Daiyu's wife in the Red Chamber

King Shui Rong of Beijing is only 25 or six years old. He is described as beautiful and gentle. Among the four kings, he is the only one who is still a king. Whenever he is not bound by the official and customs of the country, although he already has wives, concubines and children, there are still many people flocking to him.

As the king of the county, except for the concubine, Shui Rong can marry the second concubine and the fourth concubine, all of which are of high rank, comparable to concubines from non-official families, and now one side concubine and four concubines in the Beijing Palace are all from official families concubine.

However, the Beijing Palace and the Rongguo Palace are family friends, and they don't need to be married to get close. I hope Mrs. Wang doesn't have these thoughts.

Daiyu has always been thoughtful, she thought too much, before she finished her thoughts, she heard Princess Beijing say to Mrs. Wang: "How many times have I invited you over the past two years? If the old matriarch doesn't come when she is old, you won't be here either." Well, I was taken aback by coming here suddenly today."

The Rongguo Mansion and the Beijing Prince's Mansion have been friends for generations, and Mrs. Wang didn't shy away from it, and replied with a smile: "If the old lady doesn't come out, I have to take the children out for a walk. The girls in the family seem to grow up every year. How do outsiders know about them if you don’t go out at home every day? That’s why I brought them here while the princess is hosting a banquet, so as to gain some knowledge and not just sit and watch the sky.”

Princess Beijing glanced at the three of them, and said in admiration: "I didn't say that, your house is a place of beauty, which of these girls is unique? It's time to bring them out and let people see them."

Those present, whether they have seen it or not, all followed Princess Bei Jing to praise them, and the latter had their own tributes.

Previously Mrs. Wang declined several marriage proposals to Tanchun on the grounds that Jia Zheng was not at home and she did not dare to make decisions on her own. She did not show any dissatisfaction with those marriages. Unlike Daiyu and Wei Ruolan, others have seen it. The manuscript of Dream of Red Mansions, I don’t know that Baoyu’s marriage to Tanchun was rejected before his parents, and I don’t know the words between Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Jia Zheng. Naturally, I don’t know the feelings of Jia Zheng and Mrs. Wang. Now I see Mrs. Wang taking her daughter When they went out, they thought Jia Zheng had returned home, so Mrs. Wang's behavior was in line with what she had said before in front of everyone.

Daiyu secretly sighed, this is Mrs. Wang's scheming ability, even though the husband and wife wanted to gain benefits from Tanchun's marriage in their hearts, they never revealed the slightest bit in their words and deeds outside.Thinking of this, Daiyu's heart trembled, and she felt a chill.She is not afraid of scheming on the surface, but she is afraid of this kind of behavior, hiding under the calm and calm, who is on guard?

In her opinion, when Mrs. Wang is going out today, she may not only focus on the Beijing Palace. After all, she has to take Yuan Chun's face into consideration and can't do anything inappropriate. Therefore, from the beginning to the end, Mrs. Wang did not reveal a trace of I mean that.

Seeing Mrs. Wang greeting people, Tanchun took herself with her many times, as if to see them for herself, and secretly heaved a sigh of relief.

Because the concubines ordered some girls who had not left the pavilion to come, Princess Beijing called Shui Lian and asked her to entertain them in the side hall, and asked her to prepare tea and fruit for them, Tanchun and Baochaibao. Qin also followed.

Shui Lian was naturally happy to see a few close friends who had been with her frequently, and before leaving, she winked at Dai Yu and smiled.

Although Daiyu was young, she couldn't sit with the girls who hadn't left the pavilion, so she had to stay in the main hall.

She sat in the hall and listened to the gossip of the concubines, whether they talked about their parents, or about clothes and jewelry, or who's children were good. She just found it boring, and she was young, and many of them couldn't get in her mouth, so she sat quietly. Listening to them from the side, just after taking a sip of tea, Princess Zhongshun said with a smile: "The jewelry worn by the county magistrate Jingxiao today is a mandarin duck jewel? Tell me to take a closer look at what it looks like. I heard that the mandarin duck jewel is It's red and green, our lord thinks it's rare, and sent people to look for it several times but couldn't find it."

Daiyu doesn't like to wear new clothes and accessories frequently, even if she is going out to socialize, she doesn't often wear completely new clothes, what she is wearing today is the red and green mandarin duck jewellery, which she never left her body before she left the pavilion.

Someone had noticed it a long time ago, and Princess Zhongshun asked about it. They all looked at it and praised each other endlessly.

Prince Zhongshun and Wei Ruolan are acquainted, Daiyu is naturally close to Princess Zhongshun, unlike the Rongguo Mansion and Prince Zhongshun's mansion who have never had any contact, so after hearing what Princess Zhongshun said, she got up with a smile and walked over, took off the bracelet on her wrist and handed it to She said: "It's the same as ordinary gemstones, but it's not as pure and bright as the top-grade gemstones we often see, it's just that a piece with two colors is relatively rare."

Princess Zhongshun held the bracelet and looked at it for a moment, but she said in her mouth: "The gemstones used by people like us are common no matter how good they are. How can there be mandarin duck gemstones that are so rare? It's really strange, how come two colors are born on one gemstone? "

Thinking of Wei Ruolan's hard work, Daiyu pursed her lips and smiled, her heart was full of tenderness.

Hearing Princess Zhongshun's question, Daiyu smiled and said: "What's so strange about this? It is born with nature, and it is not up to human beings to decide. A small country in the southwest has a beautiful jade called jadeite. Compared with the white jade, jasper, and blue jade that we often wear, it is different. This kind of shocking crystal clear, there are many jadeites are two colors, or three colors, four colors, five colors."

Princess Zhongshun returned the bracelet to her, clapped her palms and said with a smile: "I have quite a collection of the jadeite you mentioned. Others say that suet jade is the most precious, and I only love the crystal of jadeite. I have seen three-color jadeite. As for I haven't seen any of the five colors."

Daiyu said: "You can meet but you can't ask for it. Three colors are rare, let alone five colors? There are many people who will never see each other in their lives."

Originally, although the emeralds in this world are precious jade, they are not as popular as white jade and jasper, and most of them are tributes from small southwestern countries. In that year, the empress suddenly rewarded herself with two sets of crystal clear green emerald heads, which she herself wore at several palace banquets. Wearing green jadeite jewelry of the same texture and color will make the skin more jade-like and dazzling.

Not only that, Emperor Lian Changtai wore a ring pendant carved out of green jadeite when he wore regular clothes, and there was an emerald ornament placed on the imperial case. Suddenly, everyone rushed to follow suit, and now the price of jadeite has doubled several times.

Daiyu liked crystal clear jadeites very much, especially green jadeites, and thought they were more beautiful than white jadeites. Unfortunately, she was living in Rongguo Mansion at that time, she couldn't help herself, and she didn't have much money in her hands, except for the ones given to her by the empress, which was the same as her own from childhood. Apart from the pair of jadeite bracelets that Jia Mu picked out in her dowry, she had no extra collections, but Wei Ruolan had ordered someone to keep the high-quality jadeites in the jewelry shop. Before the price of jadeites increased, the shop bought a lot of goods. , He picked out the jadeite and made a lot of jewelry for himself, filled several boxes, the most precious of which was the five-color jadeite that was as transparent as glass, and there were only a pair of jadeite bracelets and two jadeite pendants.

Ever since jade jewelry became very popular, Princess Shun couldn't put it down. After hearing Daiyu's words, she hurriedly said: "You said that there are many people who have never seen five-color jadeite. Could it be that you have seen it? I just remembered, your family has a The jewelry store sells good jadeite, I picked a lot from there, I think you saw it at your own house."

Daiyu blushed, but she didn't put on a show, and said in a calm and generous manner: "I've only seen it once, red, green, white, yellow, and purple are juxtaposed, and a very small piece can be made into two bracelets and it will disappear. Red, green, and purple are three colors Jadeite is called Fu Lu Shou, and the five colors correspond to Fu Lu Shou and Xi Cai. , Later, when I saw the goods shipped from that small country in my shop, I realized that there are indeed five blessings in the world."

What she didn't say was that Wei Ruolan said that in that memory, many people liked jadeite, and its price was far higher than that of white jade and jasper. He suggested that Emperor Changtai order his confidant to do business in jadeite.Emperor Changtai had long wanted to earn the money of those dignitaries, hoarding a large amount of emeralds and making them into jewelry. First, he picked a few sets of flawless top-quality emerald heads for the queen, or she wore them herself, or gave them to people around her. The concubines have been ordered to see that the queen often wears them. How can there be any reason not to follow suit?Sure enough, the price of emerald doubled, and Emperor Changtai made a lot of money.

Princess Zhongshun gave Daiyu a slight push, and said mockingly: "Who doesn't know that your husband treats you well? All the rare things in the world are held in front of you, so you don't have to show off in front of me what your husband gave you nice one."

There are many concubines in everyone's family, no matter how dignified, stable, virtuous and courteous people are, they will not be used in their hearts. After listening to Princess Zhongshun's words, and thinking about it, I feel envious. Only with intentions can I do such a thing?They treated the mandarin duck gems as a joke before, but in fact, who wouldn't want their husband to treat them like this?

Daiyu patted Princess Zhongshun backhandedly, and said: "It was you who asked the question, so I answered it. I don't want you to say it's my fault. If I had known this, when you asked, I would just say I don't know and it's over."

Princess Zhongshun said with a smile: "If you don't tell me about this, it will be my fault."

They joked with each other, and others thought it was because Daiyu often went to the palace and was familiar with Princess Zhongshun. After all, she invited Shui Lian and Huo Ling, two sisters of the prince, to the wedding ceremony, so they didn't care. Only Mrs. Wang, mother and daughter The others secretly wondered, Daiyu seldom went out except to enter the palace, how could she be so familiar with Princess Zhongshun?Conversation is very casual.

After they finished laughing, Princess Zhongshun said: "I'll go to your house tomorrow, and you can show me what kind of emerald Wufu Linmen is, so that our prince can send someone to find it for me. Mandarin duck gems are rare. Doesn’t it mean that jadeites of several colors are also rare in the world? There are three-colored jadeites of fortune, wealth and longevity, and they should also have five blessings. If you look for them, it may be easier to obtain than mandarin duck gemstones.”

Daiyu smiled and said, "Okay, what's wrong? I'll return the banquet tomorrow. It's the first time I'm the host. It's a bit sloppy. All the princesses and wives should show some face. If I hold a banquet but no one goes, then it's a shame." It's a shame."

When everyone heard this, they all laughed and said: "Please, we will definitely go, no one will be lost, and let's see what Wufu Linmen looks like."

When they talked, they did not miss the words and actions of Princess Zhongshun and Daiyu. At that time, everyone followed the example of Emperor Changtai and Empress Jiang to collect and wear jadeite for fun. They heard that there are five-color jadeites in the world, which can be called peerless. How could they not be curious?I have heard of mandarin duck gemstones before, and I have seen Daiyu wear them, but I have never seen five-color jadeite, although there are many two-color and three-color jadeites.

Princess Zhongshun smiled and said: "Okay, you eavesdrop on what we are saying. Which one of you doesn't have many high-quality jadeites in your hands, I know you have better ones in your hands, but you just hide them so as not to show them."

Everyone quickly shook their heads and said no, and said: "It just started to become popular, where are there many collections? They are all common things."

Just as they were laughing, the daughter-in-law in charge of the Beijing Prince's Mansion came over to report that the banquet was ready. Princess Beijing hurriedly led everyone to the Peony Garden, and invited Princess Zhongshun, Daiyu and others to the table.Daiyu was young, so she turned her down once, letting Princess Zhongshun and her aunt Mrs. Wang, how could Mrs. Wang take the seat with the order of the fifth rank in front of everyone?Busy also declined a few words, but insisted on refusing.

After all, Daiyu grew up in the Rongguo Mansion, and even though her rank is higher than Mrs. Wang's, it is not easy to take the seat. You push me out of the way for a while, Princess Beijing smiled and said: "It's just a family feast, there is no need to pay attention to high and low."

Concubine Zhongshun nodded and said: "That's the reason, if you sit according to your age, no one should feel that you have underestimated yourself."

The two concubines have said so, and others will naturally obey. Although Concubine Nan'an is the oldest, she is of the same generation as Concubine Zhongshun, and Concubine Zhongshun is the highest-ranking concubine. Princess Jun, Princess Dong'an, Mrs. Wang and other elders were ordered to accompany them to the second table, and then Daiyu sat at the table with the two wives from Dongping Palace and Xining Palace.

Nan'an Palace, Xining Palace and Dongping Palace have long been non-kings, and their wives are not super-rank princesses, but second-rank wives.

Just like that, the elders sat at the same table, and the younger ones sat at the same table. Although the seats were allocated according to the class, Shui Lian and the girls who hadn't left the cabinet had additional seats and sat at the bottom.

Princess Beijing is also a young woman, but as the master, it is not good for her to sit with Daiyu, and said with a smile: "Today, I asked Princess Zhongshun to ask a group of young actors from their palace to sing. Girl, it's suitable for us to listen to, there is a Xiaodan who is very good, although not as good as Qiguan, it is much better than others."

Concubine Zhongshun said: "When the county magistrate Jingxiao returns, I will return with you. You all go to our palace and ask the best opera troupe in our residence to sing for you. That is really good. You all enter the palace." I've played several times."

Since they agreed to Daiyu's return, it was hard for everyone to refuse Princess Zhongshun, so they all agreed that they would come.

After the banquet, changing clothes and playing around, everyone left one after another.

The next day, Daiyu returned to the table and invited Jiamu and others, but Jiamu brought Mrs. Xing Wang and Tanchun and other sisters to come in person, and took a look at the house and garden of the Wei family. Princess Zhongshun and others also came one by one. It's just eating, drinking, watching theaters and enjoying flowers, so don't need to remember too much.

Daiyu had seen Mrs. Wang bring Tanchun to the banquet several times, sometimes Baochai followed, sometimes Baoqin followed, or Baoqin and Xing Xiuyan accompanied, and she even brought Sister Feng's mother and daughter with her, but Baoqin Both Xing Xiuyan and Xing Xiuyan are already engaged, and Baochai has a long-awaited marriage, Qiaojie is young, and the rest is just Tanchun waiting in the boudoir, everyone understands in their hearts.

However, although Mrs. Wang and Tanchun frequently went out, Daiyu never heard the news of Tanchun's engagement. She had been paying attention for a few days, but she really couldn't guess Mrs. Wang's plan, so she had to leave it aside for the time being.

Gradually it was getting hotter, and it was not very interesting to enjoy the flowers and drink, and talk more about makeup, jewelry, children, etc., and Daiyu idly left.

Wei Ruolan followed Daiyu's heart in everything, and didn't ask her to go out often to make friends with people, nor did she think it was a good thing to rely on his wife to make friends with a few dignified wives to help her future, so, after finishing her work, treat a few brothers and friends to eat They stopped going out after drinking, and Daiyu was happy to be at home. The husband and wife were having a drink or playing chess, and they were very comfortable.

With a bang, as a chess piece landed on the chessboard, Daiyu's sleeve slipped off, revealing the five-colored jade bracelet on her wrist. You can clearly see the skin on your wrist that is as creamy as white snow.

After Daiyu gave birth, she served tea to moisten her mouth, and she couldn't help talking about her recent doubts.

Wei Ruolan thought hard for the next move, and felt that it was not good to go this way, and it was not good to go that way, so she stared at the chessboard with her chess piece on her hands. Hearing this, she said disapprovingly: "What's so strange? It's up to you to pick out all kinds of things that are not right. , so I never got engaged."

Daiyu sighed, "You're right. Although you and I know what my uncle and aunt's plans are, outsiders don't know. Just listen to my aunt's pickiness. They all say that my aunt is kind and considerate of her daughter. She wants to find a family with all four corners for the third sister. I always feel uneasy, because we are all outsiders, so I can't take care of it." Regarding Tanchun, Daiyu felt helpless.

Wei Ruolan dropped a piece, and seeing Daiyu drop a piece without thinking, stuffing one of her own pieces to death, before she could pick up the piece, she hurriedly picked up the piece she had dropped and the piece that Daiyu had dropped, and the latter bounced into Daiyu's body. Looking at the chess pot in front of Yu, he said, "I won't make this move, let me think about it."

Daiyu brushed her fingers across her cheeks, and said, "Don't be ashamed, don't you know the truth that you have no regrets? Since you have lost, it doesn't matter whether you win or lose, it shouldn't be like this."

Wei Ruolan said with a playful smile: "Abiding by this rule in front of others, but not in front of you, are you fussing with me?"

Daiyu couldn't help laughing, spat at him, and lowered her head to drink her tea.

Wei Ruolan thought about it again, and took the chess pieces in her hand to make gestures on the chessboard, still unable to make up her mind which move to take, for fear that no matter which step she took, she would be blocked by Daiyu.

Only now did Wei Ruolan realize that Daiyu's chess skills are also very superb. Although she is not a national player, she is far superior to others, such as herself.

Grandma Liu came over suddenly and said: "The news came out from the palace that the Supreme Emperor mentioned to His Majesty that it was many years ago that he hired concubines last time, and now it's time to recruit talents, besides, all the princes are gone. After growing up, except for the first few eldest princes, the following princes are all at the age of marriage, so Long En, who is not born in the world, can send the list to the Ministry of Rites for selection. The empress sent Let me tell grandma, I am afraid that the order will come down in the next two days, and tell grandma to go out less, so that no one will come to follow grandma's way because of the close relationship between grandma and empress."

After Daiyu stood and listened, she and Wei Ruolan looked at each other, just when Madam Wang was telling Tanchun about her family, was it a coincidence or a bad coincidence?According to the manuscript, it seems that this matter did not happen, otherwise it would definitely be brought up.