Daily life of noble ladies of the Three Kingdoms

In the blink of an eye, it was the last day of the fifth year of Jian'an. In the evening, scattered snowflakes floated in the sky, adding a little atmosphere to the coming New Year.

For Cao Cao, this year was particularly difficult. At the beginning of the year, he was put together by Dong Cheng and others, and then he fought outside for a whole year. He first fought Liu Bei and then Yuan Shao, and he had to win over Jiangdong. The year-end review Throughout the year, I just feel particularly fulfilled.

In a courtyard in the southeast of Sikong Mansion, a slender maidservant in winter clothes opened the door and said to Cao Pi who was leaning over the desk and flipping through the letters: "Second son, someone just came to the main courtyard. Banquet, invite young master to eat in the main courtyard."

The maid's name was Xingzhi, and she used to serve in Bian's yard. Bian saw that she was doing things properly and looked beautiful, so she gave Cao Pi a hand and became a bedside person in her son's house.

Next year Cao Pi is going to get married, and when the new wife comes in, Xingzhi has no idea, so she is extra courteous and careless towards Cao Pi.

Cao Pi said "OK", put on his coat and walked to the main courtyard.

This year it is rare for a family to gather in Sikong's mansion, so it is natural to have dinner together on New Year's Eve.

The first child in the family is not too small. Although it is a family banquet, it is divided into three halls to accommodate it.

The younger ones are in the right side hall with their nurses, the girls and their concubines are in the left side hall, and Cao Cao, Bian Shi, and Huan Shi are leading a few older Langjun and Cao Chong to have a banquet in the main hall. .

When Cao Pi came in, the table happened to talk about Siqi's upcoming canonization as Lord Chengping.

Cao Cao told Cao Zhi emphatically: "I heard that the day Ah Ying came to visit, you chatted very speculatively, and you should prepare well to send congratulatory gifts to their mansion."

Before Cao Zhi could answer, Cao Zhang took the lead and said, "My son has been to Jingyuan to congratulate Ah Ying, and in order to thank me for the gift, she specially invited me to eat a kind of rice noodle called 'Crossing the Bridge' , as my father said, the taste is very unusual."

Bian asked curiously, "What did you give Ah Ying?"

Cao Zhangdao: "The hunting happened to pass by their house that day, and I happened to think of it, so I went to congratulate Ah Ying, and sent the rabbits and sheep to Ah Ying. It's just that I can't hunt good things in this winter. , after I went in, I realized that the prey was a little less, and it was a bit disrespectful, and I got a treat from Ah Ying."

It's embarrassing to say it.

Bian was helpless: "How can anyone go to congratulate the little lady and send rabbits and sheep?"

Especially the ones that have just been shot down, the blood is screaming, and it looks so bloody.

Cao Cao also said: "Let's make up some good ones and send them away."

Although Cao Zhang didn't give the gift well, the direction was still right, and he didn't need more guidance from his parents, and he moved quickly. I really underestimated this kid before.

==

The New Year's Eve in Jingyuan was also more lively than usual. Besides Liu Yun, Zhang Shi and the three children, there were also Chang Wang and Princess Wei Shi who came to have dinner.

King Chang's three sons and one daughter are all married, and each has their own small family. They are all in office now, and they are not in Xudu City.

Chang Wang and his wife had a very leisurely life recently, and because Liu Yun's food level has improved by leaps and bounds recently, they didn't give up coming over for a meal on New Year's Eve.

In the previous life, Siqi’s grandfather would make dumplings of all kinds on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Eve. Now there is this kind of dumpling-like food in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, called “Jiao Er”.

Si Qi also specially ordered the kitchen to make jiaoer with various fillings, as a search for the taste of the past in the previous life.

Halfway through the banquet, Liu Yun asked someone to boil the new wine, and then ordered a song and dance to watch together.

For Si Qi, dumplings, fireworks and Spring Festival Gala were the three must-haves for New Year's Eve in her previous life. Dumplings can be replaced by delicate ears, and the singing and dancing performed on the spot can be regarded as barely linked to the Spring Festival Gala, but the fireworks are rare.

Si Qi remembered that Chang Wang was the most dedicated to Taoism, and there was an alchemy furnace in his home, and the history textbook mentioned that "the alchemists in ancient my country invented gunpowder during alchemy, and later in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, they used gunpowder to make fireworks. ". 【1】

Right now, there is a senior alchemist sitting in the hall. If he can actively guide him, the day when he can see fireworks on New Year's Eve will not be too far away.

Thinking of this, Si Qi looked at Chang Wang with a little more expectation. Just after Chang Wang finished a glass of wine, he saw his eldest niece looking at him eagerly with big eyes, as if he was fascinated by his drinking style. Admire.

Wang Chang was moved for a while.

This child is indeed his own niece, and everything about him is good.

This is a loved one!Blood is thicker than water!

Because of the palace change that happened on the first day of the first lunar month last year, the security work of the entire first month in Xu Capital City this year has been particularly good. After the first month, Siqi will perform the canonization ceremony. This new year has been extraordinarily quality.

The New Year's time always flies by very quickly, and in a blink of an eye, it is the eighth day of February in the sixth year of Jian'an, the day when Siqi is officially canonized.

The etiquette system in this year is not as complicated as the later generations, and because the weather has not yet warmed up, it is a penalty to stay outside for a moment, so the whole process is not cumbersome.

With the emperor at the top and the ceremonial officer at his side, Si Qi knelt and stood, listening to the words in his head, and only felt the reality when the heavy imperial edict fell into his hands.

After the canonization ceremony, Liu Xie invited Siqi to drink tea in his palace.

Because the edict was obtained and the title was implemented, Si Qi found Liu Xie particularly pleasing to the eye, so he agreed to Liu Xie's invitation with great pain.

Speaking of it, this was the first time she had willingly followed Liu Xie to Yinghua Palace after time travel.

As soon as the two returned to the Yinghua Palace, the servants in the palace brought hot tea and cakes.

Si Qi drank a whole cup of hot tea, and felt that his frozen limbs were greatly relieved.

In the scent of tea, Liu Xie explained to Si Qi, why he avoided Chang Yi and chose Cheng Ping when he clearly had two principles.

After all, Cao Cao is treacherous and suspicious, and he is most afraid to speak. He must have no good intentions to show his favor to our Han family rashly. It may be digging a hole, or it may be a temptation.

So we must be careful ourselves, learn to deal with Cao Cao tactfully, and don't give him any loopholes to take advantage of, so that we can better protect ourselves.

Your situation is very similar to mine, I believe you can best understand my situation in this world.

It is not easy for people like us to live a good life and protect our family and ourselves. Some grievances must be understood with each other.

Si Qi didn't quite agree with Liu Xie's statement.

Cao Cao currently has an absolute advantage over the emperor and the Han Dynasty, just like an adult with absolute authority looks at a child. With a little trick, the opponent can be suppressed so that they can't fight back. It stands to reason that there is no need to test them left and right.

Si Qi felt that Cao Cao's move might indeed have some deep meaning, but it should not be as Liu Xie and Liu Yun guessed.

If you can easily guess the boss's mind, you won't be called a boss.

Si Qi can only express to Liu Xie that your majesty is thoughtful and profound, and my courtiers admire you.

After Liu Xie got the affirmation she wanted, the chill on her body seemed to dissipate a lot. She nodded to Si Qi with satisfaction, and asked again: "How is Ah Ying recently? Do you still have time at home?"

Si Qi thought that Liu Xie wanted her to come to the palace to talk with him again, so he thought about it: "It's okay, I've been busy with homework recently, so I don't have time to spare."

Liu Xie said worriedly: "You have to be careful. Although Mr. Guo is a good person, he is Cao Gong's man after all. Although he is your husband, you can just listen to some words. You are still young, and you don't have the ability to distinguish right from wrong. Ability, if you have any doubts, come to me. I am older than you, and I have experienced a lot in the past few years, if you have any doubts, just ask."

What Liu Xie is most afraid of is that Guo Jia will subtly influence Siqi, make her alienate the Han Dynasty, hold a heart to her husband and Cao Cao, and then affect her to go on the "wrong path".

Si Qi held the hot tea and turned his head to look outside the hall. A few dead leaves were slowly blown off the branches by the cold wind. Hearing Liu Xie say these words like the wheels of a cart, a familiar song suddenly sounded in his mind. Melody - "Annoying Autumn Wind".

After chatting with Liu Xie for half the morning, Si Qi only felt physically and mentally exhausted.Fortunately, Liu Yun knew how to be considerate of his daughter, so he moved the banquet to celebrate her canonization to tomorrow, otherwise it would be exhausting to cheer up and eat the banquet.

Si Qi felt much better after taking a nap, and asked Ah Fei to take out the presents she had received in the past few days, and started the joyful gift-unwrapping session.

Most of the gifts from the elders were expensive and ordinary. Cao Cao’s gift was two exquisitely crafted fur coats, Liu Xie’s gift was two gold wares, the queen’s gift was two silver wares, and Chang Wang’s gift was a set of topaz jewelry. Guo Jia's gift is a box of fine tribute ink, Xun Yu's gift is a shop in Yanqing Street, Xun Yue's gift is two boxes of spices and a set of coral beads...

Compared with elders, gifts from peers are relatively rare.

The gifts from the Cao family were the first to be sent to the mansion.

What Cao Pi gave was a tree made of jade, covered with gemstones of all sizes. Rao Siqi has been living well after crossing, so I have to sigh, he deserves to be the person who later became king and emperor, Cao Cao’s family The eldest son is rich.

Cao Zhang sent two sets of riding clothes.This set of clothes is different from the riding clothes used by women in the past. The style and shape are all types that Si Qi has never seen before. It should be added with his own design. It is clean and neat without losing the heroic spirit, but it is a little bigger on the body , not quite a good fit.

In addition, Cao Zhang also put a box of arrows among the gifts. The material and design are excellent. Si Qi likes it very much and plans to use it in the development of Xiujian later.

Cao Zhi's gift is a pair of jade biscuits, the shape is very strange, revealing profoundness everywhere.Siqi had heard from Xun Yun that Cao Zhi had studied the materials of He's Bi in detail, and Si Qi guessed that Cao Zhi himself imitated He's Bi.

Although the gifts from the Cao family sisters, Cao Chong and others were relatively conventional, it could be seen that thought was put into them.

What Xun Yun sent was a meticulous painting about one meter long, in which the pavilions, towers and pavilions are extremely exquisite, and great effort has been made at first glance.

Along with the painting scroll was a letter from Xun Yun, in addition to congratulating Siqi on being awarded the Weng Lord, he also introduced the origin of this painting——

Earlier, when Uncle Nian Er took him on a trip, he saw an excellent scenery in Luoyang. Later, when he returned to Xudu, he always recalled the original scenery unconsciously, so he began to paint.

It took almost a whole year for this painting to be finished. I originally wanted to give it to you on my sister's birthday, but now that you have sealed the title of the Weng Lord, I didn't have any presents to hand, so I rushed to work day and night and rushed out ahead of time. Give it to my sister, I hope you like it.

What Guo Yi gave was a clay doll made by himself. There are twelve in a set. They are little beauties with different clothes and buns, and the eyebrows and eyes are very thoughtful.Looking at such a whole box of clay figures modeled on myself, it's hard not to be in a good mood.

Jiangdong also sent someone to send a special gift.

Sun Quan is a jade, Sun Shangxiang is a saber, and Sun Ce's son Sun Shao, who has no friendship with Siqi but gave a heavy gift, made Siqi feel a little strange, but he should have considered his mother's face.

When Si Qi's presents were almost unwrapped, Liu Yun walked in and was stunned after seeing the list of gifts spread out on the table.

Several boys from the Cao family who were similar to Si Qi all gave presents, and none of the younger generations of the Xun family were left behind. Sun Shao, who was far away in Jiangdong, also took great pains to prepare gifts for Si Qi.

Liu Yun came over from Mrs. Zhang just now, and heard Mrs. Zhang say happily to him, Mrs. Bian, Cao Cao's wife, complimented Qi Hao, and Mrs. Tang, Mrs. Xun Yu, also praised Mrs. Qi.

The implication is that everyone looks at the children she brought up well, and this letter is all hers.

Liu Yun suddenly became vigilant as he listened, feeling that things might not be as simple as they appeared on the surface, and these people might be playing tricks on his daughter.

Si Qi didn't know that there were these sayings behind this gift. She had just boiled a pot of hot tea in her room, and when she saw Liu Yun's visit, she held the pot and poured him a cup of tea.

Liu Yun took two sips of the tea soup, and said to Si Qi, "I have already invited His Majesty and Duke Cao, and when the weather warms up in March, I will take you to the fief Chengping to have a look."

==

After entering March, the weather gradually warmed up.

Si Qi has grown so fast this year, and last year's clothes are much shorter on his body.

Knowing that Si Qi was going to go out, Mrs. Zhang hurriedly made a batch of new clothes. Cao Zhang also hurriedly made a few pieces of riding clothes according to the style, so it would be convenient to take them with her when she went out.

Before leaving, Si Qi went to Guo Jia to bid farewell to her husband. After hearing this, Guo Jia expressed his concern for Si Qi.

Although the war between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao has been decided, the northern side is still not at peace recently. There are remnants of Yuan Shu's old troops active, and Yuan Shao's troops are ready to move.

The Guo family repeatedly told Siqi to be careful when going out, and asked Liu Yun to bring some entourage and guards to accompany him. Although the status of the prince of the Han Dynasty is an excellent passport, it is not a universal amulet.

The day Siqi left was a sunny day.

Mrs. Zhang was too old to travel long distances. Although she was very curious and yearning for Siqi's fief Chengping County, she was finally persuaded by Liu Yun to stay in the capital.

There were not many people traveling this time, but there were quite a few guards.In addition to the regular deployment of soldiers in Prince Li's Mansion and Prince Chang's Mansion, there is also a guard and a general surnamed Zhang lent by Liu Xie to Liu Yun.

Xuchang is not very close to Chengping County. It took Siqi and his party nearly [-] days to finally arrive, which was enough for Siqi to complete the mental journey from nervousness, excitement, anticipation to calmness.

On the way, there was already a guard on a fast horse to send a letter to Chengping. When Siqi arrived under the tower, the county guard brought a group of officials and people to visit him early in the morning.

The daughters of the princes and kings of the Han Dynasty were named Wengzhu, also known as "Wangzhu".

Amidst the shouts of "knowing the king", Si Qi helped A Fei's hand to get off the carriage, and walked slowly towards the city gate.