Lin Gongzi medicine jar

Yijing Palace

The eldest maid Cuiwan took the food box from the little maid, carefully took out the warm tonic soup inside, and brought it to Concubine Zhang.

"Your Majesty, you've been sewing all afternoon. You mustn't be too tired now. Take a break. This is the tonic soup that the dining room just made. You drink it first."

The needle and thread in Zhang Bin's hand was finally tied into a delicate knot, she leaned close to the corner of her mouth and gently bit off the remaining thread, and handed it to Cui Wan.

Cuiwan delivered the Bu Tang to Zhang Bin's hand, and then praised: "Your Majesty embroiders really well, is this a small coat for the little prince in the future?"

Concubine Zhang scooped up the soup, smiled and said: "What kind of prince is not a prince, don't talk nonsense, it will make people sound like I'm crazy, it's fine if I'm a princess."

Zhang Bin touched her flat belly, a smile appeared on her face.

"It must be the little prince, the servants can tell at a glance." Cuiwan said firmly, and then said with emotion, "It's better here, we are all our own people, no matter it is Changqiu Palace or Lizheng Palace, there are always people watching, always It makes people feel frightened for fear of saying the wrong thing and causing trouble for the empress."

Concubine Zhang nodded slightly, thinking of the trembling days in the Changqiu Palace, the days when she was bullied at will by the concubine, and she couldn't hold her head up, as if it was just yesterday.

A beauty is nothing, and a concubine is naturally not ranked, but she is still young and beautiful, and now she has a child, there will always be a day when she will become famous, so she is not in a hurry.

The jade hand holding the soup bowl gradually tightened, and Zhang Meiren's eyes deepened and became more determined, she murmured: "Your Majesty, you said that the harem is a life-and-death struggle, why didn't you see through it at the beginning?"

Cui Wan asked suspiciously: "My Lady, what did you say?"

Concubine Zhang was stunned, "It's nothing." She came back to her senses, drank a few mouthfuls of soup and handed it back to Cui Wan, asking casually, "Did you go to see it before? The emperor will return it today?"

Cuiwan replied: "Xiao Cen has already gone, I guess it's time to come back now, the emperor will come to your empress for a few days, there must be some delays today."

Concubine Zhang nodded, and just as she was talking, the eunuch Xiao Cen stepped into the inner hall and said: "Your Majesty, the emperor just came out of the imperial study and is driving to our Yijing Palace, but Eunuch Fang from Changqiu Palace Coming, I don’t know what I said, so the emperor changed his way to Changqiu Palace.”

Hearing this, Concubine Zhang raised her willow eyebrows, "Do you know what's going on?"

Xiao Cen lowered his head and thought for a while, then replied in a low voice: "I don't know the maidservant very well, but I heard from Eunuch Liu who is on duty today, it seems that the Chongwen Museum was mentioned."

Chongwen Museum?Concubine Zhang looked puzzled, she looked at Cui Wan, that was where the prince and grandson study, what is the imperial concubine going to do?

Cuiwan thought for a while, then said hesitantly: "It seems that the third son of King Liang is already six years old."

Entering the Chongwen Museum at the age of six is ​​a royal rule, so what is there to discuss?

Zhang Bin tapped the table with her finger.

Cuiwan looked out, "Your Majesty, it's time for dinner."

"Then let's start the dinner. By the way, the emperor won't be here today. Cui Wan will call Jing Yu to eat with me. I haven't seen this child for a long time."

"Yes, ma'am." Xiao Cen said happily, turned around and left.

Cuiwan helped Concubine Zhang out of the bedroom, and said as she walked: "The same is the prince, the difference is really big. Ever since the accident with Concubine Min, the Ninth Prince seems to have been forgotten by everyone. If it wasn't for the empress, you took care of him, and you don't know about this child. Can you grow up safely?"

"After I lived in Changqiu Palace, he also visited me a few times, but he left without saying a few words." Concubine Zhang felt quite guilty.

"Our Ninth Prince is sensible. I am afraid that you will be embarrassed by the noble concubine, so I dare not come to see you often. Madam, don't blame Your Highness, he often asks the servants and maidservants about Madam."

Zhang Bin smiled and said: "How could I blame him, Jing Yu is a good boy, just as kind-hearted as Concubine Min."

"That's right. We moved to Yijing Palace. We thought His Highness could come here often, but the Emperor will visit you these few days, so His Highness just took a look outside and left. He comes every day."

Zhang Bin felt awkward, a prince who was supposed to be high and proud, but ended up in such a situation...

Thinking back to the days when she was still a little palace maid beside Concubine Min, this prince who was only a toddler but loved by the emperor has now become the transparency of the harem, even the Chongwen Museum has forgotten him.

Who else would have thought of Concubine Min who used to pamper the harem, the highly anticipated Ninth Prince?

The mother is honored by the son, and some sons are implicated by the mother.

"Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince is here."

Along with Eunuch Xiao Cen came a boy of seven or eight years old, wearing half-new clothes, but he looked neat and tidy, a little thin, but he was in good spirits, his eyes were calm and his face was calm.

"Aunt Zhang." The moment he saw Concubine Zhang, Zhao Jingyu's eyes lit up, and he finally looked like a child.

No one expected that Emperor Xia Jing would come to Yijing Palace.

The little maid outside the door hurriedly ran in to report: "Your Majesty, the emperor is here and has arrived at the door."

Zhang Concubine stood up abruptly, a little bit violently, but fortunately the Ninth Prince helped him up with quick eyesight and quick hands, so that he could barely stand still.

Cui Wan also supported Concubine Zhang, looked at Zhao Jingyu, her face became flustered, "Ma'am, the Ninth Prince is still here, what should I do?"

Emperor Xia Jing forbade the harem to talk about Concubine Min's words, even the Ninth Prince did not want to be known.

Zhao Jingyu looked around the back room, "Aunt Zhang, let me hide first."

Concubine Zhang looked sideways at Zhao Jingyu's calm face, was stunned for a moment, but suddenly pressed his shoulder, "No, just follow Aunt Zhang to pick you up."

As she became a concubine, had a child, and took a seat in the harem, she couldn't hide it, and sooner or later she would stab the emperor in front of her.

At this moment, Concubine Zhang subconsciously stroked her lower abdomen and made a decision.

Emperor Xia Jing's arrival was not announced by anyone, and he walked into the dining room and helped Zhang Bin who bowed to salute, and said with a smile: "You are pregnant, didn't you say that, you don't need to salute, just be careful."

Concubine Zhang smiled shyly, "Etiquette cannot be disregarded. I understand my body and mind, and I won't mess around." Then he said angrily, "I didn't announce in advance when the emperor came. I should prepare earlier. Now It’s indecent to be seen by the emperor while eating, but then again, has the emperor eaten? Look at what I said, the imperial concubine is always considerate, and she must have served the emperor before.”

Speaking of this, Zhang Concubine showed a charming and jealous look, which made Emperor Xia Jing laugh, "Not yet, I can't eat in front of her today, let's set the chopsticks."

A joyful smile appeared on Zhang Concubine's face, she hurriedly turned around and asked Cui Wan to add more dishes to the dining room, and graciously helped the emperor walk to the dining table.

At this time, Zhao Jingyu could no longer pretend that he hadn't seen him, and bowed his head and knelt down, "Jingyu sees Father."

In an instant, the smile on Xia Jingdi's face disappeared, and needles could be heard all around.

Emperor Xia Jing looked at Zhao Jingyu with deep eyes, and then turned his head to look at Concubine Zhang who was embarrassed, "What's the meaning of this, Concubine Ai?"

Concubine Zhang knelt down in an instant, and hurriedly said: "The emperor calms down, my concubine...the concubine deserves death."

Zhao Jingyu looked up at Concubine Zhang, then lowered his head even lower.

"Hmph!" Emperor Xia Jing stood with his hands behind his back, his face quite displeased.

Concubine Zhang immediately crawled two steps, grabbed the emperor's hem, and begged: "Your Majesty, please listen to my concubine's explanation. Before my concubine was favored by the emperor, I was ordered by my mother to go to Qinglan Hall to do some business. I took a small path, so I walked a little out of the way, but I happened to see the servants insulting the Ninth Prince, and even moved their hands. It was not once or twice that they looked familiar. The emperor asked them to take good care of the Ninth Prince, but these hateful servants It's too much to bully the master when you are not aware of your daily affairs! Your majesty, you know that the concubine served by the concubine Concubine Min earlier and received some favors from her. I just couldn't bear it, hesitated for a long time before making up my mind to take the time to give the Ninth Prince the golden sore medicine, so I got acquainted with him after going back and forth, and took care of him when I had time. The ministers and concubines don't read much and don't understand the principles, but the drip of water En Yongquan reciprocated but knew. No matter how unforgivable the sinful concubine is, the Ninth Prince is always innocent when he is still young, and he is the emperor's flesh and blood, with noble royal blood, so he is the master, how can he ignore it! It's just that the concubine is timid and dare not tell the emperor that the concubine is guilty."

Emperor Xia Jing was turned around while Zhang Concubine was talking, just in time to see the beauty and her party leaving behind in tears, and suddenly his heart moved, "So the concubine took care of the Ninth Prince for me because of her kindness in repaying her kindness?"

"What other reason can the emperor use?" Zhang Bin sniffed.

Emperor Xia Jing didn't say anything, he seemed to be in deep thought, but obviously he was already loose.

Concubine Zhang suddenly stroked her lower abdomen and said, "This concubine is lucky to be pregnant with the emperor's child, let alone the emperor's flesh and blood. I don't have the guts to tell you, so I have to take care of it secretly... Your majesty, my concubine is wrong, please forgive me." .”

As she spoke, she burst into tears, and Cui Wan, who was beside her, immediately persuaded her: "Your Majesty, you are still pregnant, please don't cry like that!"

These words seemed to remind Emperor Xia Jing, so he sighed, bent over to help Concubine Zhang up, reached out to wipe away the tears on his face, and said helplessly: "Don't cry, watch your eyes carefully, you dare to cry when you are pregnant with my child!" In this way, you are not cowardly, you are simply acting recklessly, if there is anything good or bad, let me see how I deal with you."

Zhang Bin didn't listen, still weeping silently.

Emperor Xia Jing was at a loss now, and coaxed: "Okay, okay, don't cry anymore, looking at the little cat, I'm hungry, why don't you eat with me?"

Then he looked at the kneeling people around him, and raised his hand, "Get up and serve your master, and Jingyu, don't kneel, sit down and eat."

Zhao Jingyu got up when he heard the words, kowtowed respectfully to Emperor Xia Jing, and then supported Concubine Zhang, "Aunt Zhang, let me help you sit down."

At this moment, the dining room happened to add a few dishes, and the three of them sat together without a word and continued to eat, and they lived in peace.

Concubine Zhang sneaked a few glances at Emperor Xia Jing, and just happened to be caught straight, "Why, Aifei is shy?"

Concubine Zhang nodded shyly, "Aren't they all concubines? When the emperor came in, he didn't look very happy. I'm afraid there is something bothering you, which will make you more troublesome."

"It's nothing, it's just a little thing."

Concubine Zhang lowered her eyes, then said with a smile: "Since it's a trivial matter, why don't you tell the concubine to listen to it, maybe you can give the emperor some advice."

Speaking of this, Emperor Xia Jing didn't care much, "Our Marshal of Soldiers and Horses has won successive battles, and the situation is very good. It is estimated that he will be able to return to the court soon."

"That's a good thing, Your Majesty."

Emperor Xia Jing glanced at her, and continued: "Jingyi holds a heavy army in his hands, and his prestige in the army is even greater, so here is the memorial. Prince Rui's son is six years old, and he will enter the Chongwen Hall as usual, and accompany the prince and grandson. , Even giving grace is a deterrent. It's just that Rong'er is weak, I think it won't be too late to come when he recovers."

Zhang Pin poured wine for Emperor Xia Jing, her eyes moved slightly, and said: "I met Prince Rui's son the other day, he was indeed lovable, but he seemed to be acting normally, not sickly."

"Indeed, otherwise the courtiers would not have invited you."

Zhang Pin tilted her head, puzzled and said: "I don't understand. I heard that the lecturers in the Chongwen Museum are all the most learned Confucians. Isn't it a happy event for your son to have such a teacher?"

Emperor Xia Jing pinched Zhang Concubine's cheek, and said with a low laugh: "You are smart, why do you think the imperial concubine invited me over today?"

Zhang Pin held Xia Jingdi's hand, wrinkled her nose, and shook her head.

"Yuan Qi entered the Chongwen Museum after the Spring Festival this year, and there is no companion to read it."

Concubine Zhang said, "The imperial concubine has a good idea."

Emperor Xia Jing shook Zhang Concubine's little hand and rubbed it, "Not only the noble concubine, but even the virtuous concubine is not idle. There is only one Rong'er, and it is not satisfactory to choose any one. Hmph, what are these thoughts, I know everything Chu."

Zhang Bin smiled softly.

Emperor Xia Jing sighed with emotion, "When my son grows up, his mind will become more active. I am getting old."

Hearing this, Zhang Bin said angrily: "What are you talking about? If you are old, where did the concubine come from?" She said and took Emperor Xia Jing's hand to touch her belly.

Emperor Xia Jing burst out laughing, "Yes, I'm not old, it's still your little thing that hurts me."

"The emperor just worries too much. If you don't want to choose any empress, you might as well find someone who you can rely on, so that no one can trouble you."

"It makes sense."

It's just this candidate, Emperor Xia Jing frowned and thought for a while, then his eyes suddenly fell on the Ninth Prince who hadn't said a word until now, and his eyes became deep.

Zhang Bin still smiled softly like a bird clinging to a person, and the light in his eyes flashed away.

When the imperial decree came to Lanyuexuan in Yongning Hou Mansion and the reading was completed, Lin Xi's heart suddenly clicked.

"Nephew Yuanrong took the order to thank you."

Zhao Yuanrong stood up after bowing to the ground, took the imperial decree calmly, and then watched the eunuch who announced the decree leave, showing the demeanor of a prince and heir.

But when he turned around, he grabbed Lin Xi's sleeve, wrinkled his face and asked in distress: "Cousin, what should I do, Rong'er doesn't want to enter the palace at all."

Well, after living in peace for a while, I finally figured out what happened.

The nephew and uncle silently looked at the imperial decree on the table, speechless for a while.

When Eunuch Cao entered the room with two bowls of soup, he saw the big and the small staring at the table with their heads up, as if they were about to stare at the imperial decree on the table, and laughed twice.

"My lord, Mr. Lin, let's drink the soup first."

As soon as the words fell, Zhao Yuanrong pouted and said pitifully, "Eunuch Cao, what should I do? I don't want to go."

Lin Xi also looked over, but since it was an imperial decree, there was no room for discussion, so instead he cared about the ninth son of the emperor who Zhao Yuanrong would accompany in the future, "Grandpa, who is the ninth son of the emperor, and which empress is born?" , why have you never heard from him?"