King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 450
"It's time to put your marriage on the agenda, otherwise it won't delay your golden years!" Baochai said, holding Xia Yuegui's hand.

"Yes..." Xia Yuegui lowered her head and responded.

Of course she will not resist this result, because this is the best result.

As for whether Baochai can be Xue Pan's master, no one here will doubt it. She proposed the marriage.

Thinking that her two daughters had a good marriage, Mrs. Xia Huang almost cried with joy and couldn't help but want to pray to God.

While Baochai was praising Xia Yuegui to several of his wives to raise her "worth", an uninvited guest came outside Prince Xiang's Mansion.

After three days of journey, Cui Xiuqing entered the capital at noon and only now came to the gate of the palace.

"Sister...are you really familiar with Princess Xiang? They won't drive us away, right?"

Of course Cui Xiuqing, a prostitute, could not go to Beijing alone. This time she asked her brother to accompany her.

Because she wanted to keep Brother Zhang Jin's secret, Cui Xiuqing only said that she came to say goodbye to the princess, so her brother did not know her true purpose.

"The princess and I are on good terms with each other, but if I want to see her, I have to get someone to agree to it, which is a bit difficult!"

"So... big brother has to use some tricks!"

The so-called use of means is actually to use money to clear the way. This is also the unspoken rule of the wealthy family. The Cui family brother is naturally from a clear family.

But the problem is that the palace is not an ordinary wealthy family after all, and he doesn't know whether it is feasible to get money.

"Okay...I'll try it!"

"What should I say? Brother, do you still remember?"

"Remember...you have said it a dozen times!"

So Cui Xiuqing could only wait in the carriage. She thought it would take some time for the results to come out, but she didn't expect that her elder brother would come back after a while.

"Sister, what a coincidence. The female officer who came out of the toilet just now happened to be on duty at the Shangyi Bureau, and she still remembers your name..."

"As soon as I told you your name, she told you to wait in the palace first, and she would order someone to inform the princess!"

The eldest brother of the Cui family was very excited. After all, he saved money and the matter was completed smoothly.

Cui Xiuqing did not expect this result. It started so smoothly, which made her more confident in what she was going to do next.

"Sister, let's go there!"

On one side, Cui Xiuqing entered the palace from the side door to wait for the call, while on the other side, in the back garden of the palace, the news was relayed from layer to layer, and Ying'er finally informed Baochai.

Hearing the name Cui Xiuqing, Baochai had a very deep memory.

During the "training" period at Shangyi Bureau, they did become friends, and they talked about poetry, poetry and philosophy of life together.

"Invite her in!" Baochai ordered.

"Yes!"

Here, Cui Xiuqing, who had received permission, was led by the maid into the many gates, and finally came to the garden where Baochai and others were.

Although he had seen the world after entering the palace, Cui Xiuqing was still deeply shocked by the many "levels" of entering the palace, and his originally calm heart gradually became nervous.

In the garden, the married women were gathering in twos and threes, taking fish food and throwing it into the lake, including Xia Yuegui and her daughter.

Baochai was sitting in the pavilion, thinking about his brother's marriage.

She was indeed very satisfied with the Xia girl. She told her mother later and the matter was settled.

"Princess Qi, the Cui family girl is here!"

Baochai looked up and saw Cui Xiuqing not far away, and immediately said: "Let her come over!"

A few breaths later, Cui Xiuqing came to her, then paid homage and said: "Cui Xiuqing, the daughter of the common people, pay homage to the princess!"

"No gifts!" Baochai smiled.

After Cui Xiuqing stood up, Baochai said: "I haven't seen you for nearly a year, and now you are getting more and more depressed. I don't dare to recognize you anymore!"

Cui Xiuqing was quite nervous at first, but when she heard Baochai's sister-next-door words, she instantly returned to the time a year ago, when the two of them were joking like this.

"How dare the folk girl Yingying compete with the bright moon? The empress is a fairy-like figure..."

Before Cui Xiuqing could finish her words, Baochai waved her hand to stop her: "Okay... let's stop saying these polite words between you and me!"

"Didn't you say years ago that you would go north to recognize your ancestors and return to your clan? Why are you still staying in Beijing now? Could it be that your father has given up on this plan?"

"That's not the case. It was actually last year..."

It is always a joy to meet again after a long absence, especially for Baochai.

Although she meets many people every day, most of them are pretentious and submissive. It is really rare to meet someone who can truly open up and talk.

The saying that once you enter the palace gate is as deep as the sea is no joke.

This is why, when Baochai discovered that Daiyu had a tendency to alienate, she was so concerned and immediately "corrected" her. She really didn't want to lose her only confidant.

Baochai and Cui Xiuqing were reminiscing about old times, and the others were very sensible and didn't bother them. After feeding the fish, they went back to their seats and started talking in twos and threes.

Drinking tea and chatting, the life of ladies is so simple and unpretentious.

After a hearty conversation, half an hour passed and all that needed to be said was finished.

Just as Cui Xiuqing was thinking about how to express her request, a female official came to Baochai's side and reported, "My queen, the moon platform is ready!"

"Ok!"

Immediately afterwards, Baochai stood up and said to everyone present: "Everyone... Over at Wangyue Platform, we have invited a small opera to come over and perform. Let's go and have a look!"

"Thank you princess..."

"Your Majesty, please come first!"

Everyone smiled in response, while Baochai looked at Cui Xiuqing in front of him and said, "Sister... let's go and listen to the play with me!"

Although she was anxious, Cui Xiuqing remained calm, smiled and nodded in agreement.

The group of people rushed along the path to the Moon Watching Platform. Everywhere on the road there was something unique and exquisite. Everyone was dazzled by what they saw, and they just sighed that the palace was really extraordinary.

Soon everyone arrived at the moon-watching platform. Musicians and actors were already waiting, and they would start playing after everyone took their seats.

When Cui Xiuqing was panicking, Baochai pulled her to sit next to her and told her what program she had prepared for today.

Soon the opera was performed, and the scene became even more lively. Seeing Baochai's grace and grace, Cui Xiuqing was fascinated by the performance, and Cui Xiuqing didn't even know how to speak.

Just as he was thinking, Baochai's voice came from the side: "Sister, what kind of trouble are you encountering?"

Cui Xiuqing was immediately startled. She turned to look at Baochai again, only to see that he was still staring at the stage.

Seeing that she didn't answer, Baochai turned to look at her and said with a smile: "If you encounter trouble, just speak up. Don't be a heretic!"

How could Cui Xiuqing hide her thoughts from Baochai?

It is said that no one should go to the Three Treasures Palace for anything. Before talking to Cui Xiuqing, Baochai had already guessed that she would have something to ask for during her trip.

At this time, Cui Xiuqing also understood that this was definitely not the time to be polite. After passing this village, there would be no such store.

"My dearest lady, to tell you the truth, this daughter of the common people really has something to ask for when she comes here!"

"Since the empress asked, the common girl said it shamelessly!" Cui Xiuqing said with great sincerity.

"I told you not to be heretics, so what are you talking about?"

"You come to me when you are in trouble. You treat me like a sister. Don't say these things between sisters!"

To be honest, Cui Xiuqing was particularly touched that Baochai could say these words sincerely in her current status.

"What's your problem? Tell me quickly!"

Under Baochai's urging, Cui Xiuqing had no choice but to say: "This matter has nothing to do with me, but a close friend of a folk girl..." Next, Cui Xiuqing went through the details, especially emphasizing Zhang Jinge's loyal character.

After listening to Cui Xiuqing's story, Baochai realized that she came to Beijing for a friend.

In this day and age, it is unusual for a woman to do this for her friends.

And this is enough to prove that Cui Xiuqing is a worthy friend. Baochai is only sorry that she will have to leave her hometown.

As for Cui Xiuqing's so-called trouble, in Baochai's eyes it was just a fight between fifth- and sixth-rank officials, a completely trivial matter not worth mentioning.

"Everyone... I think you heard what this girl said just now?" Baochai looked at the people on the left and right.

It is human nature to like to listen to gossip. When Cui Xiuqing began to tell, these ladies all paid attention, and the entanglements between Zhang, Xu, and Li's family did not disappoint them.

"That Zhang family girl is a fierce woman. She will not serve two husbands... That's a good point!"

You Baochai spoke up and set the tone, and others followed suit, and they all praised Brother Jin.

Here is also a vivid explanation of what it means to look at the Buddha's face without looking at the monk's face.

After everyone stopped talking, Baochai asked, "How can you bear to see such a good girl die?"

"If anyone can help, please lend a helping hand at this time. This is also a way to accumulate virtue for yourself!"

And if Baochai's prediction is correct, someone at the scene will be able to help, and it will be effortless.

Mrs. Liu Zhang, the wife of the prefect of Shuntian, stood up consciously, bowed and saluted Baochai and said, "Madam, my master is familiar with the prefect of Yiyang, so just ask him to send someone to say hello!"

Although the location of Shuntian Mansion is not easy to sit in, it is the undisputed No. [-] prefect in the world and is a very respectable existence to the outside world.

Shuntian Prefecture greets Yiyang Prefecture, how can the Yiyang Prefecture not give him face? Yiyang Prefecture is in charge of Xin'an County, so the matter can be easily solved.

"This girl of mine came here after a long journey, and she finally asked me to do this. You have to help me get it done...otherwise, I, the princess, will not be able to see anyone in the future!"

After Baochai said this, Mrs. Liu Zhang paid more attention to this matter and immediately promised: "Don't worry, Princess, I will take this matter seriously and report it as soon as there is news!"

"Ok!"

After responding, Baochai looked at Cui Xiuqing beside him and said with a smile: "You still haven't thanked Mrs. Liu!"

Cui Xiuqing came to Mrs. Liu Zhang, bowed down very solemnly and said, "Thank you, madam!"

"Please get up quickly, it's just a small matter, why bother!"

After helping Cui Xiuqing up, Mrs. Liu Zhang looked around and said: "You are an amazing woman who works so hard for your friends. No wonder she is so valued by the princess!"

On the surface, he was praising Cui Xiuqing, but in fact, he was praising Baochai. Then everyone else followed suit, and the atmosphere at the scene became more harmonious.

Then Cui Xiuqing was called to her side by Baochai, and then everyone listened to the play together.

After the trouble was solved, Cui Xiuqing truly relaxed. At this time, she could not only listen to the play with peace of mind, but also comment and discuss with Baochai.

Listening to plays with married women has happened countless times, but such in-depth exchanges as today are rare.

Soon an hour passed, and seeing the sun almost setting, the beauties consciously said goodbye and left.

Although Cui Xiuqing also wanted to say goodbye, Baochai kept her here and specially arranged a place for her to stay for a few more days.

Cui Xiuqing did not expect this result, and she could not refuse Baochai's enthusiasm, so she could only agree to stay a few more days.

Now, inside the palace, Zhu Jinghong walked out of the main hall of Kunning Palace, looking quite frustrated.

To move with emotion, to understand with reason... Zhu Jinghong used all possible methods, but he still couldn't move his old mother.

The queen just said, Zhu Jinghong can do whatever he wants with other matters, but going to the northwest is definitely not an option.

This also means that Zhu Jinghong can only perform a bitter drama and force the queen to agree by acting rogue.

"Brother Thirteen, stop!"

Zhu Yunsheng's voice interrupted Zhu Jinghong's thoughts and made him subconsciously look in the direction of the east hall.

"Brother Thirteen, you are being unkind. I'm afraid you no longer regard me as a girl!"

Since we are going to do a sad drama, it is better to start from now... Zhu Jinghong thought.

The next moment, he walked to the east hall with a mournful face. After approaching Zhu Yunsheng, he sighed: "Third sister, your thirteenth brother is already in trouble enough. Please don't make things difficult for me anymore!"

"Are you in trouble? What are you in trouble for? Now that you have left the palace and have no one to control you, how can you not be happy?"

After saying this, Zhu Yunsheng couldn't help but said: "It's all because of your rash actions that made your mother angry many times. Even the thirteenth sister-in-law got scolded several times for you!"

Zhu Yunsheng's words made Zhu Jinghong speechless. In the end, he could only argue: "Third sister, you don't understand my pain!"

"By the way...why didn't you see them?"

The "they" here refer to Daiyu, Xiangyun and Zhenqin, but it is Daiyu who Zhu Jinghong wants to see most.

"Master Thirteen, I'm here!" Without a doubt, Zhen Qin was the first to appear.

"Aren't they two inside?" Zhu Jinghong asked next.

"They are still practicing calligraphy!" Zhen Qin replied.

"Practice calligraphy? What calligraphy practice?" As he spoke, Zhu Jinghong walked into the hall, as if he was really interested in practicing calligraphy.

"Brother Thirteen, I haven't finished speaking yet!" Zhu Yunsheng stamped his feet and followed in immediately.

After entering the palace, Zhu Jinghong came to the study room and saw Daiyu Xiangyun writing.

"Thirteenth Master, why are you here?" Xiangyun raised his head and asked, looking slightly surprised.

"Girl Yun, can't I come over?"

Zhu Jinghong was talking to Xiangyun, but Daiyu continued to lower her head and write. This reaction seemed abnormal.

So Zhu Jinghong walked to her side, lowered his head and looked at the words written on the table: "Girl Lin, it's rare to see you so serious!"

After chatting with Baochai at noon, Daiyu felt more and more ashamed now, and did not dare to chat with Zhu Jinghong, even if it was a decision that went against her heart.

"How can you practice well if you don't take it seriously!" Daiyu replied calmly.

"That's true. I'm not as serious as you, so I've never been very good at writing. You have to teach me when you have time!" Zhu Jinghong said helplessly.

However, Daiyu didn't answer, which made Zhu Jinghong look very embarrassed.

At this time, Zhu Yunsheng had already walked into the study, came to Zhu Jinghong and asked: "Brother Thirteen, you promised to take me out of the palace to play, but now I have never even been to your palace, what should I say about this matter?" ?”

"It turns out you want to go to the house, this is just a trivial matter!" Zhu Jinghong said calmly.

"A trivial matter? If it's a trivial matter, why do you keep trying to evade it?" Zhu Yunsheng asked.

"It's just because I was too busy in the early days. Now I have some free time. When do you want to come to my house?"

"today Tomorrow?"

Zhu Yunsheng asked tentatively. Happiness came so suddenly, making her feel extremely excited.

Leaving Daiyu aside, Zhu Jinghong walked up to his sister and said slowly: "You can play any day you want. It's up to you to play for as long as you want, but you have to get your mother's consent!"

"Third sister, I am not unwilling to do many things. It is actually because of my mother..."

With a bitter look on his face, Zhu Jinghong sighed and said, "You also understand what my mother is like..."

If you want to force the queen to use bitter drama, you must first have someone to cheer for her, and Zhu Yunsheng is undoubtedly very suitable.

To achieve this, he must first make Zhu Yunsheng share the same "hatred" with him. This speech was entirely to lure her into a trap.

"Mother... she is indeed too strict!" Zhu Yunsheng complained sadly.

(End of this chapter)