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 required 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 everyone 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 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.
在看到瑤娘拿過來的觀音像後，洪貴妃很是驚喜，當即讓人把這幅觀音像挂了起來，她沒想到瑤娘真的在畫畫和繡工方面如此出色，她平日就喜歡這種靈巧的姑娘。
“瑤娘，真沒想到你繡的這般好，總覺得能看到菩薩慈悲為懷的樣子，真是多謝你了。”洪貴妃很是歡喜。
她雖然位極貴妃，還管理宮務，主持後宮之事，但年紀很小就進宮了，能夠找到的也都是宮裏提供的人，正好有瑤娘在，平日無論是抄寫佛經還是做這些很難的繡活她都完成的很好。
瑤娘笑道：“我以前也從未繡過，還好您給了我這個機會，日後我若再繡就不怕了。只是這一幅繡的不是很好，還是娘娘不嫌棄，疼愛我們小輩。”
洪貴妃則道：“哪裏不是很好，分明很好，就是你太謙虛了。今日我這裏的小廚房特地做了山藥糕，你陪我用點。”
在洪貴妃的要求下，瑤娘只好陪着她了。
她也不會刻意谄媚什麽，反正洪貴妃留她，她就陪着她說話，尤其是洪貴妃這個年紀的女人，很容易莫名其妙的發脾氣。
固然皇帝已經很寵愛她了，但是宮裏的女兒鮮嫩的掐出水來的很多，多的都數不清，而洪貴妃等人已經開始色衰，平日按照規矩，服侍的人每幾年還得換一次，連說心裏話的人都沒有。有個洪淑怡是親戚，可惜她十分道學，別說是洪貴妃了，她和真陽公主的關系都變得很一般了。
“您看這樣切林檎如何？”瑤娘把林檎切成小兔子的形狀。
這也是前世的習慣，因為常常要帶世子，甚至因為丈夫早逝，還要帶兒子，所以她切水果就要想些花樣。
“這樣吃也不錯。”洪貴妃用銀叉叉了一塊用，越發覺得她真的是心靈手巧。
無論在哪裏，這樣努力又能把事情辦好的人，都會很讨別人喜歡。陪了洪貴妃一下午，瑤娘想起自己今日還未練字，故而想回去休息一會兒再練字。
洪貴妃無奈讓她走了。
等她走了，外面才說三皇子過來，洪貴妃看到他就沒好氣道：“今日特地讓瑤娘過來，不是讓你早點到的嗎？等了你半天，人家才回去了。”
高玄策覺得女人還真是善變，他是特地晚一點過來，就是避免了瑤娘碰上，他不知道碰上了說什麽好。
饒是他一貫巧言擅辯，也不知道如何面對。
因此，高玄策對洪貴妃道：“等我做什麽，您也真是，上次那麽不喜歡她——”
“你胡說什麽，我都是說我最喜歡她了。”洪貴妃還左右看了幾下，又捶了高玄策一下：“你可別到處說我是惡婆婆。”
高玄策舒了一口氣：“您怎麽變化這般大？”
洪貴妃嘆道：“這天下間的女人都不容易，你既然喜歡，母妃定要滿足你。難道要你對着一個憎惡的人過一輩子嗎？更何況，瑤娘也是個很好的姑娘。”
“兒臣多謝母妃。”高玄策有些心虛。
“本來想馬上冬至，大家一道去冰嬉，也讓你們能說上幾句話，哪裏知道你是銀樣镴槍頭，偏不中用。”洪貴妃這才信了是自己兒子偷偷喜歡人家姑娘。
只有真的喜歡的人，才怕手足無措，這些感情她都經歷過。
高玄策無語：“是了，是了，都是我不對，成了吧？這還沒過門兒呢，您就護上了。”
“你們都忙，還好我時常喊她來陪我，她真的是從來都不敷衍我，妥帖但是很有主見，不會我喜歡聽什麽她就說什麽，常常還能替我出主意。”洪貴妃道。
高玄策還要陪笑：“您喜歡就好。”
洪貴妃繼續念叨：“你呀你，真喜歡人家，平日又不在意，這怎麽成？”
“母妃，我突然想起還有事情未做，我就先走了。”高玄策趕緊腳底抹油跑了。
洪貴妃：“……”
冬至
清晨起床，瑤娘就和莊令儀陪着真陽公主先去洪貴妃處請安，以前洪貴妃對她和莊令儀之間一碗水還能端平，這次直接就非常偏心了。
“昨兒你送了觀音像給我，正好我這裏有一件翠紋織錦羽緞鬥篷，別人送給我，我還未來得及穿，就送給你禦寒吧。”
說罷，洪貴妃就讓人拿了過來。
瑤娘解下自己身上的披風，又圍上了洪貴妃送的，洪貴妃看她穿上，忍不住點頭。
而莊令儀才發現旁人有意無意的看着她，似乎在說她不受寵一樣。
莊令儀撇嘴，她身上是她爹曾經讓人做的最名貴的披風，她根本不稀罕這種小人用的。
當然，莊令儀想的是現在冬至了，馬上二皇子和三皇子就要賜婚封王，她到時候就能解脫了，這種複雜跟鬥眼雞似的宮廷生活實在是過的太讓人窒息了。
瑤娘卻很開心，尤其是冰嬉，她們今年還能找一塊空地自己玩兒，那就更好玩兒了。
“公主，你怕不怕？”瑤娘問真陽公主。
“不怕，很好玩兒的，我教你吧。”真陽公主笑眯眯的，她是帝妃寵愛的公主，也有專門的先生教，是一點都不怕。
瑤娘托腮：“我不怕學不會，就怕摔倒的樣子太醜了，算了，我就看你們玩兒，等以後我學會了我再玩兒吧。”
她也怕出醜啊，尤其是今日穿了那麽厚重的衣裳，要是摔個四腳朝天就不好了。
真陽公主偷笑：“幹嘛呀，我們找個僻靜的地方學，不讓人知道不就好了。真傻，還怕出醜啊你。”
“今日人來的這麽多，到處都是人，公主還想騙我。”
她們兩人聊天，莊令儀就被有意無意的被孤立了，其實很簡單，她撺掇真陽公主喊林氏為皇後的時候，真陽公主就已經開始反感了，只是面上情罷了。
這莊令儀現在倒是綿軟多了，但她心不在這裏，誰都看的出來。
當然，瑤娘也聽成少謹說過，別看莊令儀在宮裏仿佛自己淡泊名利一樣，實際上在宮外常常以宮中伴讀自稱，不明所以的人還以為她是層層選拔進去的，實際上都是靠家世選上的。
這個人說明其實所依靠的就是身份，身份除外什麽都沒有，甚至有時候瑤娘都覺得她看真陽公主的眼神，仿佛在說真陽公主只是個庶女的意思，這讓瑤娘覺得她實在是有問題。
大家在公主車駕中，起初還能說笑幾句，後來就都昏昏欲睡，但真陽公主保持儀态，瑤娘也只能撐着。
禦苑很大，在下馬車時，衆官員行禮，瑤娘她們也随即行禮，之前她們從未感覺到君臨天下的氣勢，如今在這裏，瑤娘似乎看到建章帝在上，衆人山呼萬歲。
皇帝右邊坐着的都是主位妃嫔，洪貴妃林貴妃還有嚴妃甚至近來頗受寵愛的麗嫔也在其中，昭平長公主和興安公主也紛紛坐下，瑤娘則站在真陽公主身邊。
冰上除了人還有許多花，聽說女眷們可以在此觀花。
本來以為是看冰上嬉戲的，哪裏知曉今年是在冰上蹴鞠，興安公主待嫁之齡，越發矜持，倒是昭平長公主同瑤娘道：“今年不知道誰贏呢。”
等到冰嬉的兩隊進場時，大家看到領頭的人都歡呼起來，原來一隊是大皇子，另一隊則是三皇子。
建章帝笑道：“好好好，你們兄弟能夠各領一隊，看來都是有備而來呀！”
大皇子氣宇軒昂道：“我們想往年都是侍衛們玩，這次我們兄弟也來，也是想讓父皇檢驗兒臣。”
“是啊，父皇，我和大皇兄平日諄父皇教誨，無論文武藝都要精進，不能因為我們是皇子就放松，而今，大皇兄和我就想下場試試。”高玄策笑道。
建章帝撫掌而笑：“好好好，我倒要看看你們如何。”
……
女眷們看着場上出現的大皇子和三皇子都有自己的立場，如林貴妃和興安公主甚至是九王爺樂安郡王，都是希望大皇子贏的。
而洪貴妃和真陽公主當然是想三皇子贏的。
至于為何二皇子沒上，據說是不擅長武藝，二皇子騎射很差。
徐青容這次是特別被邀請進來的，興安公主已經定了親，她原本已經回去了，但興安公主身邊已經有了成少謹被許配給皇室，她就做了個人情給徐青容。
和李天驕立馬回去找了一個人家就要出嫁不同，徐青容還是希望能嫁進宮裏的，而且她家裏人已經打通了林貴妃和皇帝身邊的大珰的關系。
皇長子妃不行，皇次子妃她志在必得，實際上她的競争對手無非就是莊令儀了，而莊令儀，哼，早已得罪了洪貴妃。
當然，她的對手就是羅瑤娘了。
想到這裏，徐青容不着痕跡的看了羅瑤娘一眼，瑤娘還無所覺，她正看着場上的三皇子，他今日穿着侍衛服，覺無半點武夫的樣子，反而顯得他身材颀長挺拔，勢如奔馬。
Among 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. The eldest prince he saw today did have slightly dark skin, and although he was very heroic and had a dignified manner, the other one was graceful, with a 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...