After I became a widow

The Qunfang Banquet was not held in the palace, but a garden was chosen in the capital city, called Qingfang Garden, which was a little far from Huai Palace, and it took an hour for a carriage to travel there.

Halfway there, I met the carriages of the Su family and the Song family. There was only Su Mingyan in the Su family's carriage. When he saw his eldest brother, he immediately abandoned his own carriage and climbed onto Su Jingqing's carriage.

Song Zecheng wanted to come too, but his sister was going to the banquet with him today, Song Zecheng couldn't abandon his sister, so he could only sigh regretfully.

Sister Song's name is Yarou. She is fifteen this year and is about to marry.

Seeing Song Zecheng's appearance, Song Yarou shook her head and teased him, "Brother, you are so close to the concubine, if you don't know, you might think you like him."

"Don't talk nonsense!" Song Zecheng glared at his sister, "If people hear it, those people will talk about Qing'er behind their backs again."

"If I liked him, I would have done it long ago. How could it be cheaper for His Highness Duke Huai."

Song Zecheng thought, he and Qing'er are not just childhood sweethearts, but classmates for many years. He is close to the water, and he has the advantage over His Highness Huai Wang.

Song Zecheng explained to his younger sister, "I just think it's inconvenient for him to be married, and I can't talk to him often."

Song Yarou didn't believe it, "Brother, you clearly feel that you have brought me a burden today, so you can't talk to Princess Huai."

Song Zecheng said with a serious face, "How can you say that you are a burden? If you want to say it, I should say it."

Song Yarou: "..."

Want to hit someone.

She rubbed her wrist, "Brother, I'll give you a chance to apologize, otherwise..." Song Yarou smiled slightly.

Song Zecheng put his body on the back of the carriage, his face full of vigilance, "Don't do anything, if you hit me, I'll go back and complain to my mother, who said she won't let you hit me!"

Song Yarou's smile became gentle, "Don't worry, brother, I won't beat you until you sue Rou'er."

Hearing his sister calling herself Rou'er, Song Zecheng trembled, "Don't do this, I'm afraid."

You remember that the last time she called herself Rou'er, she kicked and broke the leg of a bully who wanted to molest her.

The Song family was afraid that spreading the news would damage her reputation, so they let the maids around Song Yarou take the blame.

The Song family didn't understand either, and their Song family was not from a military household, so how they came to Song Yarou's place was surprising everywhere.

Song Yarou didn't call her by this name before, she was called Song Ying, but now this name was changed later.

Song Yarou has been lively and active since she was a child, and she is a good seedling who learns martial arts. At first, the Song family thought that the girl would learn some kung fu to be healthy and protect herself, so the Song family specially invited a female master to teach her. Then she was able to go to the house to expose the tiles, and she would sneak out to fight with people at every turn. During that time, there were a lot fewer ruffians in Kyoto.

The Song family sensed something was wrong and began to restrain her. Mother Song thought that the former name might be bad, Yingtong was hard, and the name was too hard, which made her daughter become like this, so she forcibly changed her name to Yarou.

He was detained at home to study and learn the rules, so he was much softer than before, but he always beat his brother when his hands were itchy.

Song Zecheng was brutally murdered at home. For the sake of his sister's reputation, he didn't dare to complain to others at will, but it was so tragic.

Song's mother was the only one in the family who could control Song Yarou. After all, Song's mother would punish Song Yarou for whatever she didn't like.

Song Zecheng raised his hand and swore, "I promise, I will never sue. We have agreed. You will follow Qing'er from afar to protect him. Later, I will buy you the knife you fancy."

The more Song Yarou looked at it, the more she felt that her brother might be interested in Princess Huai, but unfortunately, her brother was so pitiful for being preempted by King Huai.

Song Yarou patted Song Zecheng's shoulder sympathetically, "Don't worry, I promise you, I will do what I say."

For the sake of Baodao.

When they approached Qingfang Garden, the road started to be blocked, and there were carriages all around them, so they had to get off early and walk over.

But there are also those who refuse to get out of the car early because of their status, and insist on letting the carriage in front give way, and get out only after sitting at the door.

This opening attracted the attention of many people, and they all looked this way.

After getting off the carriage, Song Zecheng took his younger sister to Su Jingqing's side, "Look, it's more powerful than you."

Su Jingqing looked at the carriage ahead, "That's the Gu family."

The only daughter of a first-rank general in the dynasty.

"Then it makes sense. Let's be domineering first, so as not to catch some people's eyes."

General Gu's daughter must be on the concubine selection list, if the Gu family says they are willing, Concubine Zhong Gui will definitely accept her right away.

But now it's obviously because the Gu family doesn't want to.

Su Mingyan looked at Su Jingqing, "Brother, how about I ask Sister Gu to come down?"

Before Su Jingqing opened his mouth, Song Zecheng smiled first, "A Yan, you have a lot of friends, and you call people sisters."

Su Mingyan blinked, "Sister Gu asked me to call her that."

He also whispered to Su Jingqing, "Sister Gu found out that King Yi wanted me to be his concubine, and she also said that she would find a chance to smash King Yi's dog's head for me."

Su Mingyan was visibly happy.

He is an interesting person, Su Jingqing thought.

He said: "Then go and ask if she is willing to come down."

After all, it's not good or bad for other people's plans.

I don't know if I think it's almost the same, or if I really give Su Mingyan face, after a while, Su Mingyan brought him over.

Miss Gu's name is Gu Xinruo. She is about the same age as Su Jingqing. She may be from a family of generals. Gu Mingruo came here in a corseted outfit with a whip in her hand. please female guard.

Not only her, even the maids she brought were dressed in this way, obviously she didn't want to be some kind of Princess Yi.

Gu Xinruo came over and saluted Su Jingqing, "I've seen Princess Huai."

"You don't need to be too polite," Su Jingqing raised his hand, and said, "Thank you Miss Gu for taking care of Ah Yan."

Gu Xinruo realized that it was Su Mingyan who told Su Jingqing what she said. Thinking of the grievances between Princess Huai and Xiao Yunyi, Gu Xinruo did not suspect that Su Jingqing was talking ironically.

Sincerely thanking here, Gu Xinruo felt that the two brothers could get along, so he waved his hand casually, "Don't be polite, besides, the matter has not been completed yet, and it will not be too late to thank you after you become a princess."

These words are indeed impolite.

Su Jingqing smiled, and liked the directness.

Not only did he appreciate it, but the brothers and sisters of the Song family beside him, as well as Su Mingyan, all watched eagerly.

This Miss Gu grew up in the border gate, and she only returned to Kyoto two years ago. Because she was old enough to discuss marriage, there was no suitable man in the border gate, so she had to come to Kyoto to find her.

But her reputation is not good, she probably practiced martial arts since she was a child, and she has been in contact with some generals who are straightforward and straightforward, and she speaks straightforwardly, which often chokes people.

Many people came to propose marriage for the power of the Gu family, but none of them succeeded. As the days went by, many gossips about Gu Mingruo spread.

So it's almost here now, and the marriage has not yet been settled.

Even if she is not found, the Gu family will not let her marry Yi Wang, Yi Wang and Zhong Guifei. The mother and son's intentions are too obvious, and the Gu family obviously does not want to get involved.

Gu Mingruo was even more disgusted with King Yi, thinking that he had a bad reputation anyway, so it didn't matter how close he was, so he even wore the clothes he usually wears for practicing kung fu, and played with Miss Jiao's temper at the gate of Qingfang Garden for a while .

But now following Su Jingqing and the others, they were not at all elegant, with their hands behind their backs and striding forward, more like Su Jingqing's guards.

Su Jingqing also thought it was funny when he looked at his group of people. The girls were better at fighting each other, while the men were weaker than the other.

Su Mingyan didn't feel it, anyway, they were all older than him, and they all spoke about her sister.

Only Song Zecheng was rubbing his chin, thinking about something, with an inscrutable look.

After entering the garden, someone sang loudly: "Princess Huai is here~"

One after another, everyone's eyes followed them wherever they passed.

Before Xiao Yunyi and Concubine Zhong Gui arrived, Su Jingqing was the most distinguished person here, now that Xiao Beihuai was back, no one dared to gossip in front of Su Jingqing, and there were more people trying to curry favor.

Since it was a banquet for a group of lovers and there were so many people, the male and female guests were not separated, and no one would say anything as long as they did not do something out of line in public.

There was a circle of people around Su Jingqing, Su Mingyan and the others were squeezed aside and stood aside.

Siyan and Xiangyu were a little nervous, fearing that there might be an assassin among them, and wanted to attack Su Jingqing, they stared unblinkingly at the ladies from various families surrounding Su Jingqing.

Fortunately, this situation didn't last long. There were all the guests at the back, and someone outside sang loudly: "The imperial concubine is here, His Highness King Yi is here, and the sixth princess is here..."

Apart from Xiao Yunyi, Concubine Zhong Gui brought three princesses and several women with her when she left the palace.

The two princesses of the right age were all there, and a sixth princess who was said to be hated by the emperor was added.

Everyone turned around and saluted Concubine Zhong and the others, only Su Jingqing did not move, and when he saw someone coming, he only nodded slightly at Concubine Zhong.

His behavior of not being polite was obviously a bit irritating to Concubine Zhong Gui, but Su Jingqing's identity was there, Concubine Zhong Guifei was just a concubine and not a queen, so he couldn't find Su Jingqing's fault, so he could only bear it aggrieved.

"I have seen the emperor's wife."

As for Xiao Yunyi, the moment he saw Su Jingqing, he greeted Su Jingqing, but his eyes were full of hatred, and he still remembered the incident of Xiao Beihuai beating him for asking him to salute him last time.

Seeing that he hated him so much and bowed his head to him, Su Jingqing was very happy.

"Second brother and the younger sisters don't need to be too polite, just sit down and talk."

It's like he became the host of today's banquet.

The princesses sat down after hearing his words, Concubine Zhong Gui and Xiao Yunyi were already displeased.

"Since Princess Huai has spoken, let's all sit down. Today is a good day, and the flowers in the Qingfang Garden are blooming just right. After we finish talking, everyone can go to the garden to enjoy the flowers, or watch a play." , all arranged."

The maids around Concubine Zhong came out to help Concubine Zhong make supplements, saying that the appreciation of flowers is not free, and that poetry and painting are also rewarded.

The play was also good-looking, and it was a new play by a famous troupe specially invited by Concubine Zhong Gui.

There are also throwing pots, shooting covers, and holding lances.

What else is there to play the piano and dance?

To put it bluntly, I just want to test this group of candidates for Princess Yi through these poems and books.

On the other side of the man, it is to choose a son-in-law for the three princesses. No one with a high family background wants to be a son-in-law, but if the family background is not obvious, or there are too many brothers in the family, it is difficult to get ahead. It is also an opportunity to take advantage of this.

Concubine Zhong Gui took back the right to speak, and wanted to be Princess Yi's natural and enthusiastic support, Su Jingqing became the one who was left out in the cold.

Song Zecheng was dissatisfied on behalf of Su Jingqing, "These people are too quick to follow the wind."

Su Jing said calmly: "It's human nature, there's nothing strange about it."

"It's also because His Highness Duke Huai is not here, otherwise there would be nothing to do with their mother and son."

"Look, Concubine Huai and Young Master Song are indeed good friends in the boudoir. They act like no one else, they are really close."

Just at the beginning, there were people who couldn't wait to find trouble with Su Jingqing.

Su Jingqing looked and saw that the person speaking was a woman who was brought by Concubine Zhong, he didn't know him, but Concubine Zhong brought these people obviously for him.

After all, these ladies don't want to be disrespectful to themselves, but the women brought by Concubine Zhong Gui dare.Because their families are all members of the Yiwang party, and there is Concubine Zhong Gui in this Qingfang Garden to support them.

Su Jingqing said, "You are?"

With two words, he successfully choked the other party, and his face suddenly became ugly.

Some people around wanted to introduce the identity of the woman, but Su Jingqing didn't want to listen, and continued to ask: "Because this princess didn't talk to you, so are you jealous?"

"Madam Zheng wants to remind Concubine Huai that she should not get close to foreign men," someone wanted to turn the topic back.

Su Jingqing smiled, "My lord didn't say anything, but you guys are so lenient. Could it be that you regard yourself as the elder of my lord?"

Without directly asking them if they were Xiao Beihuai's father or mother, Su Jingqing felt that he was showing mercy.

Duke Huai's elders, who would dare to admit this.

The second woman who spoke also shrank back, and no one else spoke.

Useless idiot, Concubine Zhong Gui cursed secretly, looking at the nurse beside her.

Momo just opened her mouth, "Princess Huai, you are the daughter-in-law of the royal family now, you should pay attention..."

"Master speaks, how can you, a slave, speak up? What are you, dare to come and teach my princess?" Siyan shot back like a cannonball.

And staring over there, to see if there is anyone who doesn't have eyesight to continue talking.

The nanny next to Concubine Zhong also stared at Siyan, but did not dare to open her mouth again.

It's all useless, Concubine Zhong Gui was a little annoyed and had to end by herself, "Madam Zheng also kindly reminded Princess Huai why she should be angry.

Su Jingqing: "Who says I have a guilty conscience, why don't you stand up and tell me something?"

Looking around, few dared to look at Su Jingqing.

Su Jingqing pursed his lips and looked at Concubine Zhong, "No one said anything except you, Concubine Zhong."

Concubine Zhong Gui said: "But everyone has eyes and can see. Since Princess Huai is married, she has to keep the women's morals that should be followed. It will be embarrassing for His Highness Huai and the royal family."

Call him bad back.

Su Jingqing twitched her fingers, "May I ask in what capacity does the noble concubine come to advise this princess? Who do you represent?"

Who can you represent?

Su Jingqing looked at her sharply, demanding an answer.

Concubine Zhong's face turned cold, Su Jingqing's words were aimed at her heart.

Before Ye Fengwei died, she was a noble concubine, and after so many years of death, she is still a noble concubine.

Who can she represent? Even if she is a noble concubine, she is just a concubine. Who can a concubine represent?

Concubine Zhong Gui took a deep breath, not wanting to show her emotions, and said with a smile: "It's not really advice, it's just a reminder, if Princess Huai really becomes a womanizer, then anyone can say something."

"Young concubine, it's so strange. My elder brother is a man, why should he obey women's morals? Because he is married to the prince, can he not talk to men? Did the woman speak?"

Su Mingyan tilted his head with a confused face, "Is this also called disobedience?"

As soon as Su Jingqing and Concubine Zhong started their spat, his stupid younger brother stepped up and got involved.

Su Jingqing turned to look at his silly brother, "Shh, it's good to know something in your heart, don't say it."

"The imperial concubine is just talking a few words with the maids and maids around her, it's not considered disobedient."

"Oh," Su Mingyan nodded obediently, turned around and apologized to Concubine Zhong Gui, "I'm sorry, Madam Gui, I shouldn't have said that about you, your lord has a lot, so don't you blame me?"

Concubine Zhong Guifei grasped the handkerchief tightly and ground her teeth.

"Of course not. How could my concubine care about you because of such a trivial matter, and this king knows that Ah Yan didn't mean to say that, but really didn't understand."

It was her own son who jumped out to speak for Su Mingyan. Concubine Zhong Guifei nearly gritted her teeth, glared at her son who was bewildered by the slut, and died of anger.

He also said: "You are the second son of the Su family, you look clever and gratifying, what King Yi said is right, how can I blame you."

Su Mingyan immediately smiled sweetly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you are so kind."

She thanked her sincerely, and then Concubine Zhong Gui felt even more aggrieved, looking at Su Mingyan's fair face, she wished she could scratch her with her paws.

But after such an interruption, Concubine Zhong Guifei's behavior of labeling Su Jingqing for trouble for the first time was forced to end.

She cleared her throat, and asked to go to the garden to enjoy the flowers and watch the show.

Everyone followed Concubine Zhong to get up and leave.

Su Jingqing didn't leave in a hurry, and the group of them stayed until the end. He looked at his younger brother who was smiling brightly, and laughed too, "Ah Yan is so smart," he is simply the nemesis of this mother and son.

Nothing else, just feel at ease.