Story of Yanxi Palace: Red Seal Spring Star

Because the children need to go to bed early, the family banquet ended at the second quarter of the hour.When there were only four of them, Concubine Rong sang "Tianshan Snow Lotus", saying that it was a farewell for Fu Heng and his wife.She played the dutar and sang softly:

I am a thousand year snow lotus

The beauty you gave is swaying in the wind

And you just a soft kiss

end my attachment to you

I only want to be your snow lotus once in this life

Bloom the most beautiful buds for you

every time the snow falls

waiting to meet you in the next life

I am a thousand year snow lotus

quietly staring into the distance

You promised you would appear when the flowers bloom

I'm waiting crazily

I only want to be your snow lotus once in this life

Bloom the most beautiful buds for you

every time the snow falls

waiting to meet you in the next life

The emperor had heard this song, although Concubine Rong hadn't sung it for a long time.It was the first time for Fu Heng and his wife to listen to it.Looking at Concubine Rong now, Fu Heng understood that this song was originally her heartfelt wish for him, and she should sing this song specially today because today is her birthday.It's just that Yingluo was promised in his next life, and Huo Jizhan was promised in her next life...Tianshan Snow Lotus, she is as pure, mysterious and beautiful as it is, with outstanding efficacy...

Concubine Rong looked at the three people in front of her, and Fu Heng's faint eyes trembled in her heart, although she didn't know that he already knew.When she saw the emperor, her eyes were gloomy, and it was full of his doting, doting and pride for her.Yingluo's big clear eyes were full of admiration and joy.These three people are all people she loves, and the four of them... Today, when Fu Kang'an saw Fu Heng, he kept calling him Ama. She knew that the emperor felt hard to say, and so did she.The four of them will feel strange when they hear Fukang'an calling her that... She suddenly feels that life is very interesting...

Afterwards, the emperor and Fu Heng went to the study, and Yingluo went to Concubine Rong's Longxi Hall to sit for a while.This is the first time Yingluo went to Concubine Rong's residence, she looked around and said with a smile: "Your Majesty uses really good things, I especially like the clock on the table."Concubine Rong saw that it was a gold-plated copper clock with enamel inlaid in the style of European classical architecture.The body of the clock is decorated with sixteen enamel pictures of different sizes, the contents of which are based on Greek mythology. The center of the base is "Actheion and Diana", and the two sides of the base are "Europa the Cow", "Venus". The Birth of the Clock, the back of the clock is "The Suicide of Lucrecia" and so on.

So she told Yingluo that the clock was originally the emperor's favorite thing, and the emperor asked Li Yu to bring it to her.The scale on the dial shows seconds, and the long hand in the center of the dial is the seconds hand.There are four small disks on the disk, the upper disk is the hour and minute disk; the left is the solar calendar moon disk; the right is the lunar calendar moon disk; Play six pieces of music.There are three sets of clocks, which can walk time, tell time and play music.He also asked Yingluo to walk over together, and opened the square box at the bottom of the clock base to show her.Yingluo was even more impressed when she saw that there were drawers in the front of the box, where ten small utensils such as knives, scissors, rulers, pens, binoculars, and bottles were placed.Sitting back on the couch, Concubine Rong told Yingluo those fairy tales, some of which Yingluo knew before.

Yingluo saw a large number of blue-and-white porcelains from the Yongle and Xuande years of the Ming Dynasty in the house, and knew that it was because a large number of Islamic-style porcelains were fired in that period, which became the beginning of blue-and-white porcelain in China.Yongle blue and white is made of "Sumaliqing" cobalt material imported from West Asia.The emperor also wanted the imperial kiln to burn imitation Yongle blue and white porcelain, the hair color was pure and bright like sapphire, and successfully imitated the halo effect of the Yongxuan imperial kiln "Su Ma Li Qing". Antiques and imitations are not the same.The maid brought a basin to wash their hands.While washing her hands, she said with a smile: The emperor really likes the empress!Concubine Rong pursed her lips and smiled.

After washing her hands, Caiyun brought a blue and white pot lid, and took off the lid. Concubine Rong looked at it, nodded, and signaled her to brew it, saying: This is the Korean ginseng tea that the emperor is drinking recently. It is a tribute from North Korea, madam try.Then she mentioned the rumors between her and Fu Heng. Seeing that she finally knew about it, Yingluo smiled and said, "I also kept it from you. I'm sorry, but Fu Heng and I don't care, and the emperor doesn't care either. Madam, don't go there." go with your heart.Concubine Rong smiled, walked down, and whispered in her ear for a while.Yingluo looked at her in surprise.

Concubine Rong smiled and said: This is a good opportunity.Yingluo rolled her eyes and said with a smile: Your Majesty is really smart, thank you so much for your Majesty.He also mentioned that the emperor had been investigating the bandits in Yangzhou that year, but to no avail. He and Fu Hengyuan were about to leave, and hoped that the emperor and Concubine Rong would be careful.Concubine Rong nodded, brought tea when she was young, and told Yingluo about Jinchuan's return to Xinjiang, including Aisha's family, and wished them a safe journey and everything goes smoothly.

After Fu Heng and his wife took their children back, Concubine Rong taught Caiyun to take Yingluo's gift to Concubine Ling in Chuxiu Palace.Xijun took it, and Wei Mei had already gone to bed, so she asked Xijun to take it for a look.I saw a pair of light apricot satin embroidered Wugu Fengdeng cotton socks. The upper of the socks is made of green dark flower silk. The sock tube is made of light apricot satin. Silky.The stockings are embroidered with multicolored silk thread and gold thread, which is composed of five rice plants, bees and lanterns, which expresses the good wishes of good weather and good harvest.

Wei Mei was extremely surprised. She also heard about the loom sent to Mrs. Nalan by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She just didn't expect Mrs. Nalan to have such a thoughtful and skillful hand, which was much better than the needlework she made herself. My son was ashamed, because as early as her second pregnancy, she gave gifts to Fu Long'an and Jiang Jiang's birthday every year, and she still did it by herself.Concubine Tuo Qing gave the things quietly, because she remembered what Yingluo said and was very cautious, fearing to bring trouble to Mrs. Fu Heng's family.Yingluo made cotton socks and presented them to her, which was considered a reciprocal courtesy.In the early years of entering the customs, concubines continued to wear boots in the old Manchurian custom, but now concubines all wear flowerpot soles or high-soled shoes, so these cotton socks are just a kind of decoration and collection, very suitable as a big gift.

She also remembered that she was able to be what she is today because of Mrs. Nalan's favor, and that Yonglu was also conceived by Mrs. Nalan, and she was so close to Mrs. Nalan again during the period in the Horqin Grassland the year before last.In a blink of an eye, I haven't seen you for a long time.

Two days later, Mashen Temple Street received a reward from the imperial concubine after consulting the emperor. It was a box of large and small lapis lazuli, said to be used for children to string beads, two boxes of building blocks, and a box of colorful wooden French puzzles. Building blocks, a box of British iron building blocks, with "Engineeringinminiature" written on the box.Lapis lazuli is a kind of natural jade, which is dark blue, blue purple, sky blue or light blue, just like the sky, dotted with glittering golden minerals, like countless stars dotted in the blue sky, even It is expensive.There is an old saying: The golden light is shining, the color is like the sky, and the stars are as beautiful as the sky.The emperor wore lapis lazuli beads when offering sacrifices to heaven, so this was a high-level reward, and it was a combined return gift from the emperor and her.

Yingluo knew it when she saw her, and was happy for her.Seeing a big box again, I don't know what it is, the pearl opened it, and Yingluo saw that it was the basin she used to wash her hands in the Longxi Pavilion that night. She looked at the sign, and it said "Yongle Blue and White Ruyi Sea Waves Wrap Branches and Lotus Patterns and Fold Edges", so she Laughing, Shen Bi didn't say a word at that time, this was a surprise she gave herself, and then put it on the antique shelf in the bedroom.

And Fu Heng told his family that on the day of the dinner in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the emperor taught Mingyi to be a guard of Lan Ling in Shangsi Courtyard because of his second elder brother, and the imperial decree would arrive soon.The second sister-in-law and everyone in Mashen Temple Street were overjoyed, because Fu Heng's first rank in the palace was Lan Ling's bodyguard.Mingyi is only 16 years old now, and the old lady and second sister-in-law have repeatedly asked him to work hard and make progress.The old lady also asked about Fukang'an's recovery, and said that the pharmacy of Yingluo and Dr. Ye was very good, and told her to take good care of the pharmacy, so she didn't have to think about going home to be filial, and someone at home took care of herself.After returning to the room, Fu Heng said with a smile: Now you go to show your face, Er Niang will not say anything.Yingluo gave a triumphant "hmm" and said: It's all arranged by the young master!

That night after Fu Heng and his wife left, Concubine Rong sent Fu Kang'an back to Yongshou Palace. The emperor sat alone in the Huazi hall and asked Li Yu to take out a large holding box.Inside the large holding box is a stone-blue woven golden makeup brocade gown with colorful clouds and dragon patterns and a letterhead. The short sleeves of the patterned gown are inlaid with a little ermine, and the whole body is woven horizontally and symmetrically with makeup flowers and gold-weaving techniques. The golden dragon pattern and multicolored cloud pattern, the jacquard is clear and detailed, the patterns are sparse and elegant, elegant and elegant, and decorated with gilt copper and chiseled buckles.According to the regulations of the imperial court system, the emperor's regular gown "uses stone blue in color, and the pattern suits the emperor, and the cotton, kimono, yarn, and fur are at the right time." This gown completely conforms to the system. The gown is matched with the uniform gown.

The emperor touched the satin surface of azurite-colored clouds and dragon-woven golden makeup flowers with his hands, feeling very excited.This was a birthday gift from Fu Heng and Yingluo on his birthday last year. Yingluo wove it with the loom he gave him, and improved the material of the stone green satin embroidered eight balls of Kuilong holding birthday coat he gave him, adding green and vermilion. With the dark blue Ruyi auspicious clouds as the background, the Kuilong was changed to Tuanlong spitting out the sun, so red was also added to greatly increase the lively, bright and festive meaning.The sample book was given to her by him for studying, but she didn’t expect that she would directly make him a gown. The auspicious clouds added were very similar to the pattern on the surface of the apricot yellow quilt that Shen Bi chose in Suzhou, so Yingluo and Suzhou weaving The result of the master's participation in the research.

Then he unfolded the letter, which read:

The joy of the fourth master's long life,

Blessings are like flowing water in the East China Sea!This longevity robe expresses one's heart, but it is not enough for the piety of the heart.The hermit in the barren mountain welcomes the guests, and Chang'e dances in the moon with long dreams.

Chun Ting Ri Yong, my concubine Xun Mu would like to worship

Also, the concubine and the master learn to weave costumes, which is very interesting.

This letter paper is of course imitated Ming Ren Dian powder wax paper.The box was given to him by Fu Heng when he met, but the letter was folded and put in the inner pocket of the patterned jacket, so he knew that Fu Heng didn't know that the letter was sent with the jacket.Yingluo mentioned Chang'e in her letter because the emperor's birthday was on the thirteenth day of the eighth lunar month, which was the night of the full moon. "Chun Ting Ri Yong" is even more punned, congratulating the emperor on his birthday.

The emperor looked at the neat lowercase letters on the letter paper, and couldn't help but smile. He remembered that year in the Imperial Garden, dealing with Prince Yi Qingxi's case of framing Yingluo. At that time, Rongyin began to teach Yingluo how to learn calligraphy. He said to Yingluo, who was still a maid: Do you have the nerve to call it calligraphy? !I feel sorry for the Queen!Last year when the Huangjiao incident happened, he didn't punish Hong Zhou and exposed the incident of Zhengjue Temple. He knew that Yingluo was very upset. Since Concubine Xin's incident, she didn't write to him for a long time, until the Wanshou Festival directly offered this gift. He is not unexpected.Then he put the letter paper back, and put the pair of cotton socks that Yingluo sent today on top of the patterned jacket, and finally closed the cover.

Li Yu saw that his expression and movements were focused and thoughtful, knowing that Yingluo was going to travel far, the emperor felt reluctant.When she came up to get the box, she said: Long live, Miss Yingluo understands your heart for her. Although she is not with you, she will always be grateful to you for remembering you in her life.The emperor nodded and said: Take it and collect it.Li Yudao: Yes, do you want to bring the letter box?

The emperor pondered and said: Is Shen Bi coming back soon?Li Yudao: It should be, but Concubine Rong wants to rest in the Longxi Pavilion tonight, she can't justify it.The emperor nodded, and said: If you don't read it, I will go to sleep.Then he thought about it again, and said: "Go and get that little chapter, and ask Lu Wenhong to send it to Yujing Garden tomorrow."

Li Yu went to the inner room, opened the lock on the door of the red sandalwood dragon cabinet, and put the holding box into the cabinet. In the dim light, he glanced at the letter box next to him. It was the creed and letterhead that the emperor taught him. The box is a red sandalwood inlaid boxwood cloud bat hook lotus double-connected box, two black and green concentric circles are divided into upper, lower, left and right four pieces scattered together, the yellow one is a black auspicious cloud inlaid jade bat, and the green one is a bat inlaid with jade. Green hooked vines on black background with white lotus inlaid.Then he closed the cabinet door, re-locked it, and went to the Changchun Bookstore on the side of Sanxi Hall, took a small chapter tube from the emperor's seal box, and presented it to the emperor in the Ming Dynasty.The emperor looked at it and nodded.

When he is not performing, Lu Wenhong usually goes to Yujing Garden to direct small plays every two or three days.The second day happened to be the day when he went to Yujing Garden.The little eunuch of the Hall of Mental Cultivation sent a small wooden box to the Department of Harmony and gave it to him, saying that it was something from Concubine Rong to Mrs. Nalan, so he gave it to Yingluo as usual.Since Xiao Quanzi left, Yingluo sent a letter to the emperor through him. The envelope was white and later changed to green, but she only said that the letter was for Li Yu, so he naturally didn't ask.And Yingluo has been communicating with Concubine Rong through him, but they use light blue envelopes. Every time the pearl is given to him, he only needs to look at the color to know who to give it to.But it was the first time to pass something on, so he didn't doubt it.

After Yingluo received it, she was a little surprised, Concubine Rong had only seen her yesterday, how could she pass things like this, she immediately guessed that it was the emperor.So he sent the pearl away, and opened the small wooden box that could be held in the palm of his hand.I saw a seal inside, and I couldn't help laughing, and then covered the paper with red mud, it was a monogram, I knew it was the emperor's monogram, I was going out soon, and I couldn't communicate with the emperor for a long time, so I took this with me Monogram out the door.So she wrote a letter on pastel paper and asked Lu Wenhong to send it to Li Yu when he returned.

The emperor opened it and saw that there were only four words on it: take it out.He showed it to Li Yu, and then laughed and said angrily: No brains, no rules at all!Li Yu also smiled and said: She naturally understands what you mean, she is getting close to Long Live Lord.

Yingluo was going on a long journey, and she couldn't let Yongqi go, because what Fu Heng said was true, when she came back, Hu Jiajia might have given birth, so she wrote to the emperor at the beginning of the year, asking Ye Tianshi to enter the palace for Hu Jiajia and Concubine Ling. pulse, Ye Tianshi came back and said everything was fine, and told her to rest assured.Heidegger and Yingluo lamented that Hu Jiajia was the same as he was back then.Yingluo said: Although Yongqi likes Yiboer, he is not the emperor, he is still a child, and now he has only three women in total, not Sangong and Liuyuan.Haishi said: Well, this kid is better than me back then.In fact, even if there are three palaces and six courtyards, there are only a few people in the emperor's heart. In the past, it was the empress and you, and now it is Concubine Rong. She is really good-looking and capable, and the new concubine Ling is all about you.

Yingluo didn't answer, just smiled and said: "My sister is making fun of me!"Then do you want Yongqi to have Sangong Sixth Court or not?Hai Shi also laughed, and said, "I'm telling the truth."Yongqi, there may not be that kind of good luck, just have a safe future.Yingluo smiled again and said nothing, "Sister, we are not at home during this time, and neither are Long'er and Jiang Jiang. You should be quiet for a while. If you want to see Yongqi and the others, teach Master Lu to send a letter to Shen Bi. When I entered the palace, I told her that she will arrange it, so you don't have to worry about it.Haishi nodded and said: Yingluo, you are always so considerate for our mother and son, thank you!We are the ones giving you trouble.Yingluo said: This is wrong, Yongqi is also my child!

The author has something to say:

[Two Brothers Mingren and Mingyi] Sons of Fu Qing, these two are not celebrities, but they have a close relationship with Cao Xueqin.Anyone who likes red studies knows that Mingyi's "Twenty Quatrains titled "Dream of Red Mansions"", as an earlier material that positively mentioned "Dream of Red Mansions", has always been valued by the red scholar circle. It is an early draft, which is quite different from the "Dream of Red Mansions" we see now.Mingyi has been working as a guard in the Shangsi Academy all along, and has never been reused.

Mingyi's older brother, Mingren, styled Yi'an, was a first-class viscount.In April of the 36th year of Qianlong's reign, Mingren went to the military camp in Jinchuan (Tibetan-inhabited area in northwest Sichuan) to participate in counter-insurgency. He died in the army in September of the 40th year of Qianlong's reign.Although Mingren is a military officer, he also likes poetry and prose, and has contacts with Duncheng, Yongzhong and others.When Mingren led troops to Jinchuan, Yuan Mei's younger brother Yuan Shu (Xiangting) was in Aozhi County, Nanyang. Volume [-] of "Suiyuan Poetry Talk" records: Xiangting governor Nanyang, the younger brother of the general Ming Gongrui, who is jealous of benevolence, led the army to conquer Xichuan and passed by his town. Three days before his arrival, he sent his feathers to Xiangting. Dismantling the view is a poem, which says: "Shuangding and Erlu have been famous for a long time, and today we meet on the road. Send a question to Nanyang Xianling Yin, is he so romantic?" This incident was a good story at that time, and it can be seen here Akihito's character.

When Mingren was in Beijing, he asked Yin Jishan's sixth son, Yin Qinglan (Sicun), to ask for poems from Yuan Mei, and Yuan Mei presented him with a book fan. However, Mingren had died in the army from the conquest of Jinchuan (he died in the battle of Xiaojinchuan 36 years after Qianlong).Later, Yuan Mei wrote in his poem "Crying Guard Minggong": The round fan poem was sent from the north, and the bow-carving man had already sent it to the west.Tonghou's family is both literary and military, and the general will live and die on the battlefield.Duncheng said in the letter "Send to Big Brother" in the 45th year of Qianlong: Sitting alone in a room, it is easy to feel sentimental.Every time I think about old people, such as Li Weng, Fuzhai, Xueqin, Yinpu, Yimou, Ruyou, Yi'an, Zishu, during the years of non-teaching, they are all filled with cold smoke and fog.If you laugh in the past, you can get it again!

This shows that Mingren (Yi'an) and Cao Xueqin are both good friends of brothers Duncheng and Dunmin.Because of his brother's friendship with Cao Xueqin, Mingyi had read the manuscript of "A Dream of Red Mansions".The reason why the two of them had an intersection with Cao Xueqin may be related to the following sources: Because Mingzhu's wife is the fifth daughter of Prince Azig, the Nalan family and the Fucha family are in-laws, and the two brothers of Dunmin Duncheng are the fifth daughter of Azig. It is said that Cao Xueqin once served as an aide in Fu Heng's mansion.Mingren and his brothers both married daughters of the clan, and Mingren had a son, Baolun, mentioned in the novel.Mingyi has sons Enlun and Chenglun.