The open and secret struggles in the harem had already begun in full swing. From the day Concubine Hua rewarded Liang Cairen, Zhen Huan and I were "sick". He announced to the public that he was weak and could only stay in bed all day because of the cold.
Between Tangli Palace and Lan Yi Pavilion, there were only servant girls passing messages to express their concern. And Shen Mei Zhuang also only sent servant maids to take a look and prepare some small gifts. Her Shen Mei Zhuang is receiving the Emperor's grace, I and she are just acquaintances, even if we become allies in the harem, my identity is still there. She had already been kind enough.
The Empress was indeed the Empress of the Vermilion Gate. She had actually sent Songzhi to visit. Song Zhi saw my ruined face and expressed the Empress 'magnanimity and concern before leaving. If Xu Wanhai hadn't asked Imperial Physician Jia, whom he had known in his early years, and had a good relationship with him…I can't keep up this pretense either. Although I have some knowledge of Chinese medicine, I've never been able to take medicinal herbs as you wish in the harem. The Imperial Academy of Medicine has a record of them. And it was not easy to hire an imperial physician from the Imperial Academy of Medicine. No matter what, Xu Wanhai has contributed to my future.
This herb was similar to the one Zhen Huan ate. It made people look weak on the surface. If I didn't know medicine, I wouldn't drink it even if my mother brought me medicine in this life. Thinking of Mother, I don't know how she's doing now. After all, I've entered the palace. No matter how much Anbihuai hates Mother, he won't make things difficult for her like before. It's just that my poor Mother's eyes have been damaged from overworking. Sigh. Hui Xue was close to me under my deliberate guidance. I always called her my sister. Baojuan and the others also treated her as a young lady, and she was used to being my good sister.
I've been training my body for the past few days and arranged for Xu Wanhai to nurse my body. After all, she was sick, so it was perfectly justifiable. In my previous life, although my family background was average when I was young, it was a local school after all. There were specialties for us to learn. Because my mother was a folk dance teacher and was good at playing the guzheng, I knew a thing or two under my mother's education. So every Friday afternoon in school, I would choose to study guzheng and dance. Of course, she couldn't dance like Zhen Huan. When I was young, my mother was a housewife and devoted herself to teaching me. However, after they divorced at the age of eight, my mother stopped teaching me. I didn't learn anything either. It was only after my mother saw that I was interested in learning that she occasionally reminded me.
An Lingrong's body was very soft. After all, in the Legend of Zhen Huan, An Lingrong had once used ice to play with the pet. And I don't want to compete with those enchanting beauties in the harem. Right now, cultivating my own talent is the real thing. I practice calligraphy every day. Even if there were calligraphy classes in school in my previous life, my calligraphy could only be said to be average. The characters of this era are almost the same as those of the Qing Dynasty, but I'm still illiterate. Fortunately, Xu Wanhai doesn't know how to read. I can remember a few words every day. I did some basic dance moves. These were all silently started without anyone knowing except Xu Wanhai and Xiao Shunzi. Speaking of Little Shunzi, perhaps Xu Wanhai had reminded him, so he respected me even more. He didn't neglect me because of my sickly appearance and my current lack of favor.
Right now, all of these are just a drop in the bucket. They're just preparations for the day when I can receive favor. I'll continue to practice for a long time. One had to know that in the harem, flowers would not bloom for a hundred days. One could only share the beauty of spring equally, not stand alone. Even if I peacefully wish to die of old age in the palace, these servants will only abandon me. That kind of life would be very difficult to endure. The three palaces and six courtyards have never lacked me, a small Rank-7 servant. Since I want to fight and live a good life, I can only risk my life to fight for it.
Xiang Baojuan, Baoying, Qiaohui, Qiaoyue, and Huixue didn't understand. It was fine if the little master was sick, but they were not allowed to serve her in close proximity. Occasionally, they had to be summoned to see the little master. On the other hand, Eunuch Xu and Little Shunzi often served her in close proximity. As the palace maid in charge, Baojuan was secretly anxious.
"Little Shunzi, why didn't little master allow this servant to serve you in close quarters, but what did this servant do wrong?”Baojuan couldn't hold back anymore and caught the little Shunzi who was resting today and asked humbly. Xiao Shunzi was surprised in his heart, but he didn't show any complacency on his face. Little Master was just sick. You didn't do a bad job, and Little Master's attitude towards us servants hasn't changed, right?”Baojuan thought to herself,'That's right. Although Little Master doesn't let us serve her in close proximity, her attitude is still the same.' She couldn't help but say awkwardly," Thank you, Eunuch Xiao Shunzi. It was Baojuan who was rash."”
It was close to the new year, and the palace was gradually filled with a festive atmosphere. The number of monks chanting and praying day and night in the Brilliant Hall also increased. On the 25th of December, the annual reward was given out. Although he was a long-term sick servant, he still received a lot of rewards. With the gift from Zhen Huan in Mei Zhuang, he could have a rich new year. Although Lan Yi Building was cold and cheerless, Baojuan and the others were all smiling. They were busy cleaning up the rooms, hanging auspicious lanterns and posting the word "Fu".
It had been snowing for two days, and the chill was getting stronger. I stood under the window with the hand warmer, watching the heavy snow fall from the sky. Baoying walked over and smiled at me,"What is Little Master thinking so deeply about?" There's wind leaking in from under the window. Be careful not to give yourself a headache.”
I expressionlessly looked at the servants in the room and said coldly," It's almost the New Year. It's not easy for you to accompany me. Do something you like to celebrate the new year. I'm tired. Xu Wanhai, stay behind. You guys can go.”The girls couldn't help but cheer excitedly before retreating like a swarm of bees.
Xu Wanhai lowered his eyes and bowed respectfully.”
I turned around and walked to the pear blossom wooden table to leisurely drink tea and sit down. I looked at him with a smile that was not a smile.”
Xu Wanhai remained unchanged and continued," Young Master, please instruct me. I will do my best."”
"Yes and no. But you must do it well.”I said seriously.
Xu Wanhai's face flashed and he said,"I understand."”
There was no fixed date for setting off firecrackers in the palace. From the 24th of the twelfth lunar month to the 25th of the twelfth lunar month, firecrackers were set off every day. The fireworks were usually set off in the open space in front of the main hall of the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Firecrackers were set off during the day and fireworks were set off at night. It was extremely lively during the day and at night. Other than the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the other palaces could not be set off at will. First, they were afraid that the firecrackers would scare the pregnant concubines, and second, they were afraid of causing a fire. In addition, the imperial concubines were not allowed to watch the fireworks at will. Only on New Year's Eve was the national celebration, and everyone's faces were filled with smiles that could not be dispelled.
The afterglow of the bright moon, the clear water saw the sand, the wind turned green, the snow fluttered, and the moths and snow willows were golden. The pavilions, glazed tiles, jade steps, the golden and resplendent wedding banquet of the Heavenly Family, the endless prosperity of songs, and the endless dreams of dance. The music of music and bamboo, the sound of banquets and laughter, the beauty of wine and beauty.
The snow on the long streets and alleys of the palace had been swept clean by the palace people, but the roads were frozen and slippery, so they had to be careful when walking. It was late at night and the weather was cold. The concubines were having a feast with the Emperor and Empress in the main hall. The palace maids and internal supervisors of the various palaces were also guarding their respective palaces, afraid of the cold. Occasionally, the palace guards and internal supervisors who were patrolling the night would pass by, but they were also less alert than usual and could be easily avoided.
I carried the Eight Treasures Linglong Palace Lantern, wearing a red brocade cloak and a pair of embroidered shoes with a sheepskin base, slowly walked towards the place where the two women in the harem had been born--Yimei Garden.
All the fragrant flowers shake off, but only Xuan Yan, occupying the amorous feelings of the small garden. In the cold wind, the plum blossom forest was in full bloom. On the enchanting, beautiful, and proud branches of the Burning Concubine's Blood, plum blossoms were thin and bony, with different shapes and graceful shapes. The small flowers that looked like golden bells were embellished with the moonlight among the branches, and they were charming and lonely. Compared to the hazy beauty of the evening when she met the devil. Under the moonlight, the proud snow red plum blossoms were fatally intoxicating. The plum blossoms did not drip from the eaves, and the heart could not be stopped. Who knew how many people's souls had been broken by the fragrance of this ice and snow?
I quietly waited for the east wind and held my breath. In the silent white snow, only the sound of the wind blowing the snow off the branches could be heard. Suddenly, I heard the sound of heavy footsteps in the snow in the distance. I thought,"Here it is."
I took out the red plum blossom silk from my arms and tied it to my thin bones. I closed my eyes and put my hands together as I said devoutly," Today is New Year's Eve. I miss my mother at home and know that I will never be able to return home in this life." I hope that the gods will bless my family with happiness, health, and peace. I will have no regrets in this life." After a slight pause, he inevitably poked his heart and said,"I hope to be scattered into mud and dust, only fragrant as before."”
As soon as he finished speaking, a deep male voice suddenly sounded from behind the flowering trees in the distance."Who's there?" I immediately shut up, blew out the lantern, and hid behind a plum tree. The man paused and asked,"Who is it?"
I tightly wrapped my body in the feather satin. The starlight was faint, the snow was white, and the shadows of the flowers and trees were mixed together, like the shadows of countless coral branches. It was not easy to find me. I held my breath, feeling a little nervous as I slowly stepped out.
The man's footsteps gradually approached, and he stopped a few steps away from the plum trees. "If you don't make a sound, I'll get someone to turn the entire Yimei Garden upside down."”The beauty couldn't help but feel anxious.
"We are both people who have fallen from grace. Why should we know each other when we meet?”My tone was as cold as ice as I finished speaking and ran away. In the silent Yimei Garden, only the sound of me stepping on the snow could be heard.
"Li Chang, go take a look." Xuan Ling heard the footsteps of the beauty disappearing and ordered Li Chang to go and take a look. She was still thinking about the saying,"Why should we know each other when we meet again?"
"Reporting to the emperor, I didn't see anyone, but I found something.”Li Chang looked around and found a handkerchief tied to a plum blossom branch. He stepped forward and held up the scarlet silk in his hand. Looking at Xuan Ling's thoughtful expression, he reminded,"Your Majesty, I'm afraid it was left behind by a palace maid or a master who was praying in the plum garden.”Casually unfolding the scarlet silk, plum blossoms blossomed side by side, splashing and sprinkling, as if there was still the fragrance of a beautiful woman's hand. On it was written," Don't love the palace wall willow, only be mistaken by the front." Flowers bloom and wither naturally, always rely on the East King.”
Xuan Ling suddenly turned around and returned to Yi Yuan Palace. In her heart, she was still reminiscing about the saying,"We're both people who have fallen from grace. Why should we meet again?" The cold tone beside his ear was still different from all his concubines, as if it was somewhat familiar.
I circled around and returned to Lan Yi Lou. Xiao Shunzi had been waiting outside the door for a long time. When he saw that my pearl hairpin was loose and my hair was messy, he quickly helped me quietly into the inner room.
After washing up, Baojuan and a few other maids came to pay their respects to me with colored paper and red silk.
Hui Xue blinked her innocent eyes and jumped up to me with a big smile. She took out the toys that the girls had made from behind her back. There were lotus, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, narcissus, peony, the Three Friends of Winter, and other plant patterns. There were also cats, dogs, rabbits, and some other unique big Fu characters. Glass beads of various colors were strung together into a beautiful bracelet, which was exquisite, auspicious and beautiful.
Qiaohui served me a cup of hot tea. I sat on the Eight Immortals chair and sipped it gently. My late joy and nervousness dissipated and spread in this cup of hot tea. I looked at Hui Xue and said gently,"You're already a year older, but you're still so mischievous." These things were made very exquisitely, and it took a lot of thought.”
Hui Xue smiled shyly, and Baojuan and the others rushed to present their treasures. She acted like a spoiled child and teased him. It was a harmonious atmosphere.
"I'm still sick, so I can't take it. You girls can go to your room and make a scene. Don't be too loud. Prepare your own snacks. It's New Year's Eve tonight, so you can enjoy yourselves. Eunuch Xu, stay here.”I closed my eyes and rested my hands on the table.
With my permission, the girls couldn't help but cheer excitedly. Under Xu Wanhai's cough, they scattered like a swarm of bees.
Xu Wanhai bowed calmly. I looked at him expressionlessly and said,"Don't mention tonight's matter to anyone."”I'm sure he knows what it is. Without waiting for him to speak, he said,"All along, Ling Rong has been grateful for Eunuch's guidance and company. Ling Rong is extremely grateful." Without the help of the eunuch, Ling Rong would probably have a hard time in the palace.”
Xu Wanhai's eyelids wrinkled as he made a gesture with his hands and said gently,"It's a slave's duty. Little Master is serious."”
"It doesn't matter if it's serious or not. I only know that with Father-in-law's help, Ling Rong will have a comfortable life.”I said coldly with a faint smile.
Xu Wanhai didn't feel any pleasure, but his body shivered and he lowered his head and said in a more respectful tone,"It's my duty to serve the young master." This slave should share your worries."
I sneered,"I'll still need your help in the future." Eunuch Ling Rong's kindness to him will be repaid in the future. Forget it, Chu Xi Gong Gong should rest early tonight. I'm going to rest.”After saying that, he closed his eyes and stopped talking.
Xu Wanhai was shocked and happy. He bowed and quietly retreated. As soon as he went out, Little Shunzi was greeted by a clever voice,"Master, let's go back to our room to rest."”
Little Shunzi looked around the door to make sure that there was no one around. He looked at his master with a puzzled expression and said in a puzzled tone," Master is dedicated to Little Master, but Little Shunzi can't understand Little Master anymore.”After saying that, she held a cup of hot tea and served it to him.
Xu Wanhai took a sip and slid the tea lid with a wise expression. He slowly tasted the tea and said,"Little Master is a very smart person." Although he wasn't favored yet, it was only a matter of time. The trees in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. I know this very well. If the Tian family did not have a clear heart, the higher they were held, the more miserable they would fall.”
" But Master, Little Lord can't even see the Emperor now. Although Noble Shen is favored, he is not close to our Little Lord. Noble Wan also claims to be ill and doesn't come out. If this goes on, I'm afraid..." Little Shunzi didn't finish his words, but the meaning behind his words was obvious.
"Chances are given to those who are prepared. You just have to serve him with all your heart. It was not the right time yet. If the little master was in a hurry to be favored now, he would not understand. Moreover, there's a talent show every three years, and I want to retire. This…" Xu Wanhai paused for a moment and said thoughtfully," Let's see. The young master isn't a person in the pool." We can only help her and let her feel that we owe her a favor. In the future, even if she is favored, she will not abandon us. Besides, there are always conflicts in the harem. As the servants of a favored concubine, even if there is trouble, our days are better than ordinary servants.”Little Shunzi was speechless.
It was night. I lay in bed to calm my heartbeat. Thinking back to what happened in Yimei Garden, it was indeed a risky victory. I ordered Xu Wanhai to find a way to keep Zhen Huan in the Tangli Palace. Only then would I have a one percent chance of leaving a mark in the Emperor's heart. After all, I'm not sure if he'll come. Since I came to Legend of Zhen Huan, this is not just a story in the book, but my life. If I don't come to my senses, I can only wait for death. That scarlet silk was rushed out some time ago. It was just an ordinary material that even the palace maids had. The reason why I didn't leave behind anything that symbolized my identity was because the current situation was like an invisible net. If I stepped into it, I would probably be in danger. The battle in the harem had just begun. Zhen Huan is not favored yet, and Mei Zhuang is still known as " Hui Pin ". If I step into the fight between Concubine Hua and the Empress now, I will be courting death.
As for that Yu Ying 'er from Legend of Zhen Huan, if she heard it and pretended to be someone else, I don't care. Anyway, she's a short-lived ghost. Oh, no, even if she doesn't die, as long as I'm favored, it'll be her death. My heart was filled with anticipation and panic. Zhen Huan, such a smart woman, has entered the Cold Palace several times and experienced all kinds of hardships. Can I hold on? Although I know the plot, many things will change.
Only by grasping the initiative could one be invincible. I bit my lips tightly and firmly believed that if someone offended me, I would definitely offend them!
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。