Dream of the Red Chamber: Rong Dai

The sound of cicadas gradually stopped, and the occasional wind brought coolness, and the residual lotus gradually appeared.The green lotus leaves gradually turned yellowish, only a few lotus flowers were scattered around the lotus pond, and the full lotus pods swayed with the wind.

On the mid-autumn night on the moon, silver rays of light are sprinkled everywhere, illuminating the land cold and bright, and the water waves under the moonlight are full of waves, reflecting the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The sweet scent of osmanthus drifted into the palace with the night wind, sobering up the drunk princes and nobles a little bit, looking out the window at the osmanthus trees with small yellow flowers blooming in their bloodshot eyes.

The Empress Dowager smiled and listened to the compliments and jokes of the imperial concubines below, one after another of the laughing words echoed in the hall, Daiyu followed Dowager Beijing indifferently and sat on the seat slightly below the Empress Dowager's left.

She is a little taller than the concubine of Gaoming County, but she feels like she is being targeted by everyone.The eyes of everyone in front and below came like sharp swords, leaving her no room to hide.

The Empress Dowager turned her gaze to the concubine's seat, but did not see Concubine Yuan, and asked, "Where is Concubine Yuan?"

Concubine Li was slightly startled when she heard the Queen Mother's question, and immediately put down the wine glass in her hand, knelt down and said, "Reporting to Queen Mother, Sister Yuan Concubine wanted to come here, but because she suddenly felt uncomfortable, I was afraid that something might go wrong, my concubine So I decided to let her stay in Fengzao Palace to rest."

The Empress Dowager nodded after hearing this, she pondered a little, and said with a smile: "Forget it, you get up! Concubine Yuan should be more careful, and I have worked hard on you."

Concubine Li was flattered when she heard this, she hurriedly lowered her eyebrows and said: "This is the duty of a concubine, and it is a concubine's honor to share the worries of the empress dowager."

The Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction, then turned around and told the female officer beside her, "Send these mooncakes to Concubine Yuan, even though she is too heavy to come, I can't miss her, right?" He brought up all kinds of moon cakes, selected a few by himself, and asked the female official to lead the little maid to Fengzao Palace.

Concubine Nan'an saw that the Empress Dowager was so serious, and said with a smile: "The Empress Dowager is kind! It was supposed to be the Empress Dowager Yuan who came to greet you, but now the old sage has troubled the Empress Dowager to pick out mooncakes for her. It can be seen that she is really a blessed person." The imperial concubine also flattered her orders, and followed the words of Concubine Nan'an.

Picking up a brocade handkerchief and wiping her hands, the Empress Dowager smiled gracefully, and said, "Concubine Yuan is heavy, and Concubine Li is busy with these things, but it's just a trivial matter of choosing mooncakes, and it's not worth anything."

Concubine Nan'an looked at Mrs. Jinxianghou, both of them nodded, and then she raised her eyes and smiled and said, "Concubine Li has been working in the palace affairs for many years, and she has worked hard to raise the eldest prince. Since the queen passed away, the harem has not seen her for many years. The elegant demeanor of the middle palace."

The queen mother sighed lightly: "Yes, the daughter-in-law who thought about Ai's family has also passed away for many years, and now Han'er has grown up, and she has not looked like a middle palace for many years."

Hearing this, Concubine Li was overjoyed, and Concubine Nan'an hurriedly wanted to strike while the iron was hot, "Then, Empress Dowager."

"I would like to report to the Empress Dowager that the daughter's country has just arrived in Shangli Hongying. The emperor ordered the servants to respectfully invite the Empress Dowager to taste it." Liu Dexi beside Shui Chen knelt down to pay his respects, and behind him were six little eunuchs in red, all holding trays in their hands. A sandalwood tray for Long Xianshou.

Concubine Nan'an hadn't finished her sentence when she was interrupted by the eunuch who came in suddenly, she swallowed her words immediately, and looked at Concubine Li with a somewhat embarrassing expression on her face, and Concubine Li felt her embarrassment on her face even more, so she stopped talking He looked down at the eunuchs with low eyes.

The Empress Dowager didn't realize it, she tilted her body and leaned against the pillow, and said with a smile, "Oh? Li Hongying? That's a strange name, I haven't heard of it before."

Liu Dexi smiled more and more respectfully, and said: "Li Hongying is a treasure of the Daughter Country, but because it matured a little later, it was dragged to the capital today."

The Empress Dowager took the lychee cherry and picked up one and looked at it carefully, but saw that the khaki-yellow peel was not noticeable at all, but it made her curious more and more.Pick up the hairpin on the side and open the mouth of the stem. The delicate and milky white flesh is sweet and greasy. With the opening of the stem, it floats into the nose, and the fragrance of the fruit is hidden in it.

Pulling aside the milky white pulp, there is a red cherry-like pit inside, which is so delicate and charming.Unknowingly, he felt more and more strange, stroked his hands and smiled: "It really deserves the word Li Hongying."

It has the aroma, taste and appearance of lychee, with a red cherry-like core inside. No wonder it is called Li Hong Ying. Characteristic aroma of lychee and cherry.

Daiyu looked at the Li Hongying in her hand in surprise, it was no different from the one that Jiang Lianyu sent that day.

Daughter country?Daiyu smiled lightly, the smile between her brows was like a flower, the country of daughters, the love of daughters, I think it is the country of daughters' family, but I don't know what kind of place it is, surrounded by red fragrance and green jade, surrounded by rouge.Or, heroic and valiant, don't give in to women?

Seeing Daiyu looking at the Li Hongying with a smile on her face, the Empress Dowager smiled, holding Daiyu's little hand and letting her sit beside her, saying: "Does Yu'er recognize this Li Hongying?"

Daiyu nodded, looked at the Lihong cherry in her hand, and smiled quietly: "I have seen this Lihong cherry once before. The core is delicate and beautiful, the flesh is crystal clear, and the fruity fragrance is tangy. came."

Concubine Mei, who was sitting at the bottom, had a slight smile on her face at this moment, she glanced at the Queen Mother and Daiyu, and suddenly said with a smile: "Only a talented woman like Princess Beijing knows so much. It's the first time I've seen it, and I don't think Princess Beijing has seen it long ago."

Daiyu paused with a smile on her face, smiled faintly, turned around and said: "It's not surprising to see Yuan early, but I don't know how many people have heard about the strange things in the world that day, and what is known to everyone, how can Yun Dai be ignorant?"

The Empress Dowager smiled at Daiyu's eloquence, but she didn't care too much, she just glanced at Concubine Mei vaguely, making Concubine Mei silent.

Concubine Mei gritted her teeth, her face turned blue, but she forced a smile because it was inconvenient to say anything in front of the Empress Dowager, and said: "It really is Princess Bei Jing who is truly incomparable to ordinary women."

Concubine Li smiled generously, looked at Daiyu with loving eyes, and said with a smile: "Since it is said that "a woman is virtuous without talent", although Princess Beijing is talented and learned, she is also a woman who follows women's morals. I think the Beijing Palace is only a princess now. Being alone is a bit lonely after all, wouldn't it be better if you choose a few older sisters to accompany you in the mansion?"

The smile on Daiyu's face was completely closed, I saw that her cold eyebrows were like spring mountains, her bright eyes were like clear autumn water, she looked straight at Concubine Li, and said with a faint smile: "Yun Dai always abides by women's morals, and sticks to the 'marry from husband' According to the old saying, the husband is the master of everything. Although this backyard matter is Yun Dai's responsibility, it should be decided by our prince. Does Li Concubine Empress mean that Yun Dai is not virtuous?"

Before Concubine Li could speak, the Empress Dowager interrupted lightly, and said: "Their young children should also learn a lot, why bother to put them in the room one by one? The Ai family watched, Rong'er and the Prince Excellent."

Concubine Li's face turns blue and white when she hears this, Shui Yan is now over the age and has the most wives and concubines among all the princes and grandchildren. What the Empress Dowager said is very true! The concubine thought the same way, but she was just trying to figure things out for Princess Beijing."

The queen mother nodded and said: "That's right. Yun Dai is the princess in our palace and the granddaughter of the Ai family. She also understands the proper etiquette. As for the matters between their husband and wife, there is no need to bring it up here. On the face of it, let them decide for themselves."

Concubine Li responded embarrassingly, and retreated to her seat, not to stir up trouble for a while.

Now that the situation between the DPRK and China is becoming more and more clear, she can also see clearly that Shui Rong will definitely not help Shui's performance.Such a fierce general, since she can't let Shuiyan control him, then she will help Shuiyan get rid of him.

Daiyu is the most precious person in Shui Rong, if getting rid of Daiyu, or causing conflicts between their husband and wife, causing them to disintegrate internally and not care about other things, wouldn't Shui Han lose a lot of help at that time?Thinking this way, he became more and more determined, and unconsciously looked at Daiyu with a bit of cold killing intent.

Daiyu closed her lapels, she felt the cold wind blowing from the window, she looked back lightly, but caught a glimpse of Concubine Li's gaze suddenly withdrawn, a sneer appeared on the corner of her mouth, the coldness of the melting cold moon was like a silver plate spilling on the ground.

The Empress Dowager looked at Concubine Li's face indifferently, and her cold eyes swept across Concubine Nan'an and Madam Jinxiang Hou without any trace, each of them was calculating.

Do you think that since Li Xueqing married the eldest grandson Wuyong, Concubine Li seems to be full of complacency, thinking that she has gained great benefits?Or do you think the water show has an extra arm?The Empress Dowager's increasingly indifferent smile overflowed, like ice water in autumn, without the slightest warmth.

The moon was hollow, sweet osmanthus was fragrant, and the faint air came with the breeze, which made Daiyu sneezed. Chunxian Xueyan hurriedly took the cloak and tied it with Daiyu, saying: "The autumn is cool , The princess doesn't know how to take care of her body."

Daiyu’s watery eyes are full of smiles, and when she raises her head to look closely, she seems to be able to see into the moon palace through the hazy moon disk, “Chang’e jade rabbit and osmanthus Qiongzhi, I don’t know if they are like our osmanthus in the moon palace.” Floating fragrance? Fine nectar and jade liquid?" The clouds seem to be like green smoke drifting by, sometimes bright as water, sometimes covering up to avoid embarrassment, and the mid-autumn night becomes more and more quiet and splendid.

Chunxian raised her head to look at the floating clouds, and said with a smile: "This servant doesn't know, there should be, don't those older people say how luxurious and beautiful the Moon Palace is? Rumored stories There are too many."

"I remember my mother once said something, 'Although Chang'e is beautiful, she lives in the Guanghan Palace. The Guanghan Palace is icy and cold all the year round, and only in the dead of night can she get a glimpse of the world she misses. As everyone knows, Everyone is falling asleep, only the remaining moon shines on the ground, which will only add to the desolation. Such a life is bleak and cold, and it is rare to live forever, and it is rare to have a happy life in the world. Although the time is short, but I have walked, laughed, and tasted it. This life worthwhile'!"

"In this way, isn't Chang'e too pitiful? Even if she lives forever, what's the fun in it?" Shui Wanyu said melancholy words, and her growing mind felt a little sad, and she didn't pay attention to her old heart. shrewdness.

Seeing Shui Wanyu squatting on the steps, Daiyu gently bent over and took her hand to get up, and said with a smile: "In autumn, the frost and dew are heavy, and the night is long invading the socks. Be careful not to wet your feet. It's not bad if you catch a cold." alright."

Shui Wanyu held Daiyu's little hand back, and sighed: "Sister-in-law, do you think it's better to grow up or not?"

Daiyu smiled lightly, with a little bit of beauty shining between her brows, and said: "It's good to be carefree in the arms of your parents when you are young. But there will be a day when you grow up, and you have to accept it whether it's good or not? Our parents We are getting older day by day, and our silver hair is gradually showing, do we still have to wait for our parents to feed us in our swaddling babies?"

Shui Wanyu nodded half-understood, and suddenly remembered the Li Hongying that Daiyu said at the banquet, so she pestered Daiyu and said, "Sister-in-law, when did you know about Lao Shizi's Li Hongying? I How come I never heard you mention it?"

Daiyu caressed her small chin, her red lips held her cheeks in a smile, and said, "I think about it, it seems so."

Shui Wanyu held Daiyu's little hand, and begged softly: "Good sister-in-law, just tell me, I just want to know, I don't want to hear your words, tell me quickly."

Daiyu burst out laughing, and said: "Li Hongying is a treasure of the daughter country. If it is said that this year is the second season, I remember that I got some from Jiangnanyu during the Lantern Festival, and I brought them in the snow. Inside the jade ginseng doll, do you still remember the fruit with red stones that you took when you were sick?"

"Yeah." Shui Wanyu clapped her hands and thought about it, and said, "Why did I forget, my sister-in-law Tete dried it in the sun, but it lacked moisture, which blinded me."

Daiyu shook her small green hands, and she could clearly see the mischievous and teasing expression on Yuehui's face, she blinked her shrewd eyes, giggled and said, "You only remember the delicious food, and you don't remember the name anymore. Now that I think about that time, I feel that today’s words are very interesting.”

After Daiyu said this, she couldn't help giggling, turned around and hid behind Chunxian, only wishing that Shui Wanyu stomped her feet, and quickly chased after her, holding her fist and saying: "Bad sister-in-law, You are not good, if you bully Wan Yu again, Wan Yu will not forgive you."

Daiyu walked around Chunxian twice, before her smile subsided, she stumbled, Chunxian rushed to help her up, but someone helped her up earlier, she tightened her wrist, and she was already on her feet.

Daiyu was so shocked that her face turned pale, and when she raised her head to look, she hastily waved away the man's support, took three steps back, and said, "Thank you, Brother Elder Emperor."

Seeing that Daiyu suddenly retreated three steps away, the water performer also indifferently withdrew his arm, saying: "Emperor Sister Yun Dai should also be more careful, although the moonlight is bright, it is still dark after all, don't be tripped Just stay on your feet."

The big hands retracted into the sleeves were unconsciously held together, just now that slippery wrist made him a little fond of it, but in the end they were far away, and they could only hold the palms tightly.

Under the moon pass, Daiyu watched his movements with lowered eyes, and more and more anger welled up in her heart. Her watery eyes glowed with a cold light, and she said indifferently: "Thank you for your kindness, brother. It's just that there is a court lady by Yun Dai's side. Serving, although it is dark and unclear, but my heart is as clear as a mirror, even if I fall down, it is nothing." Then he turned around and took Shui Wanyu's little hand, and said lightly: "Let's go."

Seeing Daiyu's swaying body disappearing into the bamboo path under the moonlight, Shuiyan just looked away, opened his hands and looked at the palm carefully, it seemed that the fragrance still remained in his hands.

"Yan'er, at this moment, don't you still have such thoughts on this foxy girl?" Concubine Li's stern voice came from behind, and the only one supporting her was the eldest princess concubine.

Shui Yan withdrew his gaze lightly, stepped forward and cupped his hands and said, "I've seen mother and concubine."

Concubine Li nodded, looked coldly at the swaying bamboo forest where there was no one there, held the hand of the eldest princess concubine and put it in Shui Yan's, and said: "Li'er is your confidant, and the one who will accompany you to grow old together." You should calm down and think about it."

Shui Yan glanced at Sun Li indifferently, and said indifferently: "Yan'er is the most sensible person, and the concubine mother often praises her, isn't she? The son was here today to look for the concubine mother, so he bumped into Yun Dai unexpectedly."

Concubine Li snorted coldly, and said: "Don't pretend that I don't know your thoughts. This foxy girl was originally a helpless orphan girl. I don't know what kind of foxy girl was made to make the queen mother and the emperor recognize her as a daughter." You must be very careful. You are the eldest son of the emperor, the first son of the emperor. What is your mission? The concubine mother has been a concubine in the palace for so many years, and she is always a few steps away from that position. Even if It's because you are not the concubine mother, you should think about it for you."

Hearing Concubine Li's mouthful and charming words, the Shuiyan frowned immediately, looked at Concubine Li for a long time, and said: "Concubine Mother should be more careful when speaking, there are many eyes and ears everywhere in this palace, if it spreads, I'm afraid Nothing good to do with us."

Hearing what Shui Yan said, Concubine Li felt relieved, and said with a smile: "Since Yan'er can take it to heart, then Concubine Mu will be careful about everything." Then she said: "You go first, what else can you say? Let's talk about it later, mother and son. The prince is ill today, so you just have to perform well in front of your father." After listening to the long-sleeved bow, Shui Yan turned and left the bamboo forest.

Sun Li watched Shuiyan's leaving footsteps, supported Concubine Li to stand there for a long time, and said, "Mother Concubine."

Concubine Li came back to her senses, looked at Sun Li and said with a smile: "You have wronged your child, and you know that acting is just like this. But don't worry, everyone in your palace will not be able to surpass you in the end."

Sun Li watched the bamboo forest whirling and moving, and said: "Daughter-in-law, don't worry about those side concubines and concubines. They can be considered safe and secure in the palace, but this is Princess Beijing." Sun Li hesitated, and she didn't know what to do. Say it.

Concubine Li sneered coldly, and said: "Mother and concubine will never forgive such a vicious person. Let's just look at today, but we want to see what kind of power she has. By then, she will lose her reputation. I see what face she has to live in this world."

When Sun Li heard this, she already understood that Concubine Li had plans, and immediately breathed a sigh of relief, and hurriedly helped Concubine Li go to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and said with a smile: "Concubine mother is still as vigorous as she was back then, but daughter-in-law Learn better."

Concubine Li patted Sun Li's wrist, and said with a smile: "Your father is the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and you are also a good daughter who is well-educated and reasonable. The day before yesterday, I asked you to send all the Mid-Autumn Festival gifts all day long." Dongying gave you sister Xueqing?"

Sun Li nodded and said: "Mother and concubine, don't worry, my daughter-in-law has already taken care of it, and brought it to sister Xueqing along with the emperor's reward. The queen is extremely favored."

Concubine Li smiled complacently: "Your sister Xueqing is a smart child, but it's a pity that he was called to pick up Ziren's tricks. But fortunately, she married the Changsun Guojun, after all, she is also a half-master, isn't she?"

The sounds that gradually drifted away then dissipated, leaving only the sound of the night wind blowing, faintly brushing the bamboo leaves, and the rustling of insects in the grass.

Daiyu flicked her wrist with a handkerchief in disgust, until it got a little hot, then said coldly: "That's my grandmother's bamboo forest, I don't know what he's doing there?"

Seeing Daiyu's annoyed appearance, Shui Wanyu said with guilt on her face, "I was the one chasing my sister-in-law to fight, otherwise it wouldn't have happened." Daiyu took Wanyu's hand and sighed: "It's no wonder You, who would have thought he would go there?"

"My maidservant Ran Yu has seen Princess Dingping of Beijing." When Daiyu looked back, she couldn't help but smile, and said, "Why are you here?"

This Ranyu is Sang Qingyan's personal maid. Now that Sang Qingyan is married into the palace, she follows Sang Qingyan as the chief maid in charge of the East Palace.

Na Ranyu said with a smile: "The princess is waiting for the princess and the princess at the Yucui Pavilion in front." Then she led the way, and said with a smile as she walked: "I'm afraid there is still half the banquet for the empress dowager." The hour will open, and the Empress Dowager is resting in the palace at this time." Daiyu and Shui Wanyu looked at each other and smiled, and followed Na Ranyu to the Yucui Pavilion in front.