is …" The woman was somewhat puzzled.
The young woman smiled and pulled the hand of the pink-clothed girl beside her. She said with a smile, "Mother, this is such a coincidence. I was just about to talk to you about this matter. Do you still remember this miss? This is Ding Xi's Liao Family's Big Miss Liao. "
The girl also smiled faintly and seemed to be a bit shy. She raised her face and this time, it was clear that the girl had delicate features and a very elegant temperament. She was like a flower bud that had just bloomed. She said, "Liao Meng greets furen."
The woman's hand trembled and the teacup instantly fell to the ground.
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