Embroidering this kind of Guanyin image requires great skill. After embroidering for a while, Yao Niang felt a little dizzy. She simply stood up and watched the two small fish in the water tank swimming around.
Zhuang Lingyi was pouring tea. She had always liked tasting tea, especially since brewing tea requires some effort, which she enjoyed the most.
At this moment, Hong Shuyi suddenly came over. When Yao Niang saw that it was her, she quickly stood up and said, "Sister Hong."
"Niang Yao, I have something to tell you. Can you come out for a moment?" This was Hong Shuyi's first adventure. With her current status, it was impossible for her to be someone's mistress.
She is the niece of the Imperial Concubine. Her brother was promoted to the fifth rank of Tongzhi because of the Imperial Concubine. With her current status, she cannot just move up and not down. Originally, she had her heart set on the Second Prince. The Second Prince was about the same age as her, but he was not as popular as the Third Prince in front of the Emperor and the Concubine.
It would be nice if I could marry the second prince, and it would be even better if I could marry the third prince.
In the past, Concubine Hong was only a concubine, and she did not dare to expect too much. But now the Hong family is no longer the same, and she certainly cannot watch others benefit.
But I didn't expect that the Third Prince, who thinks so highly of himself, would actually like a Yaksha like Luo Yaoniang.
In terms of family background, Zhuang Lingyi and Li Tianjiao were much higher than her, and even Xu Qingrong's status was better. After all, she had also made some inquiries. Although Luo Yaoniang's father was a high-ranking official like the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, her three brothers were mediocre and had no achievements.
As for her appearance, her hair was too thick and too thick, her eyebrows were too dark, she was too tall, and her figure was too thin, like a sparrow.
The most important thing is a woman's chastity and gentleness, and she is still far from that.
Just look at Wang Yuanshuang and you will know. With her status as the eldest prince's consort, there are people talking behind her back. She did it for Yao Niang's own good. With her personality, she should have married outside. She would not be able to cope with palace life.
The two of them came out to a small pavilion, and Yao Niang asked in confusion, "What does Sister Hong want to talk to me about?"
Hong Shuyi said, "Today I happened to see the Queen and the Third Prince talking..."
Hong Shuyi had never revealed anything before, but now she suddenly mentioned the third prince. Could it be related to her?
Yao Niang shook her head: "So what does this have to do with me?"
"I only heard a few words. It seems that the Third Prince is interested in you. I don't know what he said to anger the Queen, and the Queen wants to send you away! I know you are a smart person, and I also came here at risk. If the Third Prince is really interested in you, you'd better go out and stay out of the spotlight." Hong Shuyi said seriously.
The third prince is interested in her?
He even argued with Concubine Hong over her. This is impossible!
No, it's not completely impossible. For example, after entering the palace this time, she went in to talk to Concubine Hong. Concubine Hong looked at her for a long time. Did the Third Prince have a crush on her?
Yes, it's useless even if the mother-in-law doesn't like it and the son likes it.
But Yao Niang was not one to back down so easily. She covered her mouth and laughed: "Sister, what you said is like a fairy tale. I have never socialized in the palace, so how could I have any relationship with anyone? Sister has always valued the reputation of a concubine the most. Why are you talking nonsense today?"
Hong Shuyi had no idea that Yao Niang didn't believe her, so she quickly explained: "What I said is true, I am definitely not lying to you. Why would I lie to you about something like this!"
It would be even better if you didn't lie to me.
If the Third Prince really has feelings for her, then she can no longer be a coward.
But Yao Niang said to Hong Shuyi: "Sister Hong, I know you have good intentions, but I don't understand this matter."
Seeing her like this, Hong Shuyi really felt a headache, and felt that she had taken a wrong step. How could this Luo Yaoniang be so difficult to deceive? However, she also knew her aunt very well, so she said: "That's all I have to say. If the imperial concubine sends someone, you should be careful."
Yao Niang didn't take the worry in her words seriously.
But soon, Concubine Hong really sent someone over. Yao Niang took a deep breath and walked out with her head held high, while Zhuang Lingyi, who was in the same room, sneered.
These women are so pitiful, fighting over a few men and getting bloody. It's so ugly.
It's really ugly for a woman to do this.
Hong Shuyi was instructing people to serve the meal while she watched Concubine Hong's expression. However, Concubine Hong had lived in the deep palace for so many years that her mood was no longer something that others could tell from her expression.
Hong Shuyi thought, maybe this was a banquet for the emperor, which was fine.
Perhaps, she could also say a few words for Luo Yaoniang when Concubine Hong was making things difficult for her. This could be considered as being kind and righteous. Even if she could not become the Second Prince's wife, she would still be a good person in front of the Third Prince.
At this moment, Yao Niang suddenly appeared. She was normal and not panicked at all, and she performed the ceremony according to etiquette.
Hong Shuyi glanced at Concubine Hong for a moment, but she found that Concubine Hong was not as angry as she had imagined. Instead, she said, "Get up quickly and sit next to me."
"yes."
She moved lightly with lotus steps and sat beside Concubine Hong. Concubine Hong gently took her hand and noticed that her hands were soft and boneless, completely different from the hands of her own age. Her hands were as beautiful as jade bamboo shoots.
"Mother Yao, please have dinner with me today. I asked you to embroider the Guanyin statue these days. I heard from Zhenyang that you embroidered all day and never came out. You must have worked so hard."
Unexpectedly, Hong Shuyi was very surprised to see Concubine Hong speak so gently to Yao Niang.
Yao Niang smiled and shook her head: "My queen, don't listen to Princess Zhenyang saying that I'm working hard. In fact, I have never embroidered Guanyin before. It just so happens that you trust me, and I also want to finish it before I come out."
Concubine Hong liked this character very much. She never complained about the hardship and tiredness, and just did it. She touched Yao Niang's hair affectionately and said, "Silly girl, don't be so honest. It doesn't matter if you can't finish it in three months. But you are so honest."
This was the first time that Concubine Hong was so intimate with her. Yao Niang glanced at Hong Shuyi and wondered what went wrong.
If what Hong Shuyi said was true, then Concubine Hong should be very dissatisfied with me, but now she is very close to me, is it fake? And the dishes on the table are all her favorites.
"Your Majesty..." Yao Niang looked grateful.
When Concubine Hong saw that she was not restrained when dining with her, and she finished her whole bowl of rice before putting down her chopsticks. Of course, she loved the girl, but she also wanted the girl to be good.
Although she felt a little sad, thinking that her son, who was usually so filial, was willing to die for a girl, she herself had suffered a lot. She and her husband grew up together and were almost going to get married, but in the end she became a mistress and was forced to marry someone else.
So, on the one hand, she wanted to fulfill her son's wish. It would be bad to quarrel with her son over a daughter-in-law. On the other hand, she thought that it was not easy for them to be childhood sweethearts. If she tried to discord them, then what was the difference between her and the late emperor?
Besides, she had always liked Yao Niang in her heart.
Unfortunately, Hong Shuyi didn't understand this. She kept wondering why her son was making such a fuss over a woman. As a mother-in-law, she must be very angry.
What mother-in-law would want her son to be obsessed with someone else? That's the behavior of a vixen.
At the end of the meal, the person who was most angry with Yao Niang was not Concubine Hong, but Hong Shuyi.
After the meal, Yao Niang talked with Concubine Hong again. She was smart and more flexible than Hong Shuyi. Hong Shuyi was always afraid of saying the wrong thing and didn't dare to say anything. This was also the reason why Princess Zhenyang gradually distanced herself from her. Hong Shuyi even thought that swinging on the swing was an unfaithful behavior.
"Your Majesty, this is a half-body embroidery of Guanyin. I used Japanese satin and snow satin as the base. Guanyin is merciful. If you worship her sincerely in the future, she will definitely bless you." Yao Niang didn't know how the Third Prince treated her, but now she had to treat it as normal, so that even if she couldn't stay in the palace in the future, she wouldn't be laughed at.
But when she returned to her room, she was still somewhat happy. No matter what, she might be able to accomplish her goal.
He also said that the flood in Henan had receded and the civil unrest in Guizhou had been quelled, and Emperor Jianzhang was very happy.
The atmosphere in Shuzhai with Princess Zhenyang and the others also became relaxed. Princess Zhaoping did not bring a study companion because Li Tianjiao had gone home. Seeing that she had lost the game and the Li family was unwilling to delay any longer, she simply took him back.
As grew older, it seemed that they were not as happy as they were when they were young. Princess Zhaoping looked at Yao Niang and sighed. She originally wanted Yao Niang to marry the Ninth Prince, but unfortunately Yao Niang rarely came here later. She was also a smart person and everyone naturally knew that her heart was not on the Ninth Prince.
After all, the ninth prince was only the son of the late emperor and the emperor's younger brother, while her nephews were the emperor's biological sons.
The emperor's son has the potential to become emperor, and his status is more noble. It is also beyond doubt that the emperor will definitely treat his son better than his brothers.
Sometimes Princess Zhaoping thought that there was nothing wrong with people in this world trying to climb up the social ladder, as long as they didn't step on others.
"The weather is getting colder. Maybe we can go watch ice skating during the winter solstice this year? I remember you were planning to go this year. You must stay in the palace this time. Let's go together." Princess Zhaoping said with a smile.
Yao Niang nodded: "Yes, I will not go home this winter solstice. I will go with Princess Zhenyang."
Except for the first year when she spent the winter solstice in the palace, since the emperor ascended the throne, the person in charge of palace affairs was Concubine Hong. She could leave the palace and go home to spend the winter solstice with her family just by saying a word to Concubine Hong.
Princess Zhaoping said happily, "We will go together then."
"Of course." Yao Niang agreed.
Before the winter solstice, Yao Niang went to no place except the library, and stayed in the inner room embroidering Guanyin. The palace maids were good in this respect, as they all had good craftsmanship, and there were also the female officials in the needlework department who could be consulted.
Even if I become destitute someday, maybe I can still make money by sewing.
It's quite funny to think about this.
Yao Niang remained very patient for several months. Concubine Hong found that Gao Xuance had never visited her. She nodded secretly, thinking that the two of them were not sneaky at all and were very polite. She looked up to Yao Niang even more in her heart.
After seeing the Guanyin statue brought by Yao Niang, Concubine Hong was very surprised and immediately asked someone to hang up the Guanyin statue. She did not expect that Yao Niang was so good at painting and embroidery. She usually liked this kind of clever girl.
"Niang Yao, I never thought that you could embroider so well. I feel like I can see the compassionate look of a Bodhisattva. Thank you so much." Concubine Hong was very happy.
Although she was a noble concubine and was in charge of palace affairs and presided over the affairs of the harem, she entered the palace at a very young age and the people she could find were all provided by the palace. Fortunately, Yao Niang was there, and she did a good job in copying Buddhist scriptures and doing these difficult embroidery jobs.
Yao Niang smiled and said, "I have never embroidered before, but luckily you gave me this opportunity. I will not be afraid if I embroider again in the future. It's just that this embroidery is not very good, but it's a relief that Your Majesty did not dislike it and loves us young people."
Concubine Hong said, "It's very good in every way. It's just that you are too modest. Today, my kitchen has specially made yam cake. Please help me."
At Concubine Hong's request, Yao Niang had no choice but to accompany her.
She would not deliberately flatter anyone. Since Concubine Hong wanted to keep her, she would just chat with her. Especially for a woman of Concubine Hong's age, it would be easy for her to lose her temper for no reason.
Although the emperor doted on her, there were many beautiful girls in the palace, too many to count, and Concubine Hong and others were beginning to lose their beauty. According to the rules, the servants had to be replaced every few years, and there was no one to talk to. There was a relative named Hong Shuyi, but unfortunately she was very Confessional, so not only Concubine Hong, but her relationship with Princess Zhenyang became ordinary.
"How about cutting the apples like this?" Yao Niang cut the apples into the shape of little rabbits.
This was also a habit from her previous life, because she often had to take care of the prince, and even because her husband died early, she also had to take care of her son, so she had to think of some ways to cut fruit.
"It tastes good this way." Concubine Hong picked up a piece with a silver fork and felt that she was really clever and skillful.
No matter where you are, people who work so hard and get things done will be liked by others. After spending the whole afternoon with Concubine Hong, Yao Niang remembered that she had not practiced calligraphy today, so she wanted to go back and rest for a while before practicing calligraphy.
Concubine Hong had no choice but to let her go.
After she left, someone outside said that the Third Prince was coming. When Concubine Hong saw him, she said unhappily, "I specially asked Yao Niang to come here today. Didn't I ask you to come earlier? I waited for you for a long time, and then she went back."
Gao Xuance felt that women were really fickle. He came late on purpose just to avoid running into Yao Niang. He didn't know what to say if he ran into her.
Even though he was always good at making excuses, he didn't know how to deal with it.
Therefore, Gao Xuance said to Concubine Hong: "What are you waiting for me to do? You really didn't like her last time——"
"What nonsense are you talking about? I always said that I like her the most." Concubine Hong looked around a few times and hit Gao Xuance again: "Don't tell everyone that I'm an evil mother-in-law."
Gao Xuance breathed a sigh of relief: "How did you change so much?"
Concubine Hong sighed, "It's not easy for women in this world. Since you like her, I will definitely satisfy you. Do you want to live your whole life facing someone you hate? Besides, Yao Niang is also a very good girl."
"Thank you very much, mother." Gao Xuance felt a little guilty.
"I originally wanted to go ice skating together on the winter solstice so that you could have a few words with each other. But I didn't know you were such a fool and it was useless." Only then did Concubine Hong believe that her son secretly liked the girl.
Only when you truly like someone will you be afraid of being at a loss. She has experienced all these feelings.
Gao Xuance was speechless: "Yes, yes, it's all my fault, okay? I haven't even entered the family yet, and you're already protecting me."
"You are all busy, but luckily I often ask her to accompany me. She really never gives me a perfunctory response. She is considerate but very opinionated. She won't say whatever I like to hear, and she can often give me advice." said Concubine Hong.
Gao Xuance even smiled and said, "As long as you like it."
Concubine Hong continued to mutter: "You really like me, but you don't care about me on weekdays. How can this be possible?"
"Mother, I suddenly remembered that there is something I haven't done yet, so I'll leave first." Gao Xuance hurried away.
Concubine Hong: “…”
winter solstice
After getting up early in the morning, Yao Niang and Zhuang Lingyi accompanied Princess Zhenyang to pay their respects to Concubine Hong. In the past, Concubine Hong treated her and Zhuang Lingyi equally, but this time she was extremely partial to them.
"You gave me the Guanyin statue yesterday. I happen to have a emerald-patterned brocade-feathered drapery here that someone else gave me. I haven't had the chance to wear it yet, so I'll give it to you to keep you warm."
Having said that, Concubine Hong had it brought to her.
Yao Niang took off her own cloak and put on the one given by Concubine Hong. When Concubine Hong saw her putting it on, she couldn't help but nod.
Zhuang Lingyi then realized that others were looking at her intentionally or unintentionally, as if to say that she was not favored.
Zhuang Lingyi curled her lips. She was wearing the most expensive cloak her father had ever had made. She didn't want it to be used by such a villain.
Of course, Zhuang Lingyi was thinking that it was the winter solstice now, and the second and third princes would soon be granted marriage and crowned kings, and she would be free then. This complicated and quarrelsome palace life was really too suffocating.
Yao Niang was very happy, especially the ice skating. This year they could find an open space to play by themselves, which made it even more fun.
"Princess, are you afraid?" Yao Niang asked Princess Zhenyang.
"Don't be afraid, it's fun. I'll teach you." Princess Zhenyang smiled. She was the favorite princess of the emperor and she had a special teacher to teach her. She was not afraid at all.
Yao Niang held up her chin and said, "I'm not afraid of not being able to learn, I'm just afraid of looking too ugly when I fall. Forget it, I'll just watch you guys play, and I'll play after I learn it."
She was also afraid of making a fool of herself, especially since she was wearing such heavy clothes today. It would be terrible if she fell on her back.
Princess Zhen Yang laughed secretly: "Why? Let's find a quiet place to learn and not let anyone know. You are so stupid. You are afraid of making a fool of yourself."
"There are so many people here today, and there are people everywhere. Princess, you still want to deceive me."
While the two of them were chatting, Zhuang Lingyi was isolated intentionally or unintentionally. In fact, it was very simple. When she instigated Princess Zhenyang to call Lin the queen, Princess Zhenyang had already begun to feel disgusted, but she only showed it on her face.
Zhuang Lingyi is much softer now, but her heart is not here, and everyone can see it.
Of course, Yao Niang also heard Cheng Shaojin say that although Zhuang Lingyi seemed indifferent to fame and fortune in the palace, she often called herself a palace companion outside the palace. People who didn't know the truth thought that she was selected through layers of selection, but in fact she was selected based on her family background.
This person proved that what she relied on was her status, and nothing else. Sometimes, Yao Niang even felt that the way she looked at Princess Zhen Yang was as if she was saying that Princess Zhen Yang was just a concubine's daughter. This made Yao Niang think that there was really something wrong with her.
Everyone was still able to joke around in the princess' carriage at first, but later they all felt drowsy. However, Princess Zhenyang maintained her composure and Yao Niang could only hold on.
The Yu Garden was very large, and when getting off the carriage, all the officials saluted, and Yao Niang and the others followed suit. They had never felt the aura of a king ruling the world before, but now here, Yao Niang seemed to see Emperor Jianzhang on top, with everyone cheering "Long live the emperor".
Sitting on the emperor's right were the main concubines, including Concubine Hong, Concubine Lin, Concubine Yan, and even Concubine Li, who had been quite favored recently. Princess Zhaoping and Princess Xing'an also sat down, and Yao Niang stood next to Princess Zhenyang.
Besides people, there are many flowers on the ice. I heard that women can enjoy the flowers here.
I thought we were going to watch some fun on the ice, but I didn't know that this year it was going to be Cuju on the ice. Princess Xing'an was getting married, so she became more reserved. But Princess Zhaoping said to Yao Niang, "I wonder who will win this year."
When the two ice skating teams entered the venue, everyone cheered when they saw the leaders. It turned out that one team was led by the eldest prince, and the other team was led by the third prince.
Emperor Jianzhang smiled and said, "Well, well, well, you brothers can each lead a team. It seems that you are all well prepared!"
The eldest prince said proudly, "We thought that in previous years, it was the guards who played, so this time we brothers came as well, and we also wanted the father to examine us."
"Yes, father. My elder brother and I have always been taught by your emperor that we must improve both literary and martial arts and cannot relax just because we are princes. Now, my elder brother and I want to give it a try." Gao Xuance said with a smile.
Emperor Jianzhang clapped his hands and smiled: "Okay, okay, I'd like to see what you guys do."
…
The female relatives all had their own opinions when they saw the eldest prince and the third prince appearing on the field. For example, Concubine Lin, Princess Xing'an, and even the ninth prince, Prince Le'an, all hoped that the eldest prince would win.
Concubine Hong and Princess Zhenyang certainly wanted the Third Prince to win.
As for why the second prince did not go, it is said that he was not good at martial arts and was very bad at riding and shooting.
Xu Qingrong was specially invited this time. Princess Xing'an had already been engaged, and she had originally gone back. However, Princess Xing'an already had a girl named Cheng Shaojin who was betrothed to the royal family, so she did Xu Qingrong a favor.
Unlike Li Tianjiao who immediately went back and found a family to marry, Xu Qingrong still hoped to marry into the palace, and her family had already established a relationship between Concubine Lin and the emperor's close associates.
The eldest prince's wife is not an option, but she is determined to become the second prince's wife. In fact, her only competitor is Zhuang Lingyi, and Zhuang Lingyi, huh, has already offended Concubine Hong.
Of course, her opponent is Luo Yaoniang.
Thinking of this, Xu Qingrong glanced at Luo Yaoniang inconspicuously. Yaoniang was still unaware of anything. She was looking at the third prince on the field. He was wearing a guard uniform today and did not look like a warrior at all. Instead, he looked tall and straight, as powerful as a galloping horse.
the officials watching the battle was Luo Zhizheng. He was a second-rank official in the court and an assistant minister of six ministries. Of course, he had a place in such occasions. In the past, princes could not make friends with ministers at will, because Luo Zhizheng was not very clear about the appearances of the princes. slender figure and a dignified appearance.
Alas, no wonder my daughter blushed when she mentioned the Third Prince. An ignorant girl is most likely to be fascinated by appearance...
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