Mountains and rivers pray for peace

There was silence in the Shoukang Palace, except for the Taihu stone incense burner on the desk, which was rising up with wisps of white smoke, and the fragrance was overflowing, refreshing and refreshing.

Empress Dowager Pei was leaning on the soft white jade couch. The publicity and magnificence of her youth had faded away, and now her whole body was filled with the majesty and dignity of a superior.

Everyone knows that Emperor Xiaowen ascended to the throne on the basis of the flesh and blood of his brother, Prince Qing. Even after he ascended the throne, he did not change his violent nature.In the first year after he ascended the throne, Emperor Xiaowen got drunk at a banquet and drew his sword to kill the eunuch he was serving. This incident was reported to Shoukang Palace, and Empress Dowager Pei became furious and forced Emperor Xiaowen to write an edict of guilt.After this incident, Emperor Xiaowen actually put away his cruel methods and switched to benevolent government.Now, he has the reputation of benevolence and filial piety.

Even though Queen Mother Pei is no longer as involved in political affairs as she used to be, no one dares to underestimate the Queen Mother's skills.

Empress Dowager Pei put down the account books sent by Yuan Shanggong, squinted her eyes and sighed: "You are really old. Now, just looking at the account books for one or two hours will make your eyes sore."

Lu Wenxiu looked at his nose and heart, stood up quickly, added another golden lotus palace candle, and said with a smile: "What are you talking about, Queen Mother? Your energy and energy are not inferior to those of young people in their early 20s." . It’s just that you do everything yourself, and you have to take good care of your body and bones.”

Queen Mother Pei snorted coldly: "I don't want to take care of the Ai family, but it's a pity that they are all useless."

Lu Wenxiu didn't dare to talk casually, so he had to fan the Empress Dowager Pei one after another with a round fan.

Nowadays, the queen of the middle palace is too soft-tempered. Although she has a reputation as a virtuous person, she has lost her skills.The virtuous concubine always puts her own concerns aside, doesn't interfere too much, and protects herself wisely.Concubine Shu likes to take care of things, but she tends to act recklessly and ruthlessly.The situation in the palace is such that even if Empress Dowager Pei intends to delegate power, she still has to rely on her to take charge of the harem and balance the forces of all parties.

The skylight leaking in through the window lattice was completely covered by the candlelight in the palace. Queen Mother Pei rubbed her temples and asked, "What time is it?"

"It's three o'clock in the morning," Lu Wenxiu said, "Are we going to send someone to Jing'an Palace to urge His Highness the Seventh Prince again?"

"It's useless to urge her." Queen Mother Pei shook her head helplessly, then picked up the account book at hand and read it.

Lu Wenxiu had no choice but to give up.

After remaining quiet for half a cup of tea, Queen Mother Pei finally couldn't help but knock on the table with her armor, obviously impatient.

Lu Wenxiu broke into a cold sweat and could only look at the door of the house from time to time. It wasn't until the sound of voices sounded again in the silent house that her heart dropped to the ground.

"I'm late, please forgive me."

A young man walked out from behind the purple cloud screen in the hall.

The purple cloud screen is embroidered with a pair of golden phoenixes, spreading their wings and looking majestic. They complement each other perfectly when placed in the extremely luxurious Shoukang Palace.But the young man's handsome appearance actually overshadowed the screen.

He walked forward slowly, bowed to Queen Mother Pei, and then found an armchair to sit down.He said he was sorry, but his face showed no guilt.

Lu Wenxiu smiled and served the tea he had prepared: "Your Majesty the Seventh Prince is here. The newly arrived Hou Kui from Cangzhou, please try this tea. Do you think it's to your liking?"

"Thank you Aunt Lu." Shen Yuning took it with his chin, scraped the floating powder on the tea soup with the tea lid, and then looked lazily at the Empress Dowager Pei: "Why did the Imperial Grandmother call me here?"

Empress Dowager Pei feigned anger and said, "If nothing happens, I can't call you to talk?"

"You are not such a boring person." Shen Yuning replied unhurriedly.

The attitude is obviously not very respectful, but it makes people not angry.

"Forget it, I can't hide anything from you. Today the emperor mentioned the marriage of your brothers to the Ai family." Queen Mother Pei coughed lightly, and seeing that Shen Yuning didn't respond at all, she continued, "Two years ago, the emperor always mentioned this matter , the Ai family are all trying to stop her. But now, you are quite young, and it’s time to worry about starting a family, especially you. "

Needless to say, the fourth and fifth sons, Concubine Xian and Concubine Shu are secretly planning the matter. The delay until now is just because the time is not yet ripe.Lao Liu has no shortage of confidantes on weekdays, and his concubines also have a room full of them.Only Shen Yuning did not have a mother and concubine to manage the marriage, and he never paid attention to the affairs between men and women.

Shen Yuning's marriage has become a worry for Queen Mother Pei.

Lu Wenxiu also understands this.

She also watched Shen Yuning grow up.

His Highness Seventh Prince was unruly and free-spirited as a child, and seemed out of place in a place like the palace.But he was very talented, talented in literature, military skills, riding, archery, poetry and books. Even the old stubborns in the Imperial College loved and hated him.

After returning from Qingzhou, His Highness' temperament has become much calmer, but his heart has also become cold.Sometimes her face would darken, and even Queen Mother Pei would not dare to say anything.With such a temper, if there is no princess to look after her, not to mention the Queen Mother Pei, even she will not be able to rest assured.

Seeing the stalemate in the atmosphere, Lu Wenxiu appropriately added some words to the side: "Your Majesty came today and said that he has set his sights on Xu Youqing, the daughter of Mr. Waiting for one to stand out, her character is also gentle, generous, and well-behaved. She can be regarded as a model for everyone. Why should Your Highness be in a hurry to reject His Majesty's kindness? "

Shen Yuning sneered: "For 20 years, the emperor has never worried about my affairs, but now he is worried about me."

These words were extremely treasonous. Lu Wenxiu was shocked when he heard this, and subconsciously glanced at Queen Mother Pei's face.

Empress Dowager Pei was not angry, but said calmly: "The Ai family knows that you don't like others to ask about your affairs." After a pause, she added: "The Xu family holds real power, and Xu Youqing is Xu Xian's only daughter. The emperor Whatever the purpose, the Ai family understands that he just wants to find a good marriage to compensate you. Although the emperor is sometimes a little confused, the Ai family thinks this matter is not a bad idea. "

The reason why Empress Dowager Pei did not reject Emperor Xiaowen's intention today was also because of this matter.If Shen Yuning could marry Xu's daughter, it would be a huge gain without any harm.Even the position of prince is enough.

Over the years, Queen Mother Pei felt guilty and loved Shen Yuning. Now, she is still afraid of the young chick growing into an eagle.But no matter what, Shen Yuning is her proudest grandson and the most suitable candidate to inherit the throne in her eyes.

Shen Yuning said, "The Queen Mother is following the same pattern and wants to turn my marriage into a deal?"

There was a careless smile on his lips. He said this as if he was joking, but it was like an arrow in the chest, hitting the Queen Mother Pei impartially.The face that had always been unchanging when the mountains collapsed suddenly showed a bit of sadness for a rare moment.

"Do you still remember the incident when the Ai family pointed out Jin Yun to the emperor?" Empress Dowager Pei's throat tightened.

Jinyun is the taboo name of the noble concubine.It is true that Concubine Jing was deeply in love with Emperor Xiaowen back then, but the reason why this marriage went so smoothly was because of Empress Dowager Pei's encouragement.Because Ning Jinyun is the only daughter of Right Prime Minister Ning Yuanhua.

"The past has been forgotten for a long time." Shen Yuning said calmly, "Besides, I don't plan to marry. I have something to do at Jing'an Palace, so my grandson will leave first."

He straightened up, turned and left.

Empress Dowager Pei couldn't bear it anymore, and finally shouted in a low voice: "Wait a minute - if the Ai family decides to point out that girl from the Huo family to you? Are you still so determined?"

Lu Wenxiu couldn't hide his shock when he heard this.

The girl from the Huo family mentioned by the Queen Mother is Huo Qi, the daughter of Ning Guogong, who sacrificed her life to save the Queen Mother at Baotan Temple?Why have I never heard the Queen Mother mention this matter?If so, this matter is too creepy.

After a moment's pause, Shen Yuning said: "Same."

He didn't look back, his back was determined, as if nothing could shake his will.

Queen Mother Pei was so choked that her chest felt tight. When she realized what she was doing, where could she find Shen Yuning in the palace?
Lu Wenxiu saw that the Empress Dowager Pei had regained some of her temper and hurriedly advised her: "Queen Mother, Your Highness is still young now, and I will definitely understand your painstaking efforts in the future. Besides, why would you worry about not finding a good one for your Royal Highness's son?"

Queen Mother Pei took a sip of tea, suppressed the depression in her heart, shook her head and said: "Even if you can find a good one, you have to be willing. In all these years, have you ever seen him have thoughts about anyone?"

"Didn't the Queen Mother mention Miss Huo?" Lu Wenxiu carefully tapped Queen Mother Pei's leg.

Queen Mother Pei's face turned cold again, and all the weakness from the previous moment disappeared: "He is good, but he is not suitable."

Lu Wenxiu forced a smile and said, "Then why did the Queen Mother mention... in front of His Majesty the Seventh Prince?"

"The Ai family originally thought that he was interested in that girl and deliberately tested her several times. Now it seems that the Ai family had something wrong." Empress Dowager Pei closed her eyes slightly and rested her forehead, "That girl Huo Qi is smart and thoughtful." It’s too heavy, and so is Xiaoqi. How can two people like this live together?”

What Empress Dowager Pei didn't say was that Duke Ningguo was from a noble family and was praised by everyone.However, Huo Ruhai has offended too many people, and has been far away from the center of power in recent years. The real power in his hands is far less than that of the Xu family, and it is difficult to compete with the power of the Zhenyuan Marquis Mansion.

Speaking of this, Lu Wenxiu also had some thoughts.

She rubbed the shoulders of Queen Mother Pei and said: "Since ancient times, marriages have been ordered by parents and the words of matchmakers. But your highnesses all have their own opinions. If you arrange it all by yourself, they may not be happy. It's better to find some free time then. We will hold a lotus appreciation banquet at some time, and invite the wives of those aristocratic families to bring the young ladies to the palace to see each other? Maybe His Highness Seventh Prince will meet Miss Xu, and he will really be able to see her in his eyes. "

Queen Mother Pei thought for a moment and said, "This is a good idea."