The little lady in the dining room

Chapter 103
Xueli and Xie Zhao then started the process of "coercing and luring" A Yao together.

In fact, it is mainly a lure.

Xueli coaxed her with snacks and lions, from the initial "play with Yuxiang" to the last "may I let you sleep with Yuxiang tonight?" Tell Father, when the weather gets warmer, at least Father will take you to climb the mountain."

After a while, A Yao, who had been coaxed into hype, "confessed".

She said word by word in her immature voice: "It's about to celebrate the new year, and the concubine mother said to learn how to pay New Year's greetings to the emperor."

——She is at this age, and she can speak half and half, and it is basically impossible to hear her speak in detail by herself.But with this sentence, it's easy to handle. If you follow this and ask the wet nurse, you won't be afraid that the wet nurse will lie and fool things.

There is no need for His Majesty to speak more, Chen Jijiang looked at Xu Shishui who was waiting beside her after hearing her, and Xu Shishui bowed and left.

He hurried out of the hall and called the eunuchs under his command to ask questions, but those few did not come up with anything.Although they were asked separately, the wet nurses all said that there was nothing special and that Diji was fine.

So Xu Shishui thought about it, and asked without distinction.Asking someone to call the four nurses into a small room, Xu Shishui sat expressionlessly, took a sip of tea, looked at the four silent nurses, and chuckled: "Emperor Ji has already said, Mrs. Concubine Shu asked She learns New Year's greetings, what's going on with this New Year's greetings? You guys... Don't worry about it, don't think that you have been serving Diji for a long time, and Diji has to be around you. To be honest, maybe you can save your life, this If you don’t say anything, just throw the four of you into the well and drown them, and pick a few new ones in, it won’t take much effort.”

All four of them turned pale immediately, and they froze in front of Xu Shishui for a long time, but none of them dared to speak rashly.

After a long time, the eldest Qi said: "My lord..."

As soon as Xu Shishui raised his eyelids, he waved his hand to take the other three out, looked at her and said, "Speak."

Qi's complexion tightened, and he gritted his teeth and said, "Slave, slave, go directly to report to His Majesty, okay?"

Yo, that's a clever one.

Xu Shishui knew that she was afraid that after he finished speaking, he would directly send her off.Although he didn't intend to be so ruthless at first, it wouldn't hurt to let her report directly.

He asked someone to escort Qi Shi to the Zichen Palace, and when he got to the gate of the palace, he heard that His Majesty had taken Diji to the small courtyard of the royal dining lady, so he went back to the small courtyard.

In the small courtyard, Ah Yao had a great time!

Yuxiang grows big, and a big yellow lion grows there, its paws are several times as big as Ah Yao's.A Yao pressed her little hand on its paw, Yu Xiang calmly pulled out her paw and pressed it on her hand, and she pulled out her hand again to press its paw...

Just such a small game made Ayao so much fun that she couldn't stop laughing "giggle".The emperor was sitting by the stone table, drinking hot tea and smiling, and Xueli was also watching with a relaxed face: what a smart and lovely child!
Afterwards, Ayao got tired of playing the paw-pressing game and went to play Yuxiang's tail again. She had long forgotten the promise of "not pulling the tail", and it annoyed Yuxiang...

Later, Yuxiang jumped up to the courtyard wall between the main courtyard and the north courtyard and lay down.But the courtyard wall is not high enough, and its long round tail is still dragging underneath. Ayao hopped up and down to reach it, and Yuxiang flicked her tail. She played or cooperated with teasing her to play.

Sydney, look at Yuxiang's appearance...

A majestic big lioness was lying on the top of the wall, with her front paws folded lightly, her eyes looking into the distance calmly and solemnly, and a line of words could be read in the corner of her brows: This brat is really annoying the lion to death.

Xueli thought about its mood and laughed "puchi". Before the laughter fell, Xu Shishui quickly walked in with someone.

The emperor also raised his eyes to look over, and Ah Yao also noticed who was coming, stopped his jumping feet, and called out clearly and crisply: "Nurse!"

Bai Momo reacted quickly, seeing Xu Shishui's posture of escorting people here, she was afraid that it would be awkward to ask questions, so she immediately stepped forward and hugged A Yao into the room, and said with a smile: "Good boy, come in and have some snacks." Take a break and come out to play later, ah."

Ah Yao didn't know what was going on, she nodded obediently when she heard Mammy Bai's neck, and went in with her arms around Nanny Bai's neck.

Xie Zhao glanced at it from the corner of his eye, and when they had completely entered the house and closed the door, his eyes froze: "What's going on."

"Say it yourself!" Xu Shishui pushed Qi Shi, and Qi Shi "thumped" and knelt down: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty... Di Ji is living a pitiful life in Yuehe Palace..."

When she said this, she started to cry, which may be a bit false to others, but Sydney thinks it is true.

Nurses also have children before they can be nurses. Qi's son is a few months older than Ah Yao. He got a sudden illness this summer and couldn't keep him.From then on, Xueli found that Qi Shi seemed to be more and more in love with Ayao. She guessed it was because she had just lost her son and persuaded her. Qi Shi only smiled wryly and said, "I can't help... When I close my eyes, I think of him, but what can I do? I am really afraid that something will happen to Diji, and we will not be implicated. But you say, such a small child will disappear if he says nothing, how pitiful ah……"

So Xueli felt that Qi's treatment of A Yao was absolutely sincere, and now seeing her crying hard and the emperor's face looking unkind, she whispered beside her: "Your Majesty, wait a moment, Sister Qi really loves A Yao. "

The emperor's face turned pale, and he calmly waited for Qi to finish crying before saying, "Quickly tell me what's going on."

Qi Shi wiped away her tears, kowtowed, but did not dare to lift her head to speak.

She said, in fact, Mrs. Concubine Shu's treatment of Di Ji can't be said to be "bad", but she is not her own after all, and she really doesn't care much about her.In addition, God Ji has four wet nurses and maids to take care of her on weekdays, and there is no need for Mrs. Concubine Shu to do anything by herself, so Mrs. Concubine Shu has always been asking how she is doing in the morning and at night.

As for this time, it was because the Chinese New Year was approaching, and Mrs. Concubine Shu planned to let Di Ji learn the New Year's etiquette, so as to show her filial piety when the time came.

Qi Shi said that Mrs. Concubine Shu asked Diji to learn how to perform Jishou ceremony, and also to learn the phrase "Father Emperor has a happy New Year"-this sounds not difficult, but how old is Ayao?Not even two years old!
Right now, it is considered safe to walk, but if you want to run, you have to be watched carefully, and you will stumble if you are not careful.How can this gift be so easy for her to learn?It's not good if your body is unstable, so you have to practice over and over again.

In addition, she is not even old enough to remember things, so she can recognize her father, emperor, concubine, concubine and nanny because she has seen a lot.But for things like saluting, it’s November now, if you don’t practice after learning it, you may not remember anything by the New Year.

Mrs. Concubine Shu told the nurse to let her practice for a while every day, fifty times a day, no less than one time.

"Fifty times?!" Xue Li shouted in shock on the spot.

Yes, this movement is not difficult. Kneel down and put your hands on the ground, kowtow and get up again. Even if it's over, they have to practice it over and over again when they first entered the palace.

But Ah Yao is less than two years old!Fifty times without exhausting her?No wonder I cried so hard!
Xueli's heart ached when she thought about it for a while, and Qi Shi said again: "At first Madam was with Di Ji, Di Ji refused to follow her and coaxed her. Later Di Ji cried every day because of this, Madam did the same. I will get bored if I talk too much, so I will directly hand it over to the servants to take her to learn - no matter how hard Diji cries, the servants will not dare to disobey Madam Shu's order!"

Xie Zhao gasped, and looked at Qi Shi in disbelief.If Sydney hadn't just said that the Qi family really treated Ah Yao well, he might have ordered him to be dragged out and killed with a stick.

There was a dead silence in the courtyard for a while, the emperor let out a short breath, and told the Qi family: "Go and take Di Ji out."

Qi Shi hurriedly answered the "No", got up after kowtowing again, opened the door and went into Xue Li's bedroom, and carried A Yao out.

When she handed Ayao into the emperor's arms, Ayao stretched out her small hand to coax her: "Don't cry, nanny! Don't cry, nanny!"

All the people in the yard were upset by this scene.Including Chen Jijiang, who has offended many palace people and who can be called cruel and cruel, now they all feel that this matter is too disgusting.

What does such a small child know?There will be pain and tiredness, but there is no room for resistance.If no one finds out about this, she will have to practice for more than a month until the Chinese New Year, and then she will kowtow down and say "Father, Happy New Year" during the Chinese New Year. Bitter, only think that this child is really filial, and think that Mrs. Concubine Shu is a good teacher, right?

Concubine Shu would use her to win favors and praises, which was something no one expected.

Xie Zhao held A Yao in his arms and remained silent for a long time, until A Yao tilted his head and asked him, "Is your father not happy?" He forced a smile and said, "A Yao, if your father won't let you go back to your mother The concubine is there, let you live in another place for a while, would you like to?"

A Yao blinked puzzledly: "Where are you going to live?"

"Hmm... Father hasn't made up his mind yet." He scratched her nose, "Well, Ayao will go play with Yuxiang first, Father thinks about it, and then I'll take you to see it after thinking about it, and then you can see if you like it or not." I like it, okay?"

A Yao nodded obediently.

She silently felt that if she could not learn to pay New Year's greetings, no matter where she went.Learning New Year's greetings is really tiring. She doesn't understand why the concubine mother said that if she learns this well, her father will be happy, and her father always said that he will be happy when she is happy, but when she learns this... she is not happy at all!

Seeing Ayao slipping off the emperor's lap and running to play with Yuxiang, Xue Li thought for a while, coaxed Ayao, and called Yuxiang to go into the house together.

He looks too dull, let him be alone.The death of Ah Yao's parents was so unforgettable to him, but she knew in her heart that he would feel sorry for Lu Yong and He Jiao to some extent at this moment.

Just let him stay by himself for a while, calm down and think about where Ayao will go next.With so many people in the harem, it's hard for Sydney to give her any advice.

Xie Zhao, however, remained silent for a long time, unable to think about this matter calmly.

There is just too much anger inside.He knew that Concubine Shu had always been contentious, from arguing with Concubine Li to trying to suppress Sydney.

But even so, he didn't expect that she would use such a young child to fight.

He didn't need to hold her accountable for drawing a distinction between master and servant between Ayao and Xue Li, but he had to hold accountable that she tormented Ayao in such a way—it was not just about being competitive, and she would not hesitate to let a one-year-old child suffer for her own selfish desires. To suffer so much is simply evil.

But to whom should A Yao be handed over, he had no other thoughts for a moment.

Concubine Hui couldn't do it, even if he didn't want to balance the power of the harem, he couldn't hand Ayao to Concubine Hui.

Concubine Hui is in charge of the power of the six palaces, she has too many big and small affairs to take care of every day, and she really deserves the word "Hui" - no matter how difficult it is for him to get along with her, he must admit this.If he sent A Yao to Roujia Palace, Concubine Hui would definitely take care of her with all her heart, and A Yao would be fine, but Concubine Hui would be exhausted sooner or later.

The two who are in the ninth concubine are also considered good candidates.Those two were the big maids who were selected from the Shang dormitory when he was enlightened. They were well-behaved but too humble. That's why he put the two of them in the seats of the nine concubines, or they were just random. The concubines of wealthy families who entered the palace later dared to step on them.

It is not acceptable for such a person to teach Di Ji.He didn't want Ah Yao to live so cautiously. He was used to it when he was a child, and it would be useless all his life.

can go further...

Xie Zhao really felt that no one was suitable.Those whose status is too low can be promoted, but he doesn't know much about the concubines below. Even Concubine Shu, who has a lot of dealings with him, makes him feel that he has misjudged him. Do you know if they will also use Ah Yao to plot something?
In such a huge harem, there is no one who can take care of children?Xie Zhao couldn't laugh or cry.

He sighed.After thinking about it, why don't you ask Ah Yao, usually many concubines will visit her, if she can tell someone she likes, it will be much better than him.

He got up and walked towards the main room, just as he crossed the threshold and called "Ayao", Xue Li, who was lying on his side on the couch, suddenly turned his head and made a silent gesture to him: "Shh——"

Xie Zhao was startled, and Xue Li pointed to the inside of the bed, mouthing: "I'm tired from playing, I'm going to sleep."

There is no way to ask her.

Xie Zhao let out a low laugh, and went to the side of the couch to have a look.A Yao faced Sydney, she was already sound asleep, her breathing was even and steady, and there seemed to be a slight smile on her face.

Yu Xiang, who was also very tired from being played by her, also fell asleep, she was lying under the bed, saw him coming in and coming out, looking at him pitifully for comfort.

Xie Zhao patted Yuxiang's lion's head: "Good boy, thank you for your hard work."

Yuxiang went back to sleep contentedly.

Sydney is still lying down.

She knew that she was rude to face the emperor like this, but Ah Yao had no choice but to hold her arm.After hesitating for a while, Xue Li carefully looked at A Yao's sleeping face, and she still wanted to try to pull her arm out.

But as soon as she moved, Ah Yao woke up, her eyelids slightly raised: "Auntie..."

"Auntie won't go...Auntie, change your posture..." Xue Li patted A Yao's back and pulled her arm out.Not to mention, I was really hugged a little sour.

She beat her arm, stood up and asked the emperor: "Have you thought about where to send Ayao, Your Majesty?"

Xie Zhao sighed and could only shake his head.

A thought surged in Xue Li's heart. She repeatedly emphasized to herself that this idea was inappropriate, and she desperately wanted to try it in her own heart.

After hesitating for a long time, she raised her eyes hesitantly: "Your Majesty, this servant has...an idea, maybe it's not suitable, can this servant say it?"

"Just say it." Xie Zhao smiled shortly, seeing that she was still beating her arm repeatedly, he stretched out his hand to help her pinch it.

Xueli took a long breath, looked at him and said, "I can take care of her for a while. After your Majesty decides who will take her, let someone pick her up. I think she likes this place quite a bit, and there are fish Xiang plays with her, at least it won't make her unhappy."

Xie Zhao frowned slightly, and immediately said: "Don't make trouble. How can it be so easy to take care of a child? Not only is she well, but you can't do it when you are tired."

He couldn't tell her not to work in the imperial dining room and just stay here to take care of A Yao - if he offered to say it, she could only nod in agreement.But after so many days, he knew very well that she definitely didn't just take the work of the imperial dining room as an errand, she herself liked to cook, and she wouldn't be happy if she let her go.

But it would be too tiring for her to take care of both ends. At A Yao's age, no matter how sensible she is, she still has time to mess around. What if she came back after she was on duty to try to coax A Yao?Isn't this as ruthless as Concubine Shu tossing A Yao?
But Xueli was silent, and said sincerely: "This servant thinks that Ayao is not short of someone to take care of her."

There are four wet nurses around her, and other court ladies and eunuchs.Just like Qi Shi said just now, there is no need for Mrs. Concubine Shu to do anything in Yuehe Palace, even if it is someone else.

She said: "What she lacks is a person who really loves her and doesn't feel that her status is much lower than hers like Sister Qi. The servant feels that whether this person has a lot of time to take care of her daily life is not necessarily important, what matters This person has to be there when Ah Yao needs to care."

For example, tell her stories before going to bed, read songs to her when she wakes up, spend a little time every day to listen to her babbling and talking about happy or unhappy things, and explain the truth to her when she is not sensible Praise her when she is doing well...

In fact, these are really not difficult. It is not time and effort, but the mind.

This was discovered when Sydney was coaxing her to sleep just now.Before going to bed, Ayao forced her eyes open and said "Auntie won't go" to her several times. She wondered if it was because Mrs. Concubine Shu usually didn't sleep with Ayao, and the nannies couldn't sleep with her because of their status differences. Di Ji shared the bed.

But she is still small.Even if she doesn't pester her every day, occasionally when she is unhappy, she must hope that an adult can always stand by her side and hug her to sleep.

Xueli coaxed her to sleep with such wild thoughts, the more she thought about it, the more bitter she became.In the end, Ah Yao fell asleep, and she couldn't help but cry while watching her little face.

Compared with adults who will fight for power and profit, what children want is so simple.But such a simple thing, they can't give her?Just because it's in the palace?
"Your Majesty, is it okay?" She begged him with a hint of coquettishness.

Xie Zhao looked at her and smiled wryly: "Then I will tell the imperial dining room that you will be on duty every day from now on, and you are not allowed to be on duty at night. If you want to cook, clean up the small kitchen here, and let Fugui go to the imperial dining room with any ingredients. The room is for you."

The desire on Sydney's face turned into astonishment.She just wanted him to promise A Yao to stay, but she didn't expect that he was still thinking about her love of cooking.

"No!" Xueli responded easily and quickly, Xie Zhao's expression sank, and he said, "There are more."

"Huh?" She looked serious and listened to the instructions, Xie Zhao nodded and pulled her abruptly, holding her in his arms and told her in a cold voice, "Don't call yourself a slave again, do you hear me? You and A Yao don't pay attention to this What are you being polite to me?"

He didn't call himself "Zhen" to her many times in private, but she didn't feel it at all.The two are clearly interested in each other, right?She doesn't feel awkward either!
Xueli struggled in his arms, and when his arms tightened again, she was in a mess.Scratching her hands at the side, she blushed and said, "That, that...then I know, let go...there is still a child!"

Is this already using the child as an excuse not to get close to him? !
Xie Zhao laughed and scolded her for being too clever, then suddenly lifted her chin, lowered his head and kissed her.

"Hmm..." It was the first time she had grown up to touch a man's mouth, Xue Li stopped breathing!
After a moment of astonishment, her face was red and her heart was beating, she gritted her teeth and looked at him, thinking hard in her heart, "Let go, let go", she put her hand on his chest in a panic but couldn't push him with any strength.

Xie Zhao stayed a little longer in retaliation, and when he was able to let go of her, he saw that her cheeks were red up to the ears again as expected.

"Tsk." He clicked his mouth and leaned forward again, and the shocked Xue Li immediately wanted to hide.

He reached out and clasped her wrist.

The strength from her wrist made her inexplicably feel at ease, and seeing that he didn't seem to have any intention of doing anything else, she stared at him with her heart skipping a beat, very relieved, but she didn't know what he meant now.

"Wait until the Shangsi Festival." Xie Zhao smiled lightly, and Wen Wen whispered in her ear, "During the Shangsi Festival, I will give you a ceremony, and then..."

He laughed lowly: "Then let Ayao change his name and call you mother."

(End of this chapter)