71 Thoughts
◎You are my wish come true◎
The scenery in late autumn is full of tranquility and peace. The sky is as blue as a mirror, and the sun shines majestically through the thin clouds, making the glazed tiles appear brighter and warmer.
Under the sunlight, the mountains appear golden, the leaves begin to turn golden, and the wind blows down yellow leaves.
It was the Double Ninth Festival, the first festival since he ascended the throne. The rebellion had subsided, and Fu Hua had specially arranged a family dinner. There were no royal relatives present, but he and Bai Yi, his wives, concubines, and children all enjoyed the chrysanthemums and drank wine together.
Because the country had just been settled and the rebellion had ended, there were not many royal family members attending, so the scale of this year's ceremony was much smaller, more like a gathering for casual chat after dinner.
"Today is Double Ninth Festival. I'm hosting a family dinner. Everyone, relax and enjoy the chrysanthemum wine!"
He had hoped to be able to get together. Ever since Fu □□ fell ill and the war became intense, it had been rare to find such a relaxing time. The palace maids brought Chongyang cakes and mutton noodles. The wine and crabs in the golden autumn of October were simply delicious.
Chrysanthemum wine is made from fresh chrysanthemums picked early in the morning, brewed with glutinous rice wine yeast, and infused with goji berries and angelica, known for its kidney-tonifying and lung-moistening properties. Its refreshing and sweet flavor is a uniquely elegant experience, perfect for enjoying the chrysanthemums, drinking wine, and reciting poetry.
It’s a pity that this seemingly harmonious family dinner had other intentions.
Rong Qianyu disdained to pretend to be in love with him, and the recent gossip made her feel uncomfortable. She had always been in poor health. "I am not feeling well and should not drink alcohol recently." No one objected to this statement.
Fu Hua pretended to be concerned and held her hand, "Is the Queen okay?"
Rong Qianyu smiled stiffly, retracted her hand and replied, "I'm just a little tired."
"Then let's change it to osmanthus soup for the Queen."
There were crabs and wine on everyone's table. Rong Qianyu didn't want to eat for a reason. Everyone else had already started eating, but Cui Rumei was the only one who covered her chest with her hands, looking embarrassed.
It’s not right to eat, and it’s not right not to eat.
She was already pregnant, and given her personality, she couldn't possibly keep it a secret. She had to let everyone know, especially Rong Qianyu, who had the child before her, so she naturally had the right to show off.
She stood up awkwardly, tilting her head and looking down, waiting until everyone was looking at her. She endured it for a long time before speaking. "Your Majesty, I don't drink alcohol either. I also want osmanthus soup."
Bai Yi disdainfully retorted to her, "Lady Cui, you're the biggest drinker. How come you're also overworked like the Queen?"
Ever since she got pregnant, she seemed unable to stand and had no appetite. It was normal for a pregnant woman to have a weak body, but she was Cui Rumei, and she would not be so delicate for no reason.
She looked very healthy, with a rosy face and a graceful figure, but now she looked like a sick Xi Shi, who could be blown away by a gust of wind.
She pretended to be nervous and frowned as she replied, "Your Majesty, I am pregnant, so I cannot drink."
"Are you pregnant?" Bai Yi was a little surprised.
I was just wondering what she was up to and was thinking of finding a way to reprimand her, but she turned out to be pregnant.
"yes."
Cui Rumei pretended to be extremely aggrieved and cautious, as if she was in a particularly difficult situation.
At that time, Fu Hua also stepped forward to smooth things over for her, "Mei'er... Lady Cui is really something. Why did she bring it up before it's fully healed?"
With this chorus of words, Bai Yi knew the whole story. The two of them had already colluded with each other and were just waiting for her to question them so that they could make it public.
Cui Rumei looked at the surprised eyes of the crowd, but she was already extremely happy in her heart. This was the first son of the new emperor. If it was a boy, all the humiliation she had endured in the past twenty years would be worth it.
Her smile was beautiful, and it was a rare sight to see her demure. "I am excited, and this also concerns the heir to the throne, so I dare not be careless."
Perhaps it’s because the mother is pregnant, even the most domineering person can still have a hint of maternal instinct.
"Have you seen the imperial physician?" Bai Yi asked with concern.
"I have. The imperial physician said that I am in good health and the fetus is doing well. It has been over a month."
More than a month later, Rong Qianyu couldn't help but take a sip of chrysanthemum wine when she heard her say that.
It had only been two months since the new emperor ascended the throne, and she had been pregnant for more than a month. When was it? It was when she was imprisoned in the Prince of Jin's Mansion and isolated and helpless? It was when she was writing letters to mediate? It was when her life and death were in danger and she was being coerced by her motherland.
What was Fu Hua doing? He was having sex with this woman. He had nearly lost his life while working tirelessly for the Great Zhou and Rong State. With a beautiful woman by his side, and the country in danger, he still had the mood to have sex with her in Wushan.
It turned out that I was just a cannon fodder who was dragged out. If I really died outside, he would probably give me a grand funeral and then make Cui Rumei the queen.
Thinking of this, she drank another glass.
"Mother, Concubine Cui is pregnant on the Double Ninth Festival. This is the child's way of showing filial piety to you. Please consider promoting Concubine Cui to a higher position."
Fortunately, Bai Yi was a sensible person. "It would be a bad idea to confer the title on only her. What does the Queen think?" She deliberately pointed to Rong Qianyu.
"My son, your Majesty, believes that Concubine Cui's pregnancy is naturally a great joy. Today is also the Double Ninth Festival, so you should make the final decision. However, I feel that conferring a title solely on Concubine Cui would be a bit biased. It would be better to promote both Tan and Liu. Tan is the mother of your Majesty's princess, and Liu is the mother of your eldest son. If we promote three people together, I think everyone will be happy. What do you think, your Majesty?"
Her arrangement was appropriate. It gave Fu Hua face without losing sight of the big picture. By the way, she promoted everyone in the harem without making Cui Rumei too happy.
Bai Yi nodded in agreement, "Yes, then let the Ministry of Rites handle it," and patted Fu Hua, "But please make sure that the Tan family is respected."
"yes……"
"There is one more thing, Emperor, you have to pay attention to for me. Tao'er is sixteen years old, and it's time for her to find a husband. Your sister should pay attention to it." This is what Bai Yi is most worried about now.
"Of course, I will do my best to find a good husband for Tao'er."
"Family background doesn't matter, but one thing is that one must be upright. Tao'er can't stand being wronged. If she gets married and is bullied by a bunch of concubines, it would be a disgrace to the dignity of the royal family."
The words imply that Fu Hua favors his concubine over his wife, which is a disgrace to the family.
"Yes." Fu Hua lowered his head and answered in a low voice.
Since Fu Tao became the eldest princess, she had her own mansion and could live outside the palace. Finally, no one was controlling her.
I usually go to the street to eat cakes and buy storybooks, eat in restaurants and listen to stories in teahouses, and buy some small things from street vendors to play with.
This is the life she likes very much, free and able to do whatever she wants.
She walked to the door of the restaurant where she used to have dinner with Huang Song. She had been waiting for him there for more than a month, and this time she finally saw him.
"Xinwei!" Fu Tao jumped up and patted his shoulder from behind as he did before.
"Your Highness!" Huang Song was happy to see her, but he immediately regained his senses.
She was already the eldest princess, while he was just a Hanlin editor.
"It's a day off today, what are you going to do?"
He made up an excuse, "I'm going to... I'm going to the tailor's to buy some fabric."
Fu Tao didn't believe him and asked, "You're a grown man, and you still understand these things?"
"That's why I have to learn because I don't understand. How come Her Highness the Princess has time to be here?"
"Now that my brother has become the emperor, I naturally have my own residence. I am waiting for you here on purpose. I have been waiting for a month."
Every time Fu Tao took a step closer, Huang Song would take a step back, deliberately keeping a distance from her. "What's the matter, Your Highness?"
"There's something I've been wondering about, and I want to ask you."
"Your Highness, please speak."
"When will you marry me?"
"I……"
Fu Tao stared with her eyes wide open, eagerly waiting for his answer. Huang Song naturally didn't dare to say anything, and he was even more afraid to look at her because of the conflict in his heart.
Seeing that he didn't answer, Fu Tao used provocation again, "I'm going to get married anyway, and it's better to marry you than to marry someone I don't know. You have a good family background, you're not bad looking, and we know each other, isn't that good?"
In the past, they could talk about anything because Fu Tao was just a princess, and he was supposed to accompany and take care of her, which was all right. Now that she is the eldest princess, they are no longer equals.
With his status, how could he dare to ask the Queen Mother to marry him to Fu Tao? Besides, his father would not agree. Huang Song was destined to inherit his father's legacy and become an official. How could he be just a small imperial concubine?
"How can I be worthy of marrying the eldest princess?"
Fu Tao was a little unhappy and kicked him hard, "Did your father say anything to you? Does he disagree?"
"No."
"No?" Fu Tao looked at him with his head down and it didn't look like no.
"Ever since I got my own mansion and moved out of the palace, you've been ignoring me. It's been over a month. If you don't like me, why do you hide from me and dare not look at me? You like me, and I like you too. If we're together, what can your father say? Am I not worthy of you just because I'm a princess?"
Fu Tao was angry, and Huang Song immediately tried to appease her, "No, Your Highness, how could I dislike you... My father really didn't say anything?"
This time, she wasn't coaxed into submission. Anger stained her delicate features. She placed her hands on her hips, her brow furrowed, her cheeks flushed with anger. She couldn't help but raise her voice. "I don't care. Who knows when I'll see you next? Anyway, you have to give me an explanation today, or I won't leave!"
Huang Song was naturally willing in his heart. Of course he wanted to marry Fu Tao. They had been in love for many years, but he could never say it out loud. His father deliberately made him distance himself from Fu Tao.
Seeing him so slow and unable to utter a single word, Fu Tao became anxious. He grabbed his hand and walked deeper into the alley, "Hey, come with me!"
She cornered him and insisted on finding out what was going on. "It's been two months. Are you planning to continue this stalemate without saying a word? I'm sixteen, and my mother and brother are looking for a consort for me!"
"The princess will surely find a good man and get what she wants."
"wood!"
She hugged his waist and took the initiative to kiss him on the lips. It was just a reckless and immature kiss, not going deep, just a taste. "You are my wish come true."
"Princess!" Huang Song didn't expect her to be like this. The violent beating of his heart confirmed that he also liked her.
This was something Fu Tao had learned from reading a storybook. This was the trick a domineering young man used to force a young lady into submission. Sure enough, reading was always useful. "How about you come and propose marriage?"
"Tao'er..." Huang Song was already intoxicated by these passionate and beautiful eyes.
Fu Tao also smiled embarrassedly, "Finally you are willing to pay attention to me? You have no conscience. Do you still need the shoes I embroidered for you?"
"It's no use." He replied truthfully.
"Why?"
“I can’t bear to…”
Fu Tao was completely amused by him and burst into laughter. No matter what, the window paper in front of him was finally punctured. "I'll do it for you next time. Don't go back on your promise to me."
Huang Song nodded repeatedly, "Yeah."
Fu Tao repeated to him, "Propose marriage! I want you to be my consort, I want to marry you!"
The man before her was the one she had always dreamed of. They had grown up together, and it was only natural that they would fall in love. Fu Tao had loved Huang Song since she was little. Huang Song was more than a brother to her, and the love they had felt since they were young finally blossomed.
I wish to know you, and to live a long and unending life together. Even if the mountains are gone, the rivers run dry, the winter thunders roar, the summer snows, and the heaven and earth unite, I will never part with you!
Autumn is not spring, but some people are still happy.
Halfway through the Double Ninth Festival banquet, Bai Yi felt a little tired and went back, leaving Fu Hua and the concubines alone.
"Pour another glass of wine." Fu Hua asked the palace maid beside him to pour the wine.
"Yes." This palace maid must be a newcomer to the palace. It was her first time serving in front of the emperor, so she was a little nervous. She was trembling and didn't pour the wine properly, so the wine spilled all over the table.
"Be careful!" Fu Hua complained.
"I deserve to die, I deserve to die, I didn't mean it." The palace maid was so scared that she knelt down and begged for mercy.
Her behavior scared Fu Hua as well, "Why are you making such a fuss? Look up!"
The palace maid raised her head, and a pair of gentle eyes came into view. Her skin was fair, and it looked even brighter under the afternoon sun.
Cui Rumei glanced at her and said, "Oh, this little girl looks just like you!"
"Like the Queen, what does the Queen think?"
Rong Qianyu remained silent and didn't want to talk. These two people were too fake today. They had to agree with each other in everything, which was disgusting.
"What's your name?" Fu Hua asked.
"Your servant An Qian."
He smiled without any good intentions. This maid indeed looked a bit like Rong Qianyu, especially at first glance, her demeanor was very similar. She also had a much better personality than Rong Qianyu, not as bad-tempered as her. He liked it when she went along with him.
Such a rare and beautiful beauty must be taken into the pocket, "The name is similar, I will give you a name, called An Moru, and make you a talented person."
The biggest difference between Rong Qianyu and Cui Rumei is that she absolutely cannot stand such an abnormal relationship. They love each other, but they also have feelings for other women. Cui Rumei never gets angry, but instead enjoys helping him collect beauties.
Judging from their behavior, it’s no wonder that they are in love with each other. They agreed not to drink, but they drank a lot today.
"ah!"
The maid was clearly at a loss. If she had known she would be taken into the harem, she probably wouldn't have come to serve today. But the emperor's orders were difficult to disobey, and as a woman, she couldn't do anything, let alone refuse.
Cui Rumei pretended to be very virtuous and asked the palace maid to express her gratitude quickly.
"Thank...thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
【Author’s words】
①From "Yuefu Poetry Collection·Shangxie"
I have written up to chapter 71, so I will also recommend the advance payment.
Ancient words "Eastern Palace is trapped" pretending to be a pig and eating a tiger, madly criticizing the prince × playing hard to get to catch a beauty, the prince × the beautiful stepmother
The current story "The South Wind Rises Late" is about a long-planned cold young master x a quirky sweet girl, a returning fashion designer x an elderly ability assessor.
If you like the period novel "Where the Lights Dim" and the infinite novel "Emergency Exit", you can add them to your collection. Thank you for your support!
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