There were strict rules in the palace. At night, the eunuchs would sleep in the small house outside the palace gate. Two auspicious jars filled with water were placed outside the palace gate to prevent fire.
The weather was getting colder, and the house had already started to light red charcoal, which was sent by Concubine Hong. Some of the charcoal they used was the original quota sent by the Xixinsi, and the better charcoal was sent by Concubine Hong.
Most of these charcoals are made from high-quality wood from places like Zhuozhou, Tongzhou, and Daxinganling. When they are burned, you can seem to smell a faint fragrance.
Yao Niang was reading by the fire. Her hands were stiff from the cold weather. She didn't want to do needlework anymore, as it would easily cause frostbite. She spent the first half of the day studying and writing, and didn't have to study in the second half. But she knew that one day here was worth several days of study at home, and all the teachers were top-notch people of the time.
She had just put down the book and was about to take a rest on the bed when the door opened. Tang Huijun and Hong Shuyi came in together. They were both smiling, as if there was no grudge between them.
"Sister Luo, we are just coming from Master Hong. Here, some hot chestnut cake for you to try." Hong Shuyi asked the maid to bring it.
Yao Niang stood up and saluted the two of them. They saluted in return. Then she smiled and said, "Thank you for still thinking of me. Why did you come together?"
Tang Huijun smiled but said nothing, while Hong Shuyi said, "We just met by chance."
She chatted casually with Yao Niang for a few words, and whispered with Tang Huijun. Yao Niang naturally focused her attention on her book. She was a little puzzled as to why Hong Shuyi and Tang Huijun suddenly became so close.
After Hong Shuyi left, Tang Huijun still had a smile on her face.
Yao Niang was completely confused by this change. The next day, everyone went to Wenqizhai together. During lunch, Yao Niang and Tang Huijun had lunch together. She couldn't help but ask, "Sister Tang, how come you and Sister Hong have become so close?"
When Tang Huijun saw Yao Niang asking about it, she couldn't help but say, "I had a persistent cough and a severe cold. The Queen sent Doctor Yu to treat me, but it didn't work. Who would have known that after she found out about this, she specially asked someone to get a prescription from outside the palace, and I was cured."
In fact, Tang Huijun originally listened to Yao Niang's words and thought that she would take her position. She even suspected that her illness was likely caused by Hong Shuyi's drugging. Unexpectedly, she went to see Doctor Zu and found nothing. Instead, she heard what Hong Shuyi said secretly to Princess Zhenyang.
She asked the princess to pay more attention to her and not to mention her being a study companion in the future. If the princess mentioned it, she would leave the palace, as this would really make it impossible for them to get along in the future.
Only then did Hong Shuyi realize that she had misunderstood her. Later, she mentioned the medicine to Concubine Hong, who asked her to try it. Tang Huijun was a little skeptical at first, but she had to listen to Concubine Hong's words, so she gritted her teeth and took the medicine. Unexpectedly, she became completely cured.
Tang Huijun felt that he was really a mean person, judging others by his own mean character.
She was an orphan. Although her aunt, the Empress, was kind to her, she was the Empress and too old to take care of many things. At her uncle's house, her uncle was a good person, but her aunt only treated her out of respect.
Moreover, after a conversation with Hong Shuyi, she realized that she was overthinking.
When the second master Gao Xuanmu and the third master Gao Xuance came over just now, Hong Shuyi was the first one to hide away, and she looked very polite.
That's why she felt so ashamed.
Yao Niang smiled and said, "So that's how it is. It looks like Sister Tang really has to thank Sister Hong."
Tang Huijun nodded.
The second half of the afternoon was spent painting winter plums. Yao Niang was a very serious learner. Although she had not reached the level of others who could paint with divine power, she was already much better than before.
She knew how to mix colors and how to observe how to paint winter plum blossoms. She devoted herself to painting this red plum blossom snow scene, and even when everyone was leaving, she still persevered and finished the painting.
It was not until late at night that Xiulin and Xiujuan became extremely anxious, and Yao Niang finally stood up and said, "Let's go."
The two of them breathed a sigh of relief. Xiujuan also said, "You've worked too hard. Today, Miss Tang is accompanying the princess back. Miss Tang has a good relationship with Lady Hong. You..."
"It's okay." How could Yao Niang really think that Hong Shuyi was a good person? Instead, she thought that she was a person who had a plan and a deep mind.
Tang Huijun is lonely by nature and has never enjoyed the love of her parents, so she naturally takes other people's treatment of her seriously. Yao Niang has her mother's unconditional love. Although her father is a bit harsh in his words, he also protects her from the wind and rain. Even her younger brother Jinghao is full of her.
Tang Huijun looked like she had just returned to the Luo family from the countryside in Fujian. Luo Jingrou helped her, although it wasn't actually that good, but she was also moved.
The Winter Solstice has always been a very important day. Last year, a group of people at home had a great time celebrating, but this year, Concubine Hong hosted a banquet for them to have fun together. Of course, the real reason was that it was the Winter Solstice Banquet, and only the main concubine could attend such an occasion.
In addition to Concubine Lin, the princesses also went.
Concubine Hong was also quite happy herself. She simply ate with these girl companions, chatting and laughing, without any discomfort at all.
After dinner, everyone sat together and talked with her.
Tang Huijun and Yao Niang sat on the west side, while Hong Shuyi sat on the east side. Hong Shuyi was talking to Concubine Hong about plum blossoms: "My aunt has always liked yellow plum blossoms. I heard that the ones in Chengde Palace are in full bloom."
It turns out that Concubine Hong likes yellow plum blossoms. Yao Niang smiled and said, "I just painted a picture of red plum blossoms in the snow a few days ago. It's not a good idea to show it now."
Everyone knows that the painting of red plum blossoms in the snow that Xiao Yaoniang painted a few days ago was praised by the teacher, but Hong Shuyi specifically mentioned the yellow plum blossoms, and she would not forgive her.
It's fine if you want to have a lingering crush on Tang Huijun, but I don't believe in your nonsense.
Concubine Hong was very interested when she heard this and said, "There are not only yellow plum blossoms, but also red plum blossoms, green plum blossoms, and even pink plum blossoms. I like them all."
Tang Huijun is too useless and cannot compete with Hong Shuyi. She has to show herself, otherwise, she will have no sense of existence and people will join forces to fight against her in the future.
Being too low-key means being easy to bully.
People need to be extremely good at coping with rapidly changing situations.
The three princes of the eldest prince all died young and were not good matches. After some calculations, Yao Niang found that there were only two candidates that suited her taste.
One is the ninth prince, who is quite talented and has no ambitions. The other is the youngest son of the eldest prince, Madam Yan's son, who is two years younger than him. In his previous life, he had no grudges against Emperor Tianlu, and he was enfeoffed after getting married. Emperor Tianlu also gave him a lot of fiefdom property in the fertile Weihui Prefecture.
Since she was selected based on her talent, she also wants to amaze everyone with her talent.
In the eyes of the eldest prince, Concubine Hong has a lot of influence. If she helps, her words are worth ten words from others.
In the future, if nothing changes according to the previous life, the eldest prince will inherit the throne within a year.
When the painting of red plum blossoms in the cold snow was brought to her, Concubine Hong took a look at it, especially the red plum blossoms in full bloom. She couldn't help but chant: "The palace is round and solemn, and the day is broken and fragrant."
"Your Majesty, you have a good idea. Others are looking at the red plum blossoms, but you can see the light of snow. I have always liked Li He's poems." Yao Niang was very happy. She didn't expect that Concubine Hong also liked Li He's poems.
Of all these poets, Yao Niang's favorite was Li He.
Hong Shuyi glanced at Yao Niang. She knew that Li He was a pity. He was short-lived and had no hope for a career in politics. So why would Luo Yao Niang like her?
On such an auspicious night, it is appropriate to say something rich and noble.
Concubine Hong suddenly smiled and said, "Yes, Li He, I like Li He's poems too."
"That's good. I can ask you for more advice in the future." Yao Niang was very happy.
Then, Concubine Hong said, "You will all leave the palace in a few days. It's hard for you to come to the palace at such a young age. I have prepared some gifts for you to take back when you return home, so that your family members can be happy."
Yao Niang and Tang Huijun quickly stood up to express their gratitude.
Concubine Hong waved her hands and said, "What are you thanking me for? This is what I should do."
After a while, Concubine Hong said she was tired and went to rest. Hong Shuyi, Tang Huijun and her were left alone. The three of them looked at each other, and it was Hong Shuyi who spoke up: "Sister Luo, Concubine Hong has always liked plums and daylilies, flowers that have a sense of wealth and nobility. You must pay attention to them in the future."
Tang Huijun thought to herself, Sister Hong is really considerate. Just now, Luo Yaoniang almost broke a taboo.
Yao Niang said, "Thank you, Sister Hong, for reminding me. But there is a saying that goes, 'carving a round bamboo stick into a square shape, and lacquering a broken zither.' My mother always says that I have a stubborn temper. If I really do that, I will be cutting my feet to fit the shoes, and I will not be myself anymore."
The meaning of "carving a round and square bamboo stick and painting a broken-patterned zither" is to squander natural resources. When painting the branches of red plum blossoms, you need to be vigorous, use less water on the brush, dip the grey ink in dark ink, and paint them section by section. Only in this way can you draw the shape of the old trunk. The yellow plum blossoms also stand proudly against the frost and snow, with a strong and clear fragrance, gorgeous but not vulgar, and long-lasting without withering.
They are all obviously excellent and have different preferences. Why do we have to please others and cater to them?
People are not cartilaginous insects. If everyone is the same, what's the point?
Hong Shuyi smiled but said nothing.
Of course, someone told Concubine Hong, who was in the inner room, about these things. She said, "Shuyi is just too cautious. It's just a casual chat. It's nothing serious."
"That's also because she's considerate and thoughtful. Miss Luo's father is well-known in the court for his tough character, so his daughter is naturally different from others." The confidant laughed.
Of course, these words are exaggerated. In fact, they are saying that Yao Niang is not good. Generally, mothers-in-law naturally prioritize obedience when choosing daughters-in-law, and this is especially true for someone like Concubine Hong. Who would want someone who goes against the grain everywhere?
就是天潢貴胄，哪個願意娶脾氣硬朗的呢。
洪側妃卻直直的看着她：“你又收了多少銀子？”
心腹一愣，不敢多說話。
外頭的瑤娘等人已經散了，魏鳳特地過來找瑤娘說話，瑤娘把自己裁剪好的小被子遞給她搭在腿上，二人吃着熱茶談天說地。
“再過不到半個月咱們就出宮去了，魏姐姐你在家中是不得自主的，我托我母親送一份年禮過去，再給你下帖子，到時候你來我家裏玩兒，且不必與你家裏人打交道。”
魏鳳欣喜：“如此最好不過了，只是麻煩你了。”
瑤娘搖頭：“這有何麻煩的，我家中人也不算多，我自己住東廂房，正好咱們一處，也帶你去我家的園子裏玩玩，還有見見我弟弟，他的眼睫真的很長。”
魏鳳也同意，她又有些感慨：“咱們進宮這麽久，去的最遠的地方，也不過是禦花園。家裏人恐怕要問我進宮見了什麽，我是什麽都不知曉，如今連皇長子長什麽樣子我都不清楚。”
“誰不是如此呢，家裏人要我講見聞，咱們只能說說讀書的事情了，我打算過幾日多畫一些畫兒，這樣拿回去送給家裏人，總算是我這幾個月的收獲吧。”
魏鳳又道：“你這幾日小心些，你還不知道吧，我聽少謹提起，說廖貴妃宮裏死了人了。咱們今年出宮，明年還不知道是什麽光景的。”
瑤娘心道，恐怕是老皇帝身子骨不行了，而百官擁護皇長子，衡王沒有一點要上位的跡象，怎能不急？
這宮裏的宮女，人命如草芥啊。
廖貴妃的今天就是洪側妃的明天，廖貴妃在皇後無子的情況，還無法廢除皇長子，而洪側妃處境更難，林正妃還有兒子呢。
這般想來，瑤娘再看看自己的小身板，自己這輩子還小呢。
這麽早介入這種争端做什麽。
又說她二人正說話時，外頭說皇長子回府，魏鳳趕緊溜了回去，到次日，真陽郡主正繪聲繪色的和她們講着昨日冰嬉的盛況。
“我們也下去玩了一回，前頭有幾個小太監拉着冰床，看那些侍衛們在冰上搶球，可熱鬧了。”
湯慧君一向畏寒，興致缺缺，倒是瑤娘聽的很認真，尤其是聽到冰雕的時候，羨慕道：“真沒想到這樣也行，我是沒這個眼福了。”
真陽郡主道：“這次我見七皇姑昭平公主就帶了她兩位伴讀去，等明年，你們也陪我去，只是委屈你們做我的侍女，這樣，你們也能見到了。”
“這也太麻煩了。”瑤娘笑道。
“不麻煩，平日裏你們跟着我風裏來雨裏去，尤其是羅伴讀你，最是認真了。”真陽郡主心裏有數。
她是不太喜歡湯慧君的，為人小家子氣，總是喜歡争，還那麽敏感，動不動就甩臉子，不知道的還以為她是郡主呢。
這點就比瑤娘差遠了，她這個人固然沒有洪表姐那麽妥帖，但是有急智，非常有謀，而且敢于發聲，也很有正義感，不畏懼人言。
在永慶郡主偶爾言語欺負她的時候，她雖然不是次次站出來，但在關鍵的時候會站出來。
“郡主真是謬贊了，若有機會，我就跟郡主去見識一二。”瑤娘笑道。
真陽郡主本打算帶她們去給洪側妃請安，但聽聞兩位哥哥都在，她又退了回來。
屋內
洪側妃對兩個兒子噓寒問暖，她的大兒子高玄穆天生一幅冷臉，生人勿進的樣子，但因為從小在林正妃膝下長大，故而和洪側妃關系并不是很親近，又看弟弟更受寵，一時起身就走了。
他這一走，洪側妃也冷了眼色。
“他自以為遵從嫡長，不屑我這個庶母，一味巴結嫡母，他就一定有活路嗎？我看他是異想天開。若非是我，他能有如此體面，看看老四。”洪側妃很是生氣。
她嘴裏的老四正是高玄成，嚴夫人之子，嚴夫人沉默，家世低微，老四一年到頭也見不到父親皇長子幾回，哪像她這兒，皇長子是夜夜留宿在此，她的孩子們才得以看重。
小兒子高玄策卻笑道：“二哥也未必是真的如此，只是他太信封君君臣臣那套，可按規矩，您才是當年的皇長子正妃，若非是林家刻意制造什麽祥瑞，如何有她？這天生萬物，總逃不過一個理字去。”
洪側妃點頭：“是啊，人人都是如此，仿佛占據了那個位置就事事都對，無論她如何卑劣的占據大家都不管。”
這是她平生之痛，她在三千秀女中脫穎而出，承載全族的希望，皇長子正妃之位唾手可得，幾乎可以說是囊中之物，哪裏知曉這到手的正妃丢了，只能委屈做次妃。
從此，她的孩子矮人一等，當年，皇長子生母還在世時，還說為了她好，硬生生的把她的長子抱到林正妃身邊。
宮裏的孩子一向早熟，高玄策也是如此，他道：“母妃，此事不必再提，兒子聽聞廖貴妃仗殺了兩個宮女，這廖貴妃的今日就是娘您的明日啊。”
洪側妃恍然大悟，又冷汗涔涔：“你父親仁厚，不會對廖貴妃如何，可是老大心狠手黑，絕對不會饒過我啊。”
“所以，母妃，您還記得您曾經看過的醉打金枝嗎？”高玄策突然發問。
洪側妃不解：“怎麽突然問起這個？”
高玄策笑道：“這醉打金枝裏的升平公主和郭暧的長女，家世顯赫，她還是唐代宗的外孫女，唐德宗的外甥女、唐順宗的表妹。後來被選為唐德宗皇太子的兒子長子廣陵郡王李純的王妃。這位郭氏還生下三子一女，還封了太子妃。您說太子登基了，她會做皇後嗎？”
洪側妃不假思索：“當然會啊。”
“可她卻只封了貴妃。反而是，憲宗的庶長子鄧王李寧被冊為太子，雖說李寧早死，才輪到郭貴妃之子，可他若沒有早死呢？”高玄策道。
洪側妃深思。
高玄策見時日不早了，正準備離去時，又聽洪側妃道：“你把李賀的詩集選幾本給我送過來？”
“母妃何時喜歡李賀的詩了？”高玄策覺得奇怪，他這位母妃平素最喜看《三俠五義》這樣的江湖話本子，還時常托太監們出外去買，何時又喜歡詩詞歌賦了。
洪側妃尴尬道：“還不是那日聽你念了一句，我正好看到羅姑娘的白雪紅梅，看到那大雪一時就念了出來。她說這是李賀的詩句，我哪裏知曉這個，但又當着她的面，我就只得承認我喜歡李賀的詩文了。”
羅姑娘？
高玄策倒是記憶起前世他知道的人中，唯一很喜歡李賀的，就是羅瑤娘了。該不會是她吧？
不，不會的。
應該不是她，前世他見到她的時候，她還是很胖，據她自己說自己要變苗條，說自己一輩子沒瘦過，還有她并不出挑啊。
他也不太希望是她，前世他本被封宸王之後，起初還好，但在父皇身體不大康健時，常常就有人投毒，幾乎處處是陷阱。
他知曉林正妃母子已經是磨刀霍霍了，母妃就想了個主意，她那時以為父皇病重，壽數将盡，在宮中又不安全，故而讓自己假死出宮，她再自裁，保全周王。
但她有個條件，就是讓周王帶他就藩，保全他的性命。
不為別的，那些人已經喪心病狂到在他的漱口水裏都投毒了。
為了掩人耳目，他把臉曬的特別黑，原本相安無事，栖息在高玄湛絕對想不到的外家林家，畢竟最危險的地方就是最安全的地方。
哪裏知曉有一天，他會被一個小女孩下藥，再醒來時，就被人抓奸他和林緯南之妻通奸。
這林緯南之妻羅氏所在的羅家他也不喜歡，畢竟要不說羅至正那老匹夫攪風攪雨，他何至于不能正位天下？
還有林家他也不喜，害他娘和他一輩子。
可偏偏因為此事，他要被迫娶羅瑤娘，這個羅瑤娘也是利欲熏心，他都說清楚了，二人井水不犯河水。
哪裏知曉，她為了往上爬，非要和自己歡好，結果就是為了生下孩子進府做乳母，一進府就是多年不得出來。
他和她也分床別居，甚至按照原計劃，他不得不僞裝失蹤，進山隐居修道，以待父皇下江南時再找機會見面，籌謀以後。
只是父皇後期一直身子不好，朝政被天祿帝把持，後來父皇駕崩，他暗地早已是羽翼豐滿，只是他那親哥哥用他兩個兒子的命和羅瑤娘的命威脅他不要輕舉妄動，他才作罷，等待時機，營救他們，再作打算。
哪裏知曉天祿帝暴斃而亡，周王在文武百官選擇之下進宮登基，他可以殘殺天祿帝，畢竟那是他的仇人，可周王是他親哥哥，不管再不親近，可他曾經在他逃出宮時，是周王收留了他，在他的羽翼之下，自己才能安穩。
母妃固然偏心，但最後依舊也是保全了兄長。
Moreover, when King Zhou was enthroned, he immediately ordered his nephew to inherit the throne. The first thing he did was to restore the status of his mother. His eldest son was also given an important position, and even Luo Yao was given the title of a first-rank lady.
In this case, what is the point of destroying living beings for one's own selfish reasons?
What he did was neither right nor reasonable. Now that he was well, he did not want to be involved in the mundane world and continued to cultivate immortality, hoping to ascend to heaven one day. Little did he know that he did not ascend to heaven but was reborn instead.
Now he gets a headache whenever he hears the surname Luo. That old bastard Luo Zhizheng is stirring up trouble. Relying on his relationship with the Lin family, he strongly supports Lin Zhengfei's faction in the court.
Not to mention Luo Yaoniang, who was too skilled in the art of sex and tried her best to be his wet nurse, so much so that he couldn't get up all day.