(5) Si Chengfeng
In the study of Yixia Palace, Si Chengfeng was painting under the lamplight. Seeing this, Hua Qingcheng lightened her steps and slowly walked to the desk.
At this time, Si Chengfeng was tilting his head slightly, concentrating on outlining the lines with his pen, and did not notice anyone approaching.
Hua Qingcheng stood quietly by, her eyes fixed on the painting.
The painting depicts a pastoral landscape, with golden wheat waves undulating in the wind. There are several peasant women working in the fields, and in the distance are several scattered farmhouses. Men are doing housework, children are running happily in the yard, and smoke is rising from the chimneys.
"This painting is so beautiful." Hua Qingcheng couldn't help but exclaim softly.
Si Chengfeng's hand trembled, and he nearly dropped his paintbrush. He looked up and saw Hua Qingcheng. A faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, "Wife, how did you come here so quietly?"
Hua Qingcheng raised her eyebrows slightly. "Ah Feng, I saw you so focused just now that I couldn't bear to disturb you. Why are you so interested in painting this today?"
Si Chengfeng put down his paintbrush and said slowly, "Chengfeng has always longed for a simple and peaceful life like that, working from sunrise to sunset, resting at sunset, ordinary yet happy."
Upon hearing this, Hua Qingcheng couldn't help but recall her pastoral life in Huaqiao Village, and how she and Si Chengfeng had formed their bond there. Her lips curled up slightly, and she nodded earnestly, "That sounds truly captivating. If that were to happen, it would surely be quite delightful."
The two of them stared at each other, Si Chengfeng's eyes flashing with anticipation: "Wife, can we live that kind of life? Even if it's just for a while."
Hua Qingcheng thought for a moment and then replied, "Afeng, there are many affairs at court, but if we can arrange them properly, it would be possible to spare some time."
Hearing this, Si Chengfeng's face immediately showed joy.
Hua Qingcheng then began to make arrangements. She handed over the affairs of the court to the Crown Princess Nalan Zetian, and asked Prime Minister Situ Wanqing and General Feng Qiyan to assist the Crown Princess in governing the country. Then, she set off for Huaqiao Village with her husband and six servants.
After arriving, Si Chengfeng couldn't wait to start tidying up the fields, while Hua Qingcheng helped repair the farmhouse.
Soon after, Hua Qingcheng and her servants planted the seeds and carefully tended to them every day. Si Chengfeng learned to make a fire and cook. Although he was busy, he enjoyed it and his laughter echoed in the courtyard.
Night fell, and moonlight sprinkled in the yard. Si Chengfeng leaned on Hua Qingcheng's shoulder and said with satisfaction: "My dear wife, such a day is really good."
Hua Qingcheng hugged Si Chengfeng and responded, "Yes, a peaceful country with a peaceful and prosperous people, this is the real happiness."
At this moment, the breeze blows gently, as if blessing the couple who are enjoying the pastoral life.
(6) Dust-free
Hua Qingcheng came to Xianxian Palace but could not find Wuchen, so she summoned the two palace maids who served Wuchen personally.
She said in a deep voice: "Where are Xia He, Qiu Shang, and Su Muguijun?"
Facing Hua Qingcheng's questioning, Xia He lowered his head and stammered, "Your Majesty, Lord Su Mu..."
Seeing this, Hua Qingcheng's eyes turned cold. She glanced at Qiu Shang, who was also looking down nervously, and ordered, "You speak!"
Qiu Shang swallowed hard and answered tremblingly, "Your Majesty, Concubine Su Mu has left the palace to drink."
"What? He's really a sixth-rate guy!" Hua Qingcheng said gritting her teeth.
Hua Qingcheng turned around and was about to walk out of the palace. Xia He hurriedly followed: "Your Majesty, where are you going?"
Hua Qingcheng snorted coldly: "Of course I'm going to find that unknown guy."
In a tavern in the city, Hua Qingcheng found Wu Chen who was drunk.
She walked forward and grabbed Wuchen's ear: "You are my noble lord, yet you secretly left the palace to drink."
Wu Chen looked at Hua Qingcheng with drunken eyes and muttered, "My dear sister, it's you! The affairs of the court are boring, and the harem is boring, so I can only come out to relax."
After saying that, he burped.
After hearing this, Hua Qingcheng's anger subsided a little.
She sighed helplessly and helped Wu Chen back to the palace.
On the carriage back to the palace, Wu Chen leaned on Hua Qingcheng's shoulder and talked nonsense: "My dear sister, I also want to live that kind of pastoral life, with wine to drink, the moon to admire, and I can go wherever I want."
Hua Qingcheng rolled her eyes at him: "Then why are you like this today?"
After returning to the palace, Hua Qingcheng ordered someone to prepare sobering soup for Wu Chen.
After Wu Chen regained consciousness, Hua Qingcheng said to him, "When I have time, I will take you to Huaqiao Village again. Don't be so willful again."
"Good sister, you are so nice!" Wu Chen immediately smiled happily and repeatedly promised that he would never do it again.
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