Prequel to the Red Chamber: I Am the Second Wife

Jia Zheng and the emperor went to report to work, Zili stood helplessly in the courtyard and glanced at the guards with serious faces, she stood for a while and walked towards the garden.Unexpectedly, there was a sound of footsteps behind her: "Madam Jia, please stay." Dai Quan came out of the room, and waved to her with a smile.Zili could only step forward and ask courteously, "What do you want Eunuch Dai to order?"

"Outside the lady should be called Miscellaneous Old Dai. Before the emperor came this time, he specifically asked not to be called Zhang Yang. Since the emperor has said something, Madam Jia should be called according to the emperor's meaning. I just want to ask Madam Jia, isn't that right? It's the second aunt. Is there anything worth visiting in Qingzhou City? Although our uncle is here on business, it's good to take a walk." Hearing Dai Quan's words, Zili hurriedly smiled and said, "What's the problem? Yes, it’s just that my eldest brother is a well-informed person. Why hasn’t he seen the mountains and rivers here? But the basic mountains and rivers outside Qingzhou City are not bad, and the green mountains beside Jinghu Lake have the best peach blossoms in spring, when the mandarin fish is plump The delicate and beautiful peach blossoms can be called a fairyland. It is a pity that the peach blossoms are gone now, but the lotus flowers in the lake are good. You can go and have a look. There is a temple on the mountain that has been around for hundreds of years, and it is also very effective. , I asked someone to arrange it, I have a small Zhuangzi in that place, although the notation is simple, but it has a lot of scenery." Zili said, asking someone to clean the house in the Zhuangzi, preparing to invite the emperor and his party to play there.

Dai Quan hurriedly stopped Zili: "Don't be in a hurry to go somewhere to play, everything is business-oriented." Dai Quan and Zili chattered happily.When Zili saw a few girls coming in, she immediately understood Dai Quan's meaning, and she smiled knowingly and said, "I'm thousands of miles away from the capital, and I don't have any family members to talk to. Now that you're here, I don't know." I can see my family now, the poor old man is gone and I can’t go back, at least I can go back and cry when the old lady is gone last time, but I can’t now.” Zili cried sadly .

Dai Quan is a smart person, he was busy comforting Zili: "Don't be sad, aunt, the old man's funeral was done very decently because of the emperor's grace. The old man is the most blessed person who died of death. When we came out, my wife told me to send a message To my aunt, tell my aunt to take care of yourself outside and don’t be too sad. By the way, my wife told me to bring some things to my aunt.” Zili hurriedly said: “Since I’ve worked so hard for you, follow me to talk over there. The second master told my eldest brother that we don't want to disturb them about the river work." Dai Quan nodded hurriedly and followed Zili away.

In addition to the flower hall, Zili said to Mint: "Who is serving at the second master's side?" Mint said: "The girls in the flower hall today are Xiaochan and Huang Ying, and it is Old Zhu Ma who is watching them. Zili thought about it and said to Mint: "Go and see for yourself, Xiaochan and Huang Yinger are both young girls who just came up. I'm worried that they will not disturb the conversation between the second master and my elder brother. Don't give my face to me." Throw it to the capital. Tell relatives that I will not control the subordinates and indulge them without rules. By the way, you call Zhou Rui’s family back, and I have something to do for her.” After many years in Qingzhou, Jia Zheng’s yamen and Wei Wang’s mansion are already There is me in you, and you in me, except for some confidantes, Zili is not sure, the rest are loyal to Jia Zheng and her.Wei Wang, Li Yangde and some officials and gentry would send some servants to Jia Zheng from time to time, and Zili usually accepted it with a smile.But she has never been willing to reuse these sent servants, fearing that they are someone else's eyeliner.

Now that the emperor came here on a private visit in his micro-service, if the news really leaked out, King Wei would really have murderous intentions. At that time, she and Jia Zheng would have fallen into the abyss of eternal doom.Therefore, for the sake of his family, Zili must not be careless.Mint heard Zili's understanding immediately: "Grandma, don't worry, I'll go right away." Speaking of Mint, he wished the girls a good life and hurried out.

Only Zili and Dai Quan were left in the room, and Dai Quan said slowly: "Just now I asked my aunt where the scenery in Qingzhou is good. Is the emperor really wanting to go for a visit? This time the emperor made up his mind to come to Qingzhou in a low service, and he was also cruel. Probably My aunt also knew about it. Before the list of the emperor's new cabinet came out, the king of Wei was about to rebel. Concubine Dong Gui had been hiding the matter well. It was almost impossible to hide it. The messenger had already arrived at the gate of the palace. If it wasn't for The heavens have the eyes to let the secret letter he hid on his body fall out, so he may not know what is going on now. The reason why the emperor wants to risk himself is to find out the person who colluded with me in the capital. I am not afraid of ten thousand. In case, first ask for a place to retreat, if things are really rushed, there should be a place to buffer."

Zili had already guessed what Dai Quan meant: "That villa is not bad. I just wanted to buy a villa and wait for the spring to take the children to play. But I couldn't live there for a few days because of things. Zhuangzi is now being taken care of by my dowry girl. They are all reliable people. No one outside knows which Zhuangzi is my property. It is the emperor who wants to go to relax and only stay for a few days. No one will find out. I Later, I will ask someone to take my father-in-law to see the place. Since the emperor has decided to eradicate it—but Qingzhou City is under the eyes of King Wei, what about the safety of the emperor? The place to stay has been selected."

"It's nothing to worry about, it was all arranged before the emperor came. I've seen my aunt look pretty good these past few years. Are you comfortable living in Qingzhou, a place with beautiful mountains and rivers?" Dai Quan glanced at Zili's face, and chatted.

Zili also chatted with Dai Quan about trifles, and the topic somehow came to Zili's two children, and Dai Quan suddenly lowered his voice to Zili mysteriously: "I listened in the capital. Seeing people gossiping, many people said Mrs. Jia is a fearful person. I was very surprised when I heard that, and I thought to myself that my grandma was an extremely easy-going person when I was in the capital, and I definitely couldn't do things like the Lion Roar. But here Qingzhou sees Mr. Jia's son and daughter from his grandma during these years of marriage, and the rumor is somewhat true."

You dead eunuch, you also take care of the affairs of other people's husbands and wives!Zili pointed the middle finger at Dai Quan in his heart, but said with a smile on his face: "Oh, Eunuch Dai is taking me for fun. Those words are all slander of my second master by that villain. Although our husband and wife dare not It is said that love is added, but there is also respect for each other. Our second master is not very concerned about female sex, and secondly, he has no time or mood for government affairs. He has always said that he is ignorant and indifferent to the emperor. Grace is a great member of the party, and only by not slacking off in Xuanhua education can we repay the emperor's grace."

"Grandma is really good at talking. Grandma and I would like to remind you that the emperor values ​​the prince the most and wants to find a safe reading companion for the prince. If you can be a companion for the prince, your son's future will be boundless." Dai Quan hinted that he could To help Zili in front of the emperor, ask Jia Zhu to be the prince's companion.

Zili immediately handed over a bank note with a considerable face value: "Thank you, Eunuch Dai, for your reminder, but Zhu'er is still young, and you saw her today, and she is spoiled by his father for her impetuous temper, please don't offend His Highness the Crown Prince." As a woman, how can I think so far, as long as Zhuer doesn't cause trouble these days, I will recite the Buddha's name. If Zhuer has something that offends the prince, please help me to talk about it in front of the emperor." Dai Quan Unexpectedly, Zili was not very enthusiastic about being Jia Zhu's accompanying student. He was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "It's really pitiful for the parents of the world. Grandma really loves children. I can't take this reward, but grandma don't worry." , no matter what it is, I just need to take care of it with the emperor." Said Dai Quan and pushed the bank note back.

Seeing what Eunuch Dai said, it made me feel embarrassed.I didn't do this because of Zhu'er's affairs, thinking that Eunuch Dai took good care of me in the past, I always wanted to honor you.It's a pity that there have been no chances. Now that Eunuch Dai is easy to come, I naturally have to do my best.You just accept it, if someone asks, I will agree.Zili put the banknote back into Dai Quan's hand.

Dai Quan weighed the banknote in his hand, smashed it and said, "Although I have been serving the emperor and haven't come out much, I still know the way outside. Some local officials want to scratch the ground when they go to a place." Greeting ink, but Master Jia, who has been an official outside for many years, I see that the furnishings of the house are very simple and there are not many servants at home. It can be seen that Master Jia and grandma are both self-restraining and serving the public. I feel uneasy with this money .”

"Eunuch Dai loves us dearly, but this little filial piety can still be afforded." As he spoke, a girl came in outside to report that the banquet was ready, and asked where to set the meal.

Zili looked at Dai Quan and said: "I don't know if the cousin and the second master have finished talking, but you ask someone to put the food on the water pavilion behind. It's hot weather, where is it cool by the water wind?" I can see the lotus."

The emperor was strolling leisurely in the back garden of the mansion, Jia Zheng and Zili followed behind the emperor, feeling strange.The emperor Jinkou Yuyan said that they were relatives of the Wang family, so Ming Zili and Jia Zheng treated them as relatives.But who dares to take the emperor as a relative, even the real relatives of the emperor should be carefully served.Zili and Jia Zheng didn't know how to let go of their awkward hands and feet, especially Jia Zheng kept bowing his head and following the emperor step by step. When the emperor said something, Jia Zheng immediately leaned forward and listened quietly.Looking at Jia Zheng's appearance, the emperor couldn't help but tapped Jia Zheng's shoulder with his fan: "Didn't I tell you to be more casual, why are you still playing tricks? Jia Cunzhou, do you want to disobey the order?"

Jia Zheng was so frightened that he trembled all over, he nodded quickly and said he didn't dare, seeing Jia Zheng's embarrassment, the emperor couldn't help but feel better.Zili couldn't stand Jia Zheng's nervousness any longer. Taking advantage of others not paying attention, he tugged on Jia Zheng's sleeve, pointed at his sleeve, and motioned for Jia Zheng to wipe the sweat off his face.The family is not monolithic, even if there is no Wei Wang's eyeliner to weird relatives, the news will leak out.Zili didn't want this news to leak out too early.

Unexpectedly, Jia Zheng was really nervous, he didn't understand what Zili meant and just looked at her stupidly.Zili glared at him angrily. He wiped the sweat off Jia Zheng's face with a handkerchief, and said in a low voice, "It's so worthless. Did you look like this when you took the exam at the Golden Temple? Do you remember your last name?"

"I just didn't realize it too suddenly." Jia Zheng blushed when he realized that he had lost his composure. He took Zili's handkerchief and stuffed it into his sleeve before walking away.

Compared with Jia Zheng who was about to pass out nervously, Jia Zhu and Yuan Chun really regarded the emperor as their relatives. The three children played together in a blink of an eye, and there was no estrangement at all.Seeing Zili coming, Jia Zhu ran over and got into Zili's arms: "Aniang, Da Lang invited me to his house in the capital, is that okay?"

Although their family is big, it’s not fun at all. You are still too young, son. As the saying goes, the picture is broken. Zili complained in his heart about the prince’s invitation and said with a smile on his face: "At present, your father is still in Qingzhou. Let's talk about when we return to the capital." As he spoke, Zili wiped the sweat off Jia Zhu's face with a towel, and straightened his clothes.Yuan Chun was fine, but the prince watched Jia Zhu acting like a baby in Zili's arms, with disappointment and envy on his face.Although the empress is still in a respectable position, the emperor's favor has long since disappeared from her. Every time the empress sees her son, she will inevitably show sadness.Children are always attached to their mothers. Seeing that others are loved by their mothers, the prince always feels a little lost when he sees them.

At this moment, Jia Zhu didn't know how he felt blessed. He struggled out of Zili's arms and said impatiently, "Mother-in-law, I can wipe my own sweat." Shengse pinched his son's face and made a resentful tone: "Little thing with no conscience, you don't care about it, just don't spoil others. Is there anyone who talks to your mother like this? See if I tell you to sue your husband." Go." Saying that, Zili pretended to be angry and pushed Jia Zhu away and asked the girl to take him to wash up.Here, Zili pulled the prince over again and asked kindly if he was tired just now, did Jia Zhu bully him, if Jia Zhu bullied him, just tell himself, she will support the prince.Hearing Zili's gentle tone, the prince suddenly blushed and said with embarrassment: "Everything is fine. I had a great time playing with Zhu'er. It's just that he has to go to school so he can't accompany me."

The emperor was watching the koi in the pond and Jia Zheng was muttering something by the side of the water pavilion. Hearing what his son said, the emperor turned his face and said, "What's the problem? You just follow Zhuer to school. I still have things to do." Busy, how about you stay at my aunt's house?"

Hearing the emperor's words, the crown prince showed uncontrollable excitement on his face, and he asked in disbelief, "Father, father, can I really stay here for a few days and play with Zhu'er?"

"I'm not telling you to play all day long. You go to school with Zhu'er. I asked Zhu'er. Although he is a few months younger than you, he reads more than you. When you are at home, there are many teachers around you. Getting up to study before dawn, I think it’s better for Zhuer to learn while playing. You should learn more from him. Although you must be willing to work hard, you can’t blindly put in stupid effort. How many times do you follow Zhuer? Tianxue." The emperor liked Jia Zhu's cleverness and asked his son to learn from Jia Zhu.Zili and Jia Zheng heard the emperor's words with mixed feelings. It's a good thing for their son to be praised for his cleverness, but the emperor's words made them uneasy.Jia Zhu's future is of course important, but if the emperor ordered Jia Zhu to enter the palace to accompany the prince to study.No matter how clever a child is, he can't handle it in the deep palace.It is definitely not a good job to accompany the prince to study.

Jia Zheng seemed to have an olive in his mouth, and said vaguely: "The dog is stupid and uneducated, so I can't deserve such a compliment. I'm afraid I have taught Dalang badly."

Seeing Jia Zheng and Zili saying this in unison, the emperor ignored them and just said lightly: "I'm hungry." Zili and Jia Zheng looked at each other and hurriedly called for dinner.

After the meal, the emperor took Dai Quan away, leaving behind a few eunuchs and guards to follow Prince Jia Zheng's house.With a distinguished guest at home, Zili spent a lot of thought on how to accommodate the future master of the country.In the end, Zili asked someone to sort out a remote place next to his main house to settle down for the prince, and asked Xiaoai to take a few reliable servants to serve there.All food and delicacies have to be inspected layer by layer. It is said that the prince's health is weak and he can't be careless.Children belong to children after all, Jia Zhu and Yuan Chun did not have any doubts about their parents' sudden anxiety, they were very happy to have a little friend to play with them.

In the evening, Zili personally watched His Royal Highness go to bed before going to see Jia Zhu and Yuan Chun. The children naturally fell asleep after a day of playing.But Zili and Jia Zheng had insomnia. Jia Zheng lay on the bed and he knew that Zili hadn't fallen asleep like him: "You should go to sleep. It's all up to God."

"What did the emperor tell you? I don't believe that the emperor dares to bring a few people to Qingzhou to eradicate the king of Wei. What is the emperor's plan?" Zili stared at the tent with piercing eyes. Although his body was tired, his spirit was very excited.

"I can't hide anything from you. The emperor has quietly deployed [-] soldiers and horses on the border of Qingzhou. There is indeed King Wei's eyeliner in the capital palace. I didn't expect the emperor's scheming to be so deep. Diao, to lure out the traitors around him, eliminate serious troubles, and also inspect the officials in Qingzhou and the ministers in the court. Tomorrow, I will go to the river engineering to supervise the work." Jia Zheng held Zili's hand in the dark.

Why do you want to go to the river work!What to do here?Zili stood up abruptly and stared at Jia Zheng in the dark. She wanted to open Jia Zheng's brain to see if there was any water in it. Even if you want to perform for the emperor, you should stop in moderation.The most important task right now is not to go down to the grassroots, but to protect the safety of the emperor, and by the way, mobilize the troops in Qingzhou to prepare to fight against the king of Wei.

"Of course I know, but I can only pretend to be deaf and dumb because of the emperor's intention. The emperor told me not to reveal this matter. He wanted to see how many officials in Qingzhou were on the side of the court. If something happened, , what choice will they make?" Jia Zheng sighed and covered his face with his hand and stopped talking.Of course Zili knew why Jia Zheng was depressed. Although there were many officials in Qingzhou who were a little unclear with the King of Wei, their hearts were full of flesh and blood. After all, they were colleagues and worked together. It was quite a pleasure, everyone was polite when they met, and the officials under Jia Zheng wanted to do something to cheer him up and save face.In fact, there is mutual rivalry in the officialdom, but harmony also exists.Jia Zheng got along well with his subordinates.But he had to watch them jump into the pit without making a sound.Jia Zheng inevitably felt a little uncomfortable.But in the officialdom's rules, if you don't die a poor Taoist, he can only pretend to be deaf and dumb.

"You don't need to be too sad. In fact, there are causes and effects in the world. They all read the books of sages and worked hard for ten years. Those big truths are better than anyone else. Since you know the truth, you should correct your behavior and leave. Demons and heretics always have to pay the price. Evil never prevails, and this is also the principle of a sage. Stop thinking about it, get a good night’s rest and go to the construction site tomorrow.” Zili lay down next to Jia Zheng, comforting him Mood.

"After hearing your words, I feel ashamed. I am worried about you. I am on the river work outside the city. If something happens, I will not be in immediate danger. I am worried about you. If you are alone in the city, if you are a little The wind is blowing, what can you do by yourself? I originally wanted to send a team of soldiers and horses to protect you, but the movement of troops and horses in the city is too conspicuous, and it would be even worse if I was noticed by me.” Jia Zheng sighed and pulled Zili He lay on his shoulder and stroked her hair.

"I've made my own arrangements. Don't worry, the emperor won't hurt his son if he keeps the prince." Zili comforted Jia Zheng, and the couple talked for a while and gradually fell asleep.

The next morning, as usual, Zili watched Jia Zhu and the prince go to school together, and she specifically asked Zhou Rui to send Jia Zhu to Mr. Wen's place for class, saying that the prince was a nephew of her natal family and would follow his father to stay with relatives for a few years , I want to study with Jia Zhu for a few days, and I ask Mr. Wen to take more care of me.She also prepared a generous gift for Mr. Wen, asking Mr. Wen to be patient with the prince.

Then Jia Zheng also rode out of the city with several family members and servants. Only Zili and Yuanchun mother and daughter were left in the family.Zili called the lady in charge of the house and the girl to deal with the housework for the day, when suddenly the little girl outside came in and said, "Master Chang Shi from Prince Wei's residence is here, and he wants to see grandma and has something to say." Zili almost heard this. He threw the teacup in his hand to the ground.At this time, the long history of King Wei came?An unknown premonition hit my heart.Zi Liqiang calmed down and said to the little girl to ask someone to accompany Mr. Chang Shi to talk, and I will come over right away.

The little girl was busy going out to spread the word, Zili calmed down and called Bohe and said: "I want to go to Zhuangzi to live for a few days, you pack up Zhuer and Yuanchun's things. You and the people who follow Dalang also say hello." They packed up their things and prepared." Although Bo He was puzzled, Zi Li could only comply with such orders and ask someone to pack up.

Surrounded by a group of servants, Zili went to the flower hall in front of him, and saw Chang Shi in Wei Wang's mansion sitting there drinking tea.Seeing Zili coming, he stood up and bowed to him: "Hi Mrs. Xian, my concubine Qin's birthday is tomorrow and I would like to invite Mrs. Xian to come and sit down." This is a lie!Concubine Qin's birthday is one month away in autumn, and it's not like she wants to celebrate her [-]th birthday with a banquet in advance.

Zili made a helpless expression and said: "What a coincidence, my second master went to the river to work for the workers, and the family has a lot of things in the past few days, so he couldn't leave. I remember your concubine Qin's birthday is in autumn. Why is it that the weather is hot now, but birthday is coming. I was thinking about giving Qin Concubine a generous birthday gift this autumn, but it's too late now."

"Our Concubine Qin wants to go back to the capital in autumn. The prince is thinking about Concubine Qin and asks to celebrate her birthday first. In fact, it is just to find a chance to have a fun day for Concubine Qin. What birthday gift is not a birthday gift, my prince and princess and Mrs. Jia’s family’s friendship doesn’t mean that a birthday gift is not a birthday gift. It’s settled, I’ll bring a sedan chair to invite Mrs. Xian over tomorrow morning.” Chang Shi stood up and left without giving Zili a chance to speak.

As soon as Chang Shi left, Mr. Zhou suddenly ran in with a panicked expression: "Second Grandma is in trouble, King Wei is about to rebel, hurry up and send a letter to Dong Weng."