On this day, Jiang Xuening sat in the theater garden till evening, and Xiao Dingfei, who usually played around with her, didn't dare to provoke her at all, so he quietly peeled the melon seeds and peanuts that were sent to her, and put them in her hand go up.
But Jiang Xuening didn't eat half of it.
Until the sun was setting outside, she stood up as if she had finally made a decision, and wanted to go outside.
Xiao Dingfei subconsciously asked: "Will the scholars outside Weng Ang and the beggars on the street continue to take care of it?"
Jiang Xuening said, "Why not?"
Xiao Dingfei was stunned: "But this matter has already..."
Jiang Xuening actually said: "She made me feel uncomfortable, and I won't make her feel better."
Xiao Dingfei finally remained silent, watching her walk out of the theater garden.
The day before, the government and the public were still discussing about reinvestigating the Xiao family, but today they were all surprised by the news of Xiao Shu's concubine concubine: at such a critical juncture, the emperor actually sealed Xiao Shu at the center of the vortex as a concubine. Concubine, isn't it obvious that she wants to favor Xiao Shi and Xiao Shu?
But in the evening, new news came.
The Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, Jiang Boyou, was handed over to the cabinet, and after discussions with the assistant ministers, the case of Ganzhou Disaster Relief Bank will be re-examined.
All the civil and military officials were confused: if the emperor handled it impartially, he made Xiao Shu a concubine first; if the emperor wanted to be partial, he would re-investigate the Ganzhou disaster relief case without mercy.
Even Xiao Yuan himself couldn't figure it out, so he felt uneasy about it.
Only Jiang Xuening could vaguely guess something.
The emperor lies on the couch, and he is most afraid of others sleeping soundly.
If Xiao Shu is not trustworthy, should not be trusted, Shen Lang cannot make her a concubine. Backwards with the emperor's mentality, how can a noble daughter from a wealthy family gain the emperor's trust?
There is only one answer: break your own wings and draw a clear line.
When Xiao Shu voluntarily gave up the support of her original background, it was equivalent to throwing away all her weapons, and also removed all threats to the emperor. From then on, her honor and disgrace are tied to the man next to her pillow, and she can only advance and retreat with him, die and live together!
For Shen Lang, one can serve the bed, and the other can help him bring down the Xiao family.
And such a beauty, what reason does he have to refuse?
Jiang Xuening sneered in her heart, and when she returned to Jiang's mansion, she heard that Mrs. Meng was very happy, and asked Jiang Xuehui to go to her room and talk all afternoon. I also know that Xiao Shu, who was originally going to run for Linzi Princess, suddenly entered the palace to be a concubine, then Jiang Xuehui would not have the biggest opponent, and Shen Jie had an interest in Jiang Xuehui first, so it is expected that the selection of the concubine should be a sure thing.
She didn't even bother to join in the fun.
Before dawn the next day, the entire family was busy. Across the courtyard, you could hear the voices of maids painting Jiang Xuehui's makeup and arranging skirts. Voice.
Jiang Xuening was lying on the bed, sleeping lazily in the spring morning, staring at the white peonies embroidered on the ceiling, but thinking of this day in her previous life—
The mansion is also so busy.
But at that time, the one who was playing with all kinds of hairpins among the crowd was herself. Although Meng Shi also came to her room, the joy in her expression was somewhat forced, especially when she glanced over with a bit of pampering, Meng Shi's complexion was even more ugly. Jiang Xuehui just stood beside Meng Shi, looking at her deeply.
At that time, she was very proud, because Jiang Xuehui didn't know that she had seen that Fangxiu handkerchief in the palace, and deliberately impersonated her, so she had the opportunity she has now.
Jiang Xuehui robbed her family, she will rob Jiang Xuehui's love.
No matter what, she didn't want them to have a good time.
Just tormenting others, why not tormenting yourself?
Although Shen Jie is a gentle, refined and handsome gentleman with the sentimentality of a literati, he is like all men in the world, not an infatuated kind. Or maybe he gradually discovered that she was not the one who made his heart flutter? When Yan Er was newly married two years ago, he was like glue, and he was easily coaxed so that he didn't want to leave her; This queen is only maintaining a little bit of friendship.
After all, what you **** is not your own.
What Jiang Xuehui has, may not be what she likes.
After lying down for a long time, Jiang Xuening finally got up.
It's not that she wants to see how Jiang Xuehui is doing, but today is also the day when the eunuchs in the palace take turns to take a bath, and she wants to find someone.
Xiao Shu became the imperial concubine, and her original plan was no longer available.
There is not much time left for her.
After washing up and walking out of her courtyard, Jiang Xuening happened to bump into Jiang Xuehui, who was surrounded by many maidservants, who was rarely dressed up brightly, with a delicate face and exquisite makeup, she was dignified and quiet.
In her hand she held a silk handkerchief with red **** flowers embroidered on one corner.
Jiang Xuening glanced at her and saw that Mrs. Meng was also beside her, so she didn't even bother to say hello and walked over.
She has changed many things in this life: her relationship with Xie Wei, Wen Zhaoyi's pregnancy, the rise and fall of the Yan clan, the choice of Princess Linzi, the time when Xiao Dingfei entered Beijing...
Then, why couldn't she save Shen Zhiyi?
Whether people in the world are like the Meng family, Jiang Xuehui or Shen Jie, even if you want to choose a concubine today, you don't feel that there is a big difference between yesterday and tomorrow. But as far as Jiang Xuening is concerned, she is fighting to the death with her established destiny every day, and she refuses to bow her head and admit defeat!
Zheng Bao takes a rest today.
Ever since he was favored by his master Wang Xinyi and transferred to the emperor's side to serve him, his status in the palace could no longer be the same as before. It's not that he is greedy for gold and silver, but that's how it is in the palace. If others are filial and you don't want to accept it, you will become a target of public criticism, and others will inevitably be jealous of you. So although he didn't work in Qianqing Palace for a long time, he also saved a lot of money.
Seventy percent was given to the family, and the mother asked her to give it to the brother as a wedding gift;
I kept 30% of it for myself, and finally moved out of the house and set up a small courtyard in Sanli Hutong.
Ever since seeing Xiao Shu enter Qianqing Palace that day, Zheng Bao had a faint premonition in his heart, so today Xiu Mu did not go out as usual, but sat under the eaves and waited.
Sure enough, as soon as the morning fog cleared, there was a knock on the door outside.
He got up and went to open the door.
Standing in front of his shabby courtyard was the gorgeous second girl Jiang, wearing a deep purple cloak, her eyes were like the snow in the middle of the night, bright but with a touch of coolness, when she looked over, it made people feel a little bit of awe One width, as if all distracting thoughts have been cleared away.
Zheng Bao stepped aside.
Jiang Xuening held the cloak with one hand, but didn't take a step inside, just looked at him and said, "I'm here to ask you to repay your favor."
Zheng Bao only wore a simple light blue round-neck gown at home, his lips were red and his teeth were white, and he was in a daze when he heard the words.
His delicate face reminds people of the misty rain in the south of the Yangtze River.
Jiang Xuening suddenly didn't dare to look directly at these too clear eyes, so she slowly lowered her eyes, suppressed the trace of guilt, and said almost cruelly: "I'm sorry. In front of Kunning Palace that day, I really saved you Yes, it should be Her Royal Highness. Could you please repay your favor?"
As the king of Linzi who was trusted by the emperor on weekdays and even almost became the emperor's younger brother, Shen Jie's choice of concubine was definitely the most important event in this spring after the new year, except for the eldest princess and relatives.
The palace has been busy for a long time.
Although this matter was handled by Empress Zheng herself, she had to report everything to Empress Dowager Xiao, and today it should be Empress Dowager Xiao who is in charge of the overall situation. But yesterday, when the news of Xiao Shu's concubine came out, Empress Dowager Xiao became furious for some reason, became very angry and became ill. Xiao Shu went to serve Ji, but was also kicked out. The well-informed people in the palace felt that this incident was unusual, and rumors were secretly spreading.
Empress Zheng also murmured in her heart.
But this is an excellent opportunity for her, it is rare for her to preside over the overall situation, if it is done well, it will be back into the eyes of the emperor, and it will be logical to take back the control of the Six Palaces from Empress Dowager Xiao.
Therefore, Empress Zheng worked harder than before.
The location of concubine selection is set at Chuxiu Palace, and the palace people lead people into the palace early in the morning. After all, it is the royal family's selection, and there are many places to check. The last hurdle is to let these candidates come in front of everyone. , to determine a result.
When Shen Jie entered the palace, he first went to meet the queen mother and the emperor.
So Empress Zheng sat in the main seat of Chuxiu Palace and drank tea first, and talked with Wen Zhaoyi, who was next to her, who had been promoted to a position after pregnancy and had white and tender skin.
Unexpectedly, before he could say a few words, the **** outside sang in a high-pitched voice: "Concubine Xian is here—"
The eyelids of Empress Zheng and Wen Zhaoyi jumped at the same time.
Looking up again, Xiao Shu, who was the young lady of the Xiao family who was a student with Yang Zhizhai a while ago, now has black hair in a high bun, with two golden step rocks inserted, and a flower tin like a plum petal stuck between her eyebrows , walked in from the outside in a sky-water-blue palace dress sprinkled with gold and shimmering. Although there was no domineering demeanor, it really gave people the feeling of domineering.
In the palace, newcomers often replace old ones, not to mention that the Holy One likes the new and dislikes the old the most?
Although Empress Zheng also felt uncomfortable, but she had seen this kind of thing a lot, she could bear it to a certain extent, she only disdained that the dignified young lady of Xiao Shu's family would do such a shameless thing.
Wen Zhaoyi felt much more uncomfortable.
She didn't know she was pregnant before, and no imperial doctor informed her, so she knew that the harem was controlled by others. As for who this "other person" is, who has no idea? Now Empress Dowager Xiao is ill, but her niece and daughter have come to the palace again, and she will be a concubine! She has a dragon seed in her belly, and she has only just been promoted to Zhaoyi, it's really hard to calm down when she thinks about it.
Therefore, when she saw Xiao Shu, her expression was not very good.
There are rumors inside and outside the palace, how could Xiao Shu not know?
But no matter how much she hated her, she was the one who made the decision.
Knowing the trade-offs, she forced herself to turn a deaf ear: In any case, she had achieved her goal, and even became the emperor's favorite concubine overnight, so what can others do to her?
"The concubine has met the empress."
The empress smiled reluctantly, and couldn't say much: "Now I should be called Sister Xianfei."
Wen Zhaoyi curled her lips coldly, put her hands on her already pregnant belly, deliberately did not get up, and said lazily: "It is reasonable for me to salute the concubine Xian, but I am pregnant, and my baby is very weak. , I dare not make troubles, so I ask Empress Xianfei to forgive me."
Xiao Shu smiled: "It's okay, I will invite you later."
Wen Zhaoyi is only one step away from the position of concubine, as long as the prince is born smoothly, the position of concubine is not a problem; even if the princess is born, the position of concubine is also a matter of course, why is there any need to salute her Xiao Shu?
Xiao Shu's words seemed ordinary, but the meaning was extremely vicious!
Wen Zhaoyi's complexion changed instantly, and her five fingers on the armrest clenched tightly, almost breaking out on the spot.
Empress Zheng was in a hurry to smooth things over, and asked with a smile: "Sister Concubine Xian is suddenly concubine, all the palaces are preparing, and I haven't had time to see you in the future. It's just that today Chuxiu Palace will choose a concubine for His Royal Highness Prince Linzi , I don’t know if Sister Concubine Xian is coming, is it?”
Someone from the palace has already moved the chairs.
Xiao Shu Shiran sat down and then replied calmly: "The Holy Majesty is involved in government affairs, and I am worried about His Royal Highness Linzi's selection of concubines, so I will invite you to come here to watch over the Holy Majesty. The empress do not mind?"
Please.
Empress Zheng stopped her breath, she didn't know what to say, she took a moment to force a smile, and said, "It's best if His Majesty cares about you."
Xiao Shu smiled lightly and stopped talking.
After a while, Shen Jie, the king of Linzi, went to the emperor and the queen mother to greet him, and entered the Chuxiu Palace. He was wearing a crescent-white python robe, with a jade pendant around his waist, and his face was as elegant and gentle as jade, but his complexion seemed to be different. Very good.
When he came in and saw Xiao Shu, he was also taken aback for a moment.
But his mind was full of reprimands from the emperor's brother, especially the empress dowager, so he didn't bother to pay attention to it. After saluting to the emperor's wife, he sat down.
At this time, the palace talents brought in noble ladies who were candidates from various prefectures. After screening, there were not many of them. Six people stood in a row, and many of the companions from the original Yang Zhi Zhai were among them.
Jiang Xuehui, Chen Shuyi, Yao Rongrong, and...
Fang Miao looked confused.
Her father was Qin Tianjian, and she had been an accompanying student in Yangzhizhai, so she was naturally included in the list of candidates for the princess.
Fang Miao felt that this matter had nothing to do with her, so she went through the motions.
But they should never have to, and they don't know what's wrong with the palace, so they are asked to come to the palace early in the morning. So when the maids tidied up and urged her to go out, she calculated with her fingers, three quarters of the right time, whether it will be bright or not, and whether it will be dark or dark, the alternation of yin and yang has not yet ended, it is the time when evil spirits are rampant, and it is by no means a good time to go out .
In front of the palace gate, I saw blue light hanging to the southeast again.
Fang Miao couldn't resist taking out the copper coins she had hidden in her sleeve to count, and she counted an ominous omen for herself.
She was standing between Jiang Xuehui and Chen Shuyi. Compared with these two young ladies who came from a scholarly family and dressed a little brightly today, although she also wore a very beautiful goose yellow elastic ink dress, her cheeks were powdered and her lips It is painted with vermilion, but it is not inconspicuous at all against the background.
When she came in and saw Xiao Shu sitting above, Fang Miao muttered in her heart.
Originally, everyone was still a classmate of Fengchendian. In the blink of an eye, he had already put a few beautiful hairs on his buttocks to make a golden pheasant and a peacock. I don't know what to do today.
Jiang Xuehui stood quietly beside her, with a corner of an embroidered handkerchief leaking between her fingers.
As soon as she came in, Shen Jie's eyes fell on her.
There was a snow-white jade ring in the lacquer tray held by the **** next to him, he took it and stood up, and was about to walk towards Jiang Xuehui.
Wen Zhaoyi suddenly smiled.
However, Xiao Shu sneered when she saw it, and reminded lightly: "The Holy Majesty said that the selection of a concubine by Your Highness will continue the blood of the royal family. The concubine should be a jade plate, with a dignified character and a clean background."
Shen Jie's footsteps were stagnant.
He saw Jiang Xuehui standing there with lowered eyebrows and downcast eyes, and he remembered that when it was raining that day, he had asked Yan Lin to meet, and he galloped forward but almost startled other people's chariots and horses. points all over the body.
The girl sitting inside was startled.
He thought that people would pursue it.
He didn't think about it for a moment, but a slender hand stretched out from inside, handed him an embroidered handkerchief, and only chuckled in a low voice: "Thank you for saving me, my lord, let's wipe your face first."
Seeing Yan Lin that day, he was distracted for a moment.
Yan Lin asked him what happened.
As soon as he told the story, Yan Lin asked for the embroidered handkerchief to look at, and said to him after pondering for a while with flickering eyes, look at this red **** flower, the person in the carriage on that road must be a girl from the Jiang family.
Shen Jie then asked, is it the eldest girl or the second girl?
Yan Lin rolled his eyes and said, Ning Ning belonged to the eldest son of the family, and that of His Highness was naturally the eldest girl of the Jiang family.
In fact, it has been a long time, and he has almost forgotten the voice that lowered his chuckle, leaving only the handkerchief embroidered with red **** flowers as a touch of Qisi by his side.
Shen Jie thought, if he chooses the princess, he should choose the one who made his heart beat.
But why can't it do what it wants?
The incident of the second girl of the Jiang family in Tongzhou was a hot topic a while ago, and the reputation of other girls in the Jiang family was not good, otherwise he would have ignored the scolding of the empress and the emperor today, and directly chose Jiang Xuehui to go...
Jiang Xuehui had rescued Wen Zhaoyi, so Wen Zhaoyi was naturally more towards her, and also hoped that Jiang Xuehui would be chosen and become her future support. But the word "Holy Majesty" mentioned by Xiao Shu next to her repeatedly made her gnash her teeth and feel a little jealous.
Since the emperor spoke, he dared not stand up.
Seeing Shen Jie standing still, Wen Zhaoyi turned his eyes, but changed the topic of conversation, and took the initiative to persuade: "The concubine Xian is right, isn't it pure and innocent to choose a concubine? After all, the ancestors' etiquette is in vain. After choosing the main concubine, if there is anyone who can't let go, it's all right to accept one as a side concubine, after all, don't go against the Holy Majesty's will."
The jade ring representing the position of the concubine was pinched in Shen Jie's hands for a long time, and it was tightly clasped.
Even if he is of royal blood, he is the king of Linzi...
But his marriage is not in his own hands.
Naturally, Shen Jie caught a glimpse of the red **** flower embroidered handkerchief in Jiang Xuehui's hand, but Wen Zhaoyi's words brushed against his ears, and he raised his eyes to look at Jiang Xuehui. Turn your eyes to the side.
I don't know which lady is next to her, her head is buried and her lips are moving, as if she is silently chanting scriptures.
Although he looked at it with a kind face, he vaguely remembered that it was one of the companions in Yangzhi Zhai, but he didn't think it was very good-looking, so he turned to look at the next one. So I saw Chen Shuyi.
At this time, Xiao Shu said from behind: "After all, the Holy Majesty still values His Highness. He has a good family background and knowledge, and can best assist His Highness in handling the affairs of the palace..."
Shen Jie felt an indescribable disgust in his heart.
It was because he originally thought that Chen Shuyi looked dignified and very nice, but now he also felt disgusted. The clay figurine still had a bit of energy, so he was not happy, so he simply turned around and handed the jade ring to the girl standing between Chen Shuyi and Jiang Xuehui, and said impatiently: "Since you are selected into the palace, of course anyone is fine, just let me know." her."
At this moment, the entire Chuxiu Palace was silent.
Fang Miao listened to the words of the hidden machine above her head, who were coming and going, and felt that each of these people had good morals and deeds. She was afraid that something would happen if they didn't agree with each other, and would bring blood to herself. It is to recite the "Diamond Sutra" devoutly and silently to drive away evil spirits and avoid disasters.
The jade ring was handed to her, but she didn't see it.
Until the **** at the side broke into cold sweat and raised his voice a third time: "Miss Fang!"
Fang Miao suddenly recovered.
Looking up, I saw Shen Jie holding the jade ring in his hand and handing it to her, as if he didn't expect that he would be ignored by others, but his handsome face was faintly livid, and it was rare to see some unkindness when staring at her.
Only then did Fang Miao realize what had happened.
She immediately shivered.
Shen Jie didn't expect that someone else would be distracted when choosing a concubine, as if he didn't seem to be serious about petitioning, he sneered and asked: "You don't want to?"
Fang Miao wanted to say that this is not a place where the gods can get involved!
She opened her mouth, and the word "I don't want to" was on the edge of her mouth, but when she suddenly remembered the ominous omen she had calculated when she went out, and then saw that everyone around her was looking at her, a chill began to creep up her spine.
This is the emperor's brother...
If you refuse in public, I'm afraid that the **** disaster will come in the blink of an eye.
Her previous sluggish movements immediately changed, and she took the jade ring very quickly, bowed and said: "Yes, yes, my daughter is willing!"
Shen Jie: "..."
For some reason, the anger didn't disappear, it got even bigger!
Empress Zheng and Wen Zhaoyi looked at each other, and Xiao Shu didn't expect Shen Jie to choose Fang Miao, so she got up suddenly.
Chen Shuyi on the side looked ugly.
Jiang Xuehui quietly tightened her fingers, and slowly closed her eyes.
Fang Miao smiled sarcastically at Shen Jie, which was so ridiculous that it was uglier than crying: Your uncle is struck by lightning! I knew it was the wrong time to go out today, but now it really is bad luck!