Self-cultivation after the cannon fodder

Within a day, the red blood bar decreased by at least two points.

Zhu Sining took out the previous pamphlet to record, and briefly wrote down the situation of the day.

There is no task recently, Zong Qihao will come to Zhu Sining to check in from time to time, and the concubines who come to party in the harem will gradually get used to it after seeing them a few times.

"Your Highness, look at this." Lu Jieyu unfolded the scroll, and on the other side was Wang Zhaoyi's embroidery.

The two works present the same picture: the flowers wither in late spring, the yellow butterfly bids farewell under the flowers, the leaves are shaded, and a thrush pokes out half of its head.

"It looks good." Zhu Sining could only applaud.

Lu Jieyu's paintings are quite vivid, the thrush is smart and cute, Wang Zhaoyi's embroidery is lifelike, with fine stitches, the thrush seems to be flying out of the silk cloth.

Wang Zhaoyi was dissatisfied: "Which one do you think is better, Your Highness?"

Zhu Sining said: "They are all very good. I don't know any of these, and I think they are all very good."

Wang Zhaoyi has a strong desire to win and lose, even if these are two different types of art works, she still has to distinguish them.

The other concubines have long been fed up with Wang Zhaoyi, and whenever they encounter this kind of thing, they would back away. Now that there is Zhu Sining, they all say that they are the biggest person in the harem, and that's what they say.

Zhu Sining: "..." Although, you seem to have forgotten that there is Zong Qihao.

Wherever he could see, the concubine in that position began to look for something to do, looking like she was thinking.As soon as he turned away, he started eating melons and watching the show again.

Concubine Xu Shu smiled and asked, "Which one do you think is better, Your Highness?"

"What does Concubine Xu Shu think?" Zhu Sining threw the question back.

At the beginning, the person who said he wanted to find Zhu Sining to make a decision was [-]% likely to be Concubine Xu Shu.

Before Concubine Xu Shu could answer, Wang Zhaoyi said, "Of course Yingying thinks mine is the best, her words don't count."

Very good, Concubine Xu Shu's probability is [-]%.

Insufficient in appreciation, Zhu Sining had to rack his brains to think of a lot of adjectives to praise, and finally Wang Zhaoyi raised his chin and said proudly: "Your Highness should still think mine is better, but I just don't want to hurt your heart so I can't say it."

Lu Jieyu was dissatisfied: "Where did you see that?"

Wang Zhaoyi plausibly said: "Because I praised my adjectives, I have reached 31. But for you, the painting is just a few words, um...about seventeen, and three are repeated, especially At first, Your Highness thought that something dirty was stuck to that butterfly, so doesn't that prove that you are not good at drawing?"

Perfect logic, irrefutable.

Lu Jieyu sought approval from Zhu Sining: "Your Highness really thinks so?"

Zhu Sining and Xi Ni: "Of course not. Embroidery and painting each have their own characteristics, so there is no one to compare them with."

Liu Mei said: "But we used to be like this in the boudoir, there must be one that is better."

Zhu Sining made a suggestion: "Otherwise, let's vote by secret ballot, which one is better for everyone to vote together."

Concubine Xu Shu stood up first: "The concubine will not participate. Everyone knows who I will choose, and I will count."

Zhu Sining wrote a random one and handed it in. Before the final result came out, he said to Concubine Lu Gui: "I still have a few palace affairs that I don't understand clearly. I want to discuss it with Concubine Lu Gui. You play first."

Concubine Xu Shu nodded with a half-smile and watched the two leave.

=======

Concubine Xu Shu is indeed a devil-level character!

Just this calmness can make people shudder.

Zhu Sining, who was out of Concubine Xu Shu's sight, had lingering fears: "Whether it's winning or losing, Wang Zhaoyi has a way of saying it, which is really too strong."

Concubine Lu Gui smiled: "Since this is the case, why does Your Highness drag me away?"

Zhu Sining said: "Your popularity has just risen, if Wang Zhaoyi targets you, then the previous efforts will be in vain."

Concubine Lu Gui smiled: "Your Highness is worrying too much, I can still handle such trivial matters."

Zhu Sining asked back: "I can save you such a trouble, why don't I do it?"

Concubine Lu Gui was startled, and then solemnly saluted, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."

"No need," Zhu Sining didn't think it was a big deal, but Concubine Lu Guifei's gift made him feel like all his previous efforts had been wasted, "If you are so polite again, I won't invite you over in the future."

In response, Concubine Lu Gui said: "Actually, Your Highness does not seek concubines, and concubines want to discuss with His Highness."

The harem is not ignorant of the situation in the previous dynasty, especially these concubines were born in aristocratic families, and they have been influenced by their ears and eyes since childhood, so they can cultivate a little bit of political sensitivity.

"There is a severe drought in the southwest and the treasury is empty. Your Majesty has confiscated several of them now. Although I will be regarded as a royal when I enter the palace, it is hard to guarantee that my family members are greedy and use the name of the harem to pretend to be powerful."

Zhu Sining comforted: "Don't worry about this, even if it is found out, as long as it is not a serious crime of treason, His Majesty will not implicate you."

Concubine Lu Gui said: "Not only that, the cost of His Majesty's bedroom has been reduced a lot in the past few months, I think, should our harem also be reduced?"

"The cost of His Majesty's bedroom has been reduced?" Zhu Sining thought about it, Zong Qihao had been running to him a lot these days, and the lamps and candles alone were not enough.

Concubine Lu meant that Zong Qihao had to be an example, and the harem had to follow suit, especially on Zhu Sining's side, who used more lamps and candles this month than before.

...It seems that we have to find a way to change Zong Qihao's fear of the dark, which is too much of a waste of candles.

Zhu Sining didn't think too much about this. The expenses of the harem were all within the prescribed limits. If other concubines were willing to take the initiative to reduce where they could be reduced, he would not object.

"But if you need to add more in the future, you don't need to report to me." Since there is no extravagance and waste, there is no need to deliberately cut down on food and clothing. Everyone is just dawdling, and Zhu Sining doesn't want to embarrass each other.

Zhu Sining counted the days: "But... why does it feel a little fast?"

Confiscating the house is not just an imperial decree. He just said a little bit, and Zong Qihao can quickly arrest people. The investigation and search will take a lot of time.

It feels like the goal was set early in the morning, much faster than the time in the original book.

Even with his reminder, it wouldn't be so much in advance.

Concubine Lu Gui asked: "Your Highness knows that His Majesty wants to search?"

"I know a little bit, His Majesty mentioned it a little bit."

Concubine Lu showed a look of disapproval: "Your Highness, the harem is not allowed to participate in politics. It is better not to discuss political affairs with Your Majesty in the future."

She talked about an old story. In the past, it was not that there were no court ladies who thought about being rich and powerful after Cheng En, but they just wanted Zong Qihao's favor. Apart from appearance, Zong Qihao was deeply impressed by his talents and connotations.

Therefore, there was a bold one who wanted to attract Zong Qihao's attention with some profound remarks.

Of course, the end was miserable. Zong Qihao had just come to power at that time, and he hated other people's finger pointing the most. He was still a court lady with little knowledge. After reading a few books, he felt that he was more capable than those courtiers who had studied hard for decades.

Zhu Sining's knowledge is probably not as much as that little maid.Concubine Lu Gui was worried: "Your Highness is used to doing things casually, and His Majesty doesn't care about it once or twice, but don't forget, Your Highness, there is a Qin-Wang Mansion behind His Highness."

Understanding Concubine Lu Gui's good intentions, Zhu Sining thanked her earnestly: "I know, thank you for your reminder, I will pay attention to it in the future."

In the original book, Xiao Yiming finally sealed the queen and Zong Qihao to rule the country together...

Maybe it's because Xiao Yiming is really talented and can help Zong Qihao, so Zong Qihao will happily share power with him?

Zhu Sining felt that he seemed to be missing something.

Said to save money, Concubine Lu Gui quickly submitted a list, there are indeed some things on it that are dispensable, concubines don't really need it, since Zhu Sining needs to make the empress look competent, they will He conveniently saved Zong Qihao's face and made a statement to the world.

There are several kinds of handwriting on this list, and it can be seen that it was written by the concubines together.

It is very good to work together and show the unity of the concubines. I wish Sining no objection.

but--

"Thank you for your support, but I can't figure out why you vote here for cutting expenses," Zhu Sining clicked on the received list, "There must be a gathering every ten days in Jiaofang Hall, please be sure to invite Is the empress present?"

This suggestion has a lot of pitfalls, Zhu Sining said: "The party is the party, anytime is fine, I don't force everyone to have activities here in Jiaofang Hall, you can go anywhere you want, the view of Taiye Pool in the Imperial Garden is very good , and... why is it 'Niangniang'?"

Wang Zhaoyi raised her hand: "Your Highness, I have something to say."

Zhu Sining agreed: "Please tell me."

Wang Zhaoyi: "'Niang Niang' was written by my concubine, and it has been crossed out."

Zhu Sining: "The front one was crossed out, and after the back one was crossed out, did someone fill it in?"

This operation is simply confusing.

Concubine Xu Shu made a guess: "Maybe it's not smooth? So I made it up."

"Where is it not smooth?" Zhu Sining muttered, and took up a pen to erase it.

Concubine Lu Gui turned her head, pretending not to see the big black ink on the paper.

Concubine Xu Shu: "It was my concubine who proposed to set the party at the Jiaofang Hall. Because Mianmian is very addicted to horse hanging once he loses, and he won't give up until he wins."

I don't know why someone as arrogant as Wang Zhaoyi chose such a soft name...

Zhu Sining tried hard to focus on it: "Wang Zhaoyi's habit is not good, there are actually other activities to do besides playing mahjong."

Concubine Xu Shu bent her almond eyes and smiled sweetly: "If you set the party here with Your Highness, Mianmian will pay attention to the time, won't lose money all the time, and won't waste too much tea and snacks. In general, Everyone saves money."

There's nothing wrong with it, Zhu Sining bowed down: "Concubine Shu is really a genius at saving money."

"Your Highness, thank you." Concubine Xu Shu bowed softly, thanking Zhu Sining.

After the meeting, it is free time.

Zhu Sining hadn't finished reading the few books he had borrowed before, so he simply dug them out and continued reading.

"Your Highness," Liu Meiren approached tiptoely, "I heard that you and His Majesty have gotten very close recently, is it true?"

"Closer? That's true." Zhu Sining said, "Recently, His Majesty and I often go to the Imperial Academy to borrow books."

The most important thing is to create opportunities for Zong Qihao and Xiao Yiming to get along.

Zhu Sining recalled that every time these two people met, they would greet each other back and forth, and then began to report on official business... It should be regarded as progress, and it is better to have something to talk about than nothing.

When they were discussing official business, Zhu Sining usually sat on the other side, flipping through some books that he was not sure whether he needed, and waited for Zong Qihao to finish talking.Occasionally, Zong Qihao would look at what book Zhu Sining borrowed, and Xiao Yiming would briefly explain it, and the two interacted again.

Zhu Sining felt that he was very competent as a tool person.

Showing the books on the table to Liu Meiren, Zhu Sining said: "These are all borrowed from the library, do you want them? If there is something you want to read, I can borrow it for you."

Liu Meiren asked: "Just borrowing books? Nothing else?"

"What else?" Zhu Sining asked back.

Liu Meiren held her chin and smiled innocently: "What does Your Highness think it will be?"

It's meaningless to push a question back and forth. Zhu Sining rolled up the book and hit her on the head: "What about me?! Your Majesty went there to discuss official business. Can you imagine me talking to Your Majesty?" Is it the state of affairs?"

Just looking at the travel stories in Zhu Sining's hands, he knew that this was impossible.

Liu Meiren wrinkled her nose: "It's boring, my concubine is so disappointed."

Zhu Sining picked up the pen and drew three stick figures, one representing him, and Xiao Yiming and Zong Qihao together.

The red blood bar dropped strangely, and it seemed to be getting faster and faster, Zhu Sining couldn't help but care.

Zhu Sining couldn't analyze the reason, but Liu Meiren, who was watching, found it interesting: "Your Highness, this drawing is very rough, but it is quite interesting. Are these three people telling a story?"

The three stick figures didn't write their names, and Zhu Sining just made a simple connection. Each line represents an idea, and there is no label.

Right now, Meiren Liu is hanging on, and Zhu Sining has no intention of revealing herself, so she brought a new booklet, drew stick figures at the footer, and drew a complete set of continuous actions page by page.

"Okay, you're done."

After drawing the last stick figure, Zhu Sining closed the booklet as soon as the ink was dry, and said to Liu Meiren, "Look at it."

The pages of the book were flipped, and the stickman moved accordingly, gesticulating one by one.

Liu Meiren looked at it without blinking: "Your Highness, you are too good at playing."

"The effect is not bad." Zhu Sining is an average painter, and he can draw a few stick figures. "Actually, you can draw more complicated, and then do a more complete set of actions, such as dancing or two people fighting."

Liu Mei said: "In that case, then I would like to borrow some scripts, with embroidered images, anything is fine, as long as His Highness thinks it looks good."

Zhu Sining also liked reading this kind of books, and agreed without hesitation.

With books for communication, Liu Meiren ran to Jiaofangdian from time to time when there was no party.Sometimes he would stay and play a few games of Doudizhu with Lu Guifei and Zhu Sining.

"It's really strange," Liu Meiren stared at Lu Guifei and Zhu Sining, "Every time you two were farmers, I would definitely lose, and I haven't won once until now."

Zhu Sining didn't pay much attention to this: "Are you so miserable? Have you never won?"

"Did you really not communicate in secret behind my back?" Liu Meiren was very skeptical, no matter how many bombs she held in her hand, she would definitely lose to these two.

Concubine Lu Gui: "In fact, I have won before. Didn't Your Highness lead you to win once before?"

Liu Meiren: "But I still lose a lot. It seems that I haven't won much when playing against you two. This is too strange. Obviously, I can win a lot when playing against other people."

Zhu Sining rubbed his nose: "Maybe it's just bad luck."

Lu Guifei: "But, when playing games with His Highness, it's normal to lose."

"..." Liu Meiren was silent, and then looked at Concubine Lu Gui with a strange gaze: "If this is the case, why can you still endure it? It is really frustrating and shocking to lose all the time."

Concubine Lu Guifei thought for a while, then hesitated and said: "It's okay, I don't feel too much, I just think the game is not bad, as long as we can play together, winning or losing is no big deal."

"I don't want to talk to you anymore," Meiren Liu threw away the cards before chatting with Concubine Lu Gui, and sighed, "I don't want to play anymore, it's too unfulfilling."

Today is the agreed day to return the books. Liu Meiren came to Jiaofangdian early in the morning to return the books that Zhu Sining had borrowed, and Zhu Sining made an appointment with Zong Qihao to go to the Imperial Academy together after he finished his work.

Seeing that it was still early, Zong Qihao was not in a hurry, so Zhu Sining hurriedly comforted Liu Meiren: "Don't be discouraged, don't play if you don't want to play, do you want something to eat, I have a new dessert here, do you want it?" Try it?"

New desserts from the Imperial Dining Room are always delivered to Zhu Sining. Before, Zhu Sining thought it was unnecessary. Later, Concubine Lu Gui said that this is a rule. Whenever there is a new dish, the queen must be the first to eat it. arrived.

Zhu Sining was puzzled: "What about Your Majesty? Shouldn't it be him first?"

Concubine Lu Guifei explained: "Your Majesty's food should be safe, and it's best to be safe, so it's only possible for His Majesty to eat it on His Majesty's side if he feels good after eating."

It seems that the emperor Zong Qihao is not the first to enjoy everything.

Zhu Sining doesn't like sweets very much, but whenever a concubine comes to him, he will ask the imperial dining room to deliver new desserts, and everyone will share comments to promote the improvement of the chef in the imperial dining room.

There was something delicious, Liu Meiren's cheeks swelled after eating a few times, and most of her anger disappeared.

"Eat slowly, if it's not enough, let the imperial dining room do it." Zhu Sining poured a cup of tea for Liu Meiren to moisten her throat, "Don't choke."

Someone from the palace entered the hall and informed Zong Qihao that he was about to arrive at Jiaofang Hall.

"Your Majesty actually came here in person?" Liu Meiren took a sip of tea, "Did you just let Your Majesty come here because you wasted your time?"

I wish Sining not to recite this pot: "No, His Majesty finished his work early, okay, I'm such an adult, why should His Majesty take over?"

Liu Meiren snorted, "But when your Majesty comes to the harem, he wants to take books with you to the Imperial Academy, isn't it a detour?"

Concubine Lu Gui said: "Perhaps it's for His Majesty to take a walk after busy work to exercise his muscles."

Zhu Sining knew that Zong Qihao had the habit of exercising. Every time he finished his work or had a meal, he would take a walk whenever he had time.

"Exercising, I think it's good, it's not easy to get fat."

Concubine Lu Gui nodded: "Indeed, you should pay attention to Liu Meiren."

Liu Meiren's eyelashes twitched, and she suddenly had a bad feeling: "What are you paying attention to?"

Concubine Lu Gui: "Eating too many sweets makes you fat."

Liu Meiren, who was eating comfortably, said, "..."

She immediately put down the food in her hands, stood up and turned around, gesturing with her hands around her waist.

"I don't think... I don't seem to be that fat."

Just because she felt it wasn't enough, Liu Meiren asked the palace maid who had been with her all the time: "Do you think I have gained weight recently?"

The palace servant who had just reported to Concubine Lu Gui that Liu Meiren's new clothes should be widened fell silent.

Concubine Lu tugged at the hem of Zhu Sining's clothes, and quietly pointed to Liu Meiren's new clothes making list, the words "widen the waistline" came into Zhu Sining's eyes.

"It really wasn't my illusion..." Zhu Sining tried hard to hold back his laughter, but a few laughs still leaked out and Liu Meiren caught him.

She snatched the new clothes making list and stomped her feet angrily: "It's too much for you! We all sit together and eat, how can I be fat by myself? Although Your Highness doesn't like sweets, he can eat other snacks too. many……"

The more Liu Meiren thought about it, the more wronged she became: "Is there still time for me to vomit?"

Zhu Sining laughed so hard that his stomach hurts: "It's okay, it's okay to be fat, your cloth size is still within the quota, if it's not enough, I will subsidize it from you, and you don't need to spend extra money."

"Subsidy from Your Highness? Is it true?" Liu Meiren looked at Concubine Lu Gui who was in charge.

Concubine Lu Gui moved her lips slightly, just as she was about to say something, she heard the eunuch's high-pitched singing.

—— Zong Qihao is here.

Concubine Lu Gui was the first to stand up and salute to welcome Zong Qihao.

The hall was in a mess, except for the playing cards thrown everywhere, the pastry plates could be placed wherever convenient, as long as they were within reach of one’s hand at any time. In addition, there were also Zhu Sining’s random notes and other booklets. The bookmark showed a pointed end, and it was about to fall along the edge of the book.

Zhu Sining looked around for a week, very embarrassed: "I originally thought that I would wait for His Majesty at the Zichen Palace at about the same time, but I didn't expect His Majesty to come over. I will let the palace staff clean up immediately, Your Majesty, please move to the side hall."

"Don't bother," Zong Qihao casually picked up a dropped list, "Is it a list for making clothes? Plus..."

Liu Meiren's complexion was gray——

It's over, even Zong Qihao, the invisible person in the harem, will know if she is fat, and then the whole harem will know.

It's going to become the talk of everyone after dinner, and maybe they will be urged to lose weight.Otherwise, the quota will not be enough to spend, and the family will have to ask for subsidies, and then the sisters in the family will know that if something is accidentally leaked, the entire capital will soon know.

Ruined!