Prequel to the Red Chamber: I Am the Second Wife

Just when Baochai fell into despair alone, the queen's bedroom was full of laughter and laughter, and the queen specially stayed in Zili to drink tea. Naturally, the emperor would not leave, so he stayed and talked together.Now the empress has completely let go of the relationship between Zili and the emperor, and sometimes she even wonders whether her life would be happier if the former emperor had fulfilled the marriage between the emperor and Mrs. Jia.Marry a well-matched person and live a quiet life. Although the glory and wealth in the palace is good, but Liang Yuan is not the hometown of long-term love. Her whole life is like a poor horse being forced into a heavy cart. The talents who mend the sky have to bite the bullet.

Thinking about these years, it was Mrs. Jia who understood her own difficulties best, and would reach out to help her when she was in trouble. After many years in the deep palace, she was able to protect the crown prince and shock the Liugong. Many of them were due to Zili's help and advice.Now the queen and Zili are brothers who have gone through a lot of calamities, and when they meet each other, they smile away their grievances. Although they are still the courtesy of the monarch and his ministers on the surface, they have become unreliable friends in the heart without knowing it.

The atmosphere was more relaxed without outsiders. The queen and Zili talked about how to spend the full moon for the little grandson who was about to be born, and how to buy more clothes and toys.Where did the emperor hear these words? He listened with gusto while holding a teacup beside him, listening to Zili and the empress discussing what complementary food should be given to the child when the child is six months old, which ones the nanny should choose, and how many diapers should be prepared. Cope with the rainy days that may come your way in the past.The emperor couldn't help sighing: "Forget it, your head is too big. How can a child sound the same as mobilizing thousands of troops. But I said the word first, the emperor's grandchildren are related to the state. Don't be too pampered. Born in a deep palace and raised in the hands of a woman, how can he inherit the country and land of his ancestors in the future?!"

Zili said with a smile: "Your Majesty is the one who really cares about his grandson. It's just that children, especially newborn children, are very delicate. They are like fresh flowers that have just come out of the greenhouse. They are immediately taken outside to blow the wind and rain." If you hit it, the flowers will be ruined. You have to grow them slowly to adapt to the outside climate before you can transplant them. Children are delicate until they are three years old. Although His Majesty is eager to see the grandchildren grow up, you can't overwhelm the growth of the seedlings. .”

"What Mrs. Jia said is that a newborn baby only knows how to cry, sleeps with milk, and gets sick all day long. Your Majesty is in a hurry." The emperor's words declared that the child born in Yuanchun is the grandson of the emperor. The future is to inherit the country.So it means that the prince's position is stable, and the queen's mood is getting better.

"Forget about your women's affairs, I don't care about it!" The emperor realized that he had said something wrong and made people laugh, so he waved his hands and started to play dumb. "Your Majesty said just now that you can't let the grandson grow up in the hands of a woman. The concubines and the queen don't dare to care about it anymore. I think it's better to wait for the grandson to be born and put him in the care of your majesty. Anyway, the grandson will learn to cultivate himself in the future." If the Qi family governs the country, it is not bad to learn to govern the country from the emperor since childhood." Zili joked about the emperor's shortcomings, and she made half-true suggestions, but she actually had her own calculations.Men have never experienced pregnancy and childbirth, and they don't have the natural feelings of mothers for their children. It is better to let the emperor and his grandson cultivate their feelings from an early age. Sun is also a moderator.

"That's a good idea, why don't you ask Your Majesty to work hard." The queen seemed to understand what Zili meant, and followed suit.

The emperor never thought that having children had anything to do with him, so he snorted dismissively.The queen didn't dare to speak anymore, so Zili spread his hands at the queen and changed the subject.After talking for a while, the emperor suddenly sighed and said: "What you are talking about is all about mother-in-law and mother-in-law!"

"Your Majesty, the concubine and the empress have become grandmothers, what else can I say? If you can still talk about flowers and flowers when you are young, it is a pity that you are old and those bright things can no longer be used. People I am also old, and my temper is worn out, so there are only trivial things left to my children and grandchildren? But when there are good things, everyone is happy when they hear them, and when they meet unhappy ones, they can only let go of them and let them go .” Zili sighed and stroked his temples, “I’ve already grown gray hair!”

The emperor was silent for a while after hearing Zili's words, and then said: "You are right, but your mentality is very good, and you don't become stubborn like people getting older. It is a blessing to be able to age leisurely. Compared with me, I am so inferior It's far away." At this time, a little maid came in and whispered something in the queen's ear, and the queen said to the emperor, "It's the queen mother who has something to say to her concubines, and she can't accompany her majesty."

"The queen mother has something to do, you just go there, and I should go back to read the papers." Speaking of the emperor also stood up, Zili hurriedly got up and said goodbye.The empress left first, leaving only the emperor and Zili. The emperor looked at Zili and said, "Go for a walk in the imperial garden. A new pavilion has been built in the garden recently, which is very nice." The emperor walked away with his hands behind his back.

Zili could only keep up with it. The royal garden was naturally exquisitely and uniquely constructed, and it was decorated with the most exquisite thoughts by skilled craftsmen from all over the world.The garden in front of me is more exquisite than the last time Zili came. Behind the Taihu Stone, there is a small three-room hall, and an exquisite hexagonal plum blossom pavilion was built on the rock behind. "In winter, there are plum blossoms here. It is best to see the plum blossoms and enjoy the snow on the middle of the mountain. This pavilion is still built by your prudish one." The emperor pointed to the pavilion and said to Zili.

Prudish!Countless black lines fell from Zili's head, and the emperor really told the truth. Isn't Jia Zheng just a prudish? !Seeing that Zhuo Li was silent, the emperor snorted, "Is he out of office and at home, does it show your face?" As for Jia Zheng, the emperor always liked to vilify him in his heart.

"That's not true. The emperor should know that although his temper is a bit boring, he still understands it in his heart, and he doesn't have much to let go of those things outside of him. Recently, Zhu'er has a son, and he is happy to play with his grandchildren at home all day long. Very. They are old couples who have been together for decades. How many quarrels have there been? In fact, I watched Jia Zheng very satisfied with the life in front of me, but there are always some unsatisfactory things in life. I'm angry about King Jing's affairs. What can I do to give birth to a child who doesn't live up to expectations!" Zili is very satisfied with the life ahead, and Jia Zheng is qualified as a companion.

The emperor turned around abruptly, stared at her with a half-smile and said, "You have become free and easy, that kid Jia Zheng has had a smooth life, and his life has been smooth and smooth, so why should others be so angry? He can get what he gets without any effort. When he gets old, he can still enjoy his life in peace. I don’t know when I will do it. Sometimes I think that if I can’t get up in one breath, this life will just pass by. At that time, I was completely relaxed." As he spoke, a gloomy look appeared on the emperor's face, and his eyes were full of exhaustion.

Then you are still playing around all day long!No matter how good the body is, it can't be made like this!Zili gave the emperor a white look, and replied with a smile that was not a smile: "Your Majesty is tired from being busy with state affairs. After all, you should also think about taking care of your health. You should take care of yourself even for the sake of your grandchildren." Dragon body. If he waits until the emperor's grandson is born and grows up, he will still pester His Majesty to play with him all day. Don't let His Majesty spend all his energy on those beautiful and beautiful family members in the harem, but has no energy to pamper his grandson. To put it bluntly, the grandson belongs to me. As for that, Your Majesty is the Lord of the world, so why worry about not having a beautiful woman by your side."

The emperor couldn't help laughing after hearing Zili's words: "Okay, I'm just waiting for your words. I'm still thinking about how long you'll hold back to talk to me. You used to like your niece very much." Well, why are you suddenly jealous now?"

Zili took a step back, avoiding the face with a teasing smile that appeared in front of him: "I naturally like all the children of my relatives. She is indeed a beauty, sensible, obedient, and talented. How can your majesty?" Don't you like it yet? I'm not boasting, there are not many girls who are better than her in this world. It seems that the emperor likes the new and dislikes the old, so why did you pull me in for nothing?"

The emperor laughed out loud: "This is insincere. Your niece looks good in terms of appearance and personality, but she is not real. She is just like the beauties in the paintings. She is rigid. No, it can't be said to be rigid, is she right? Xin, a beauty with no heart and no soul is just a good-for-nothing, and Xinxian will get tired of it after a few days. I just didn't expect her to be a bit of a city, and she likes to calculate people. I thought that if she could stay in peace I don't mind having multiple servants, but she still wants to play tricks in the palace. Such people are definitely not tolerated in the palace. After all, she is your niece, and I won't do anything to her. As long as she can be quiet." The emperor still had a joking tone at first, but the last few words became more and more cold, and Zili was also taken aback by the emperor's tone, and hurriedly straightened his expression and bowed to the emperor: "Thank you, the emperor, for your kindness. It's because the concubines can't teach me well at home—"

"What does this have to do with you? You are not her mother. I know you were probably included in her calculations. If not, why would she—forget telling you what to do with someone who has nothing to do with you. Let's go up and see ——" The emperor pointed to the pavilion on the hillside and asked Zili to go up together, and climbed up to enjoy the scenery of the imperial garden.

Waiting for Zili to return to the East Palace, Yuan Chun greeted her with her stomach outstretched. Her face was full of anxiety and anticipation. Seeing Zili's relaxed face, Yuan Chun also let out a long sigh of relief: "Mother, everything is going well. Go now. I have been waiting anxiously for such a long time."

"Don't worry, I just went to pay my respects to the empress. Why is it the same as going to Longtan and Tiger's Cave? You are getting older, and you are going to give birth recently. The most taboo thing is to be angry and emotional. The empress treats you very much." Missing, more than anyone else, she is looking forward to you giving birth to a grandson. When I saw her today, I felt like it was yesterday when I saw her for the first time when I entered the palace draft. Time really flies, time is not forgiving." Zili felt that time is ruthless.

Yuan Chun knew from Zili's tone that Baochai was all over, and her mood also improved, and the anxiety of many days disappeared.The mother and daughter had dinner, and came back with the prince's people to get things. Yuan Chun met in person and gave a lot of advice.It was already dark when we waited to rest.It may be that the nerves that had been tense for several days suddenly let go, and Yuan Chun suddenly felt a dull pain in his stomach.Zi Lidun became nervous, and she immediately called for someone. Both the imperial doctor and Wen Po had been waiting in the East Palace a month ago, and now they all came with one call.The result of Wen Po's examination is that Yuanchun's fetal gas is ripe and ready to give birth.

Zili became nervous after hearing Po Wen's words, but she quickly calmed down. There were strict rules in the palace, and Yuan Chun had already had several experienced nuns around her, and they got busy step by step.Zili also recovered quickly, and went into the delivery room to cheer her on with her daughter.After a whole night of tossing, Yuan Chun gave birth to a boy smoothly, Zili was relieved to see the newborn soft red bun, his eyes darkened and he almost fainted.You must know that giving birth with Yuanchun was more painful and tense than giving birth by herself.Fortunately, this child was very caring, and his mother came out without much trouble.

The queen, the emperor, and the queen mother all sent people to announce the good news, and soon the entire palace was immersed in the joy of the birth of the emperor's grandson.Three days after the child was born, the crown prince also rushed back. Looking at his son, the crown prince was stupefied, staring at the child in Zili's arms, and stammered for a long time before saying: "Why are you talking to me? Like a little mouse, yet so ugly!" Successfully aroused the eyes and ridicule of the mother-in-law and wife.After that, the prince hugged his son and never let go. He was just a little mouse, but he became the cutest child in the world in a blink of an eye.

It is definitely a happy thing to have a mother by her side to care for and take care of her. Yuan Chun's body recovered very quickly.Waiting for the full moon, Zili retired and returned home with a generous reward and a gift from the prince and his wife to the Jia family.Also reward the duke of Fuguo!The emperor's grandson was born in Yuanchun, and Jia Zheng had a title. Jia's family is really full of flowers and flowers.

Jia Zheng was not particularly excited about the emperor's reward. After experiencing this twists and turns, Jia Zheng has a deeper understanding of being with a king like a tiger.Looking at his wife's tired face, Jia Zheng pulled Zili and said, "You've worked hard these days, take a good rest."

"My bones are sore and I just want to rest. What happened when I was not at home? Why didn't I see Miss Lin when I came back today? But Sanmei returned to the capital?" Zili leaned on the pillow , every joint in his body was clamoring for pain.

"Don't mention it, the third sister is back, and she complained to me about you. She said that you favored your natal family and plotted against her daughter! When I got angry, I quarreled with her a few times. You know her temper. I went home with Yu'er. I was really chilled, we did our best to help her look after the child, and treated Yu'er as well as our own daughter. In the end, there was no hard work, and we were blamed!" Jia Zheng said to Zhuo Zili complained about Jia Min's vexatious behavior.

"She probably thinks that Baoyu from our family is a good son-in-law. They are both old ladies, what kind of kisses are more intimate. Forget it, let her think about it. Uncle Lin is a person who keeps what he says, since he promised The marriage will definitely not change. I saw that Xiangyun is here, and I heard from the girls that Xiangyun has been at our house recently, could it be that the old lady deliberately asked Xiangyun to be our daughter-in-law?" Zili said clearly in his heart. Mystery.Jia Zheng smiled wryly and complained to Zili: "What's more, in fact, I think that girl is a delay to Baoyu. She is young and sighs all day long, saying some depressing words about her lack of talent, just do as I say. His idea is so talented that he can make up for the sky, and it made God sick. I told the old lady that Baoyu was not in a hurry to get married, and I was scolded again. What are you saying? I asked myself if I was right. My son is the same in everything, and it is also a lie, but my heart for Baoyu is the same as Zhuer's. I even care more about it. However, if the old lady thinks so, I have nothing to say. Recently I found that Baoyu also seems to be complaining, I am worried about him, but he is still indifferent." As he spoke, Jia Zheng's eyes turned red.

Seeing her husband sad is also uncomfortable for Zili. In Jia Zheng's heart, no matter how good Yuan Chun is, she is still a daughter, and it is his son who can really carry his hopes.Baoyu is the youngest son. In fact, Jia Zheng is more fond of the child. It’s just that Jia Zheng thinks that he loves the child and Jia’s mother thinks that he loves the child. The difference between mother and son in educating the child is getting bigger and bigger. Baoyu is a child with no opinions , a little weak, Jiamu's complaints must be blown into Baoyu's ears, and there must be some ideas.

"I know your grievances. I think Baoyu may have been too spoiled at home and didn't know the dangers outside. You see, Pan'er, a child who goes out a few times, is like a different person. Although he still doesn't study much, he doesn't do things or talk. I think it’s better to ask Baoyu to experience the hardships outside, so that he can understand the hardships outside. After waiting for him to suffer outside, he should understand. As for the old lady, as a son Being wronged is nothing but filial piety. Didn't you say that you are a filial son!" Zili nodded at Jia Zheng jokingly.

"Today, I have experienced the filial piety that the saints said. Filial piety is the real filial piety if the parents have something wrong. If I can argue with the old lady, I don't just want to make the old lady happy. I won't have the troubles I have now." After living for decades, Jia Zheng finally understood, but the price was quite high.

The next day Zili came back from Jiamu's side and asked someone to call Baoyu. Before entering the palace, Zili scolded Baoyu.It's just that Baoyu has lost the activeness of the past, just like a spoiled and coquettish child suddenly discovers that there is a limit to the adults' favor, and no longer dares to act unscrupulously. .Zili looked at Baoyu's guarded and alienated eyes, and felt uncomfortable. The child he raised so hard just looked at you like this, and anyone would be rubbed against him. No wonder Jia Zheng complained to her.

Zili sighed inwardly, but said with a gentle face, "I haven't been at home these few days, Xiren and the others have been serving you with all their heart. Yesterday your father complained to me that your son was estranged from him, and I said you raised your eyebrows at Baoyu all day long." If you have a purpose, the child is naturally afraid of you. Tell me what you have in your heart. I called you here today, not to teach anyone to complain. You have grown up slowly and have your own thoughts. I know you are not very good. I like to be an official, and I don’t force you. You were young before, and I forced you to study because you were worried that you would be spoiled by those crooked ways. You are tired of monarchs and ministers, but there are still a hundred schools of thought. Now that you have grown up, It’s up to you to decide what you like to read.”

Hearing Zili's words, Baoyu was bewildered, he didn't expect his mother to be so enlightened, on the contrary he himself was confused.If you don't read Confucius and Mencius, you don't have to take the imperial examination. Baoyu was ecstatic at first and then confused.What else can I do?Looking at Baoyu's bewildered eyes, Zili felt helpless. He thought that Baoyu really had great talent, and could find a new way to create his own world and break out of the old stereotype.Even if you don't ask him to become a big thinker like Wang Yangming, he can make some small achievements, but Baoyu doesn't have any plans or talents to form a school of his own.It seems that she really gave birth to a rich second generation or a prodigal rich second generation.

Seeing Baoyu's bewildered look, Zili was completely helpless. She suppressed the depression in her heart and changed the subject: "Although you don't need to study anymore, you can't be full all day and stay in the dark. What do you have in the days to come?" Plan. You grew up with the old lady, you may not be able to go out the door a few times, even if you go out, it is just to go to relatives' house, to socialize with your father or something. What is it like in the city and the people? You don't know at all. You see, your big brother Xue's family used to be dawdling around, but he went out a few times as if he was a different person. I didn't ask you to follow him to do business, I just wanted to tell you Knowing the ways of the world, and understanding what it is like to live in the world, if you want, I will ask your father to find a way for you to do it. Although the errand is small, you can also know the ways of the world by doing it from the bottom."

Baoyu came back to his senses slowly, he was immediately unhappy when he heard Zili's words, he grew up with his sisters, how could he deal with those petty officials and traffickers?Baoyu didn't like to talk to those who looked untidy among the servants, let alone being a servant in the yamen and being driven by others.A disgusted expression suddenly appeared on Baoyu's face, and he pulled Zili and said coquettishly: "My wife knows that I have always been a bit of a clean freak. Those people outside are weird and dirty. I have always disliked socializing. If I go out, I will embarrass my parents. In fact, I It's not that I'm afraid of hard work, I'm really worried about what the old lady will think if I go out."

Zili's heart turned cold when she heard Baoyu's words. This Baoyu was hopeless, so she couldn't help asking: "What can you do?"

After Baoyu listened to Zili's words, he pondered for a while, and his style of painting changed: "I am a useless person, the wife and the master should ignore me as a son." Baoyu's words blocked Zili so much that he almost vomited blood.She smiled wryly and waved to Baoyu: "You'd better make the old lady happy, and you can be considered a filial piety on our behalf." Baoyu was born with the wrong gender, he must be a girl.