Chaos in the Chu Palace

Chapter 15
At the end of May in the fifth year of Chu Qiande, Chu Dinghou led [-] soldiers and Ma Haohao into the Chu capital, and the Chu Emperor led all the civil and military officials, and went out of the imperial city for thirty miles to welcome Chu Dinghou's return.Chu Huotian's brigade marched slowly all the way, and finally arrived at the newly built "Ronggui Pavilion" thirty miles away from Chujing on time.Looking from a distance, the convoy greeted by Yujia is covered with golden flags, shining golden under the scorching sun in early summer.The quiet and orderly Royal Guards, dressed in black armor, stand on both sides of the pavilion.Behind the dazzling golden dragon is a row of soft sedan chairs made of woolen fabrics of various grades.

It was only a little warm in Chudi in May, and the cicadas began to cry non-stop on the trees.All the people in the pavilion were already a little anxious to wait, and each of them stretched their necks and looked towards the official road.The hourglass next to it flows thinly.Finally, Chu Huotian's car slowly appeared in front of the official road.The Minister of Civil and Military Affairs of Chu State in the pavilion began to discuss excitedly.The highest-ranking Emperor Chu also stood up, and was supported by his servants to step out of the pavilion, and all the civil and military officials in the pavilion also got up and left the pavilion one after another.

Chu Huotian's car stopped thirty feet away from the pavilion, the door of the carriage opened, and Chu Huotian slowly stepped out of the car.I saw him wearing a gold-rimmed five-beautiful dragon court dress, a purple-gold jade crown on his head, and a seven-treasure jade belt around his waist.Li Jingcai next to him bowed and helped him step out of the car.Emperor Chu walked very fast, and when Chu Huo got out of the car, he didn't stop until he was two feet in front of the car.

Seeing Chu Huotian's pale face, he was helped out of the car by the servant, thinking that he must have an internal injury that had not healed, he couldn't help crying from his heart: "Your brother, you are finally back!" Several old ministers also had tears in their old eyes, and they kept wiping them away.

Chu Huotian's face was moved, and suddenly he knelt down and cried loudly: "Your Majesty, my younger brother will finally live up to the entrustment of the emperor and take all the land of the Hua Kingdom to my Chu Kingdom. My father's soul in heaven is also at ease."

Hearing this, Emperor Chu was so excited that he couldn't help himself, so he hurriedly stepped forward to help him up.The two monarchs and ministers hugged each other and cried.The ministers behind him also sighed endlessly, and stepped forward to comfort them one after another.

Finally, the Emperor Chu stopped his tears and said gratifiedly: "Your brother is brave and extraordinary. He is the pillar of my Chu. I will seal you as a loyal and brave Dinghou today! Ranked first among the three princes, you will be given [-] households and ten thousand pieces of gold. Brother, You and I are blood brothers, and now the most honorable in this Chu, besides me is you. This beautiful country, you and I share it!"

Chu Huotian wiped away a few tears from his face, and hurriedly knelt down to thank him.The tens of thousands of horses behind them also knelt down and shouted long live three times.The booming sound of long live like a surging tide is earth-shattering.Seeing all this, Emperor Chu stroked his beard contentedly and smiled.

At this point, a group of teams headed for Chujing in a mighty manner.

In the evening, Ouyang Ruo and his party were led by Li Jingcai into the Chu Mansion through the side gate.When I got out of the carriage, I saw a tall door with two red lacquered doors tightly closed.Ouyang Ruo looked around quietly, and saw rows of red bricks and green tiles in the high wall, which were really eye-catching, and two stone beasts squatted in front of the door lifelike, only one door was so magnificent, thinking about coming to the Chuhou Mansion Not small.

Seeing that Ouyang Ruo was standing by the car, Li Jing stepped forward and said with a smile: "Madam was tired all the way, and if there was any inconvenience in the mansion, I sent someone to tell my servant that the servant will definitely make arrangements. This was ordered by the Marquis. "

Ouyang Ruo took a blessing and hurriedly said, "Thank you for taking care of me, father-in-law. I will ask my father-in-law to remind me more in the future."

Just as he was talking, the door opened, and an old nanny led a dozen maidservants to file out, bowed slightly and said, "Madam Zhang, my servant, is here to welcome Mrs. Xin into the mansion." A group of maidservants kneeled neatly behind her down.

Ouyang Ruo straightened up slightly, and said softly, "I'm sorry, Madam Zhang. Get up." Her tone was neither humble nor overbearing, and her manner was graceful and magnanimous.

After Ouyang Ruo finished speaking, supported by Wan Hui, she entered the door immediately.Mammy Zhang was slightly stunned when she saw Mingying holding Ling Xianxiang in her hands, then hurried to catch up, bowing slightly to lead the way in front of Ouyang Ruo.

Nanny Zhang said as she walked: "The princess said, it's too late today, and the new wife is tired, and I will go to see the ceremony tomorrow when I have time. Although the place in the Hou's mansion is large, there are many gentlemen living in the west, so the princess Instruct the servants to tidy up the Jingyun Pavilion and let the new lady live first. After a while, the mansion will be rebuilt to see if it is going to be moved to another place..."

It was already dark, and some servants were hanging lanterns on the verandah.The early summer night in Chujing was still slightly cold, and the dark night gradually shrouded in darkness, and the garden porch could not be seen clearly all the way.Wan Hui and Ming Ying were so nervous that they held their breath slightly, and followed behind silently.Ouyang Ruo had a slight polite smile on her lips, listened carefully to Nanny Zhang's orderly words, nodded from time to time, and said softly, "Thank you for the concubine."

"So good."

"Nurse Zhang has worked hard."

Her voice was soft, and her peerless complexion remained intact even under the night.Zhang Nanny knew countless people, the more she looked at her, the more she was surprised, but she had to admit that she had a certain amount of advance and retreat, and she was from a great family.

When they arrived at Jingyun Pavilion, Nanny Zhang led Ouyang Ruo through the carved bluestone gate, facing a screen wall.There are also intricate patterns carved on it.Ouyang Ruo couldn't see clearly in the night, and only glanced at it hastily.Then pass through a front hall, with several small rooms built on both sides of the side rooms, presumably for maids and servants to sleep.When we arrived at the main hall, some servants had already lit bright candles.A group of golden dazzling.Ouyang Ruo took a look and found that it was not as bad as he imagined, so he was relieved and sat down on the main seat.

She was born in a family of poets and books, and her parents taught her strictly when she was a girl, and she had rules in every sitting and deed.Later, when he entered the Hua Palace, he was even more disciplined and did not dare to relax.Although Ouyang Ruo's whole body was extremely sore and limp at this moment, he still sat upright on the chair without any trace of fatigue.

Mingying put down Ling Xiang in her hand, and as soon as Ling Xiang fell to the ground, she rushed over and called to Ouyang Ruo in a childlike voice: "Aunt...Aunt hug..."

Zhang Nanny heard the words, and suddenly realized in her heart.Ouyang Ruo glanced at her quietly, seeing that she was only staring at Ling Xiang in her arms, she let go of the big stone in her heart.

Ouyang Ruo said in a harmonious voice: "Nurse Zhang has worked hard. In the future, I will need some advice from Nanny Zhang when I am in the mansion." After she finished speaking, she took out a letter of silver wrapped in red silk from her sleeve and put it in her hand. : "When we meet for the first time, there is no special meeting ceremony. These are treated as inviting the mother to drink tea."

Nanny Zhang only felt that the silver in her hand was heavy, at least dozens of taels, which was worth her one-year annual seal, so she hastily declined: "Ma'am, this is impossible!"

Ouyang Ruo withdrew her hand, and said with a slight smile: "Nurse Zhang, don't excuse me, I have something to ask for help now. I have a lot of boxes and cages in the car, and the items inside are safe, so take them out one by one. It’s troublesome to move, I’m afraid that the maids in the mansion won’t know that it’s broken. So I want to ask Mammy to send some more servants, so that the people around me can go with me. Is that okay?”

Upon hearing that it was not a difficult task, Nanny Zhang hurriedly agreed, Ouyang Ruo winked, and Wan Hui and Ming Ying went down to make a fuss.Ouyang Ruo used some for dinner, and it was late at night before the boxes and cages were ready to be moved.

In the early morning of the next day, Ouyang Ruo got up early and called the maid who served outside to help him tidy up.Because it was still a bit cool outside, Ouyang Ruo was wearing a leaf-green dress with small floral twigs and a jasper gauze dress of the same color.The top of the head is combed upright with a treasured moon bun. There is only one green gold hairpin inlaid with cat's eyes on the head, and a few pearls and silver beads are dotted on the rest. The whole person looks refreshing and pleasant, not ostentatious.She was supported by Wanhui, and Nanny Zhang led her towards the princess' courtyard.

Nanny Zhang walked in front, followed by two servant girls, and Ouyang Ruo followed unhurriedly, and asked Wan Hui softly, "Have you brought everything I told you to bring? Don't make a mistake."

Wan Hui nodded, and turned her head to motion for Ouyang Ruo to look at Dexuan who followed him: "They are all here, Madam, don't worry."

Only then did Ouyang Ruo walk forward with confidence.

The Chuhou Mansion was very magnificently built, and there were very few curved water covered bridges, pavilions and pavilions that are common in Huaguo.At a glance, it is well-regulated, square and upright, and the roads are horizontal and vertical, enough for several people to walk side by side.There are mostly poplar trees planted on both sides of the road. Even if you pass through the door, the door must be wide open, exquisitely carved, and all painted red. Although it is not ugly, the craftsmanship is inevitable, unlike Huadi. The garden, one step at a time, is completely natural.

Ouyang Ruo tightened her clothes, took a deep breath, and walked forward.

After a cup of tea, I arrived at the princess courtyard.Nanny Zhang signaled Ouyang Ruo to wait in front of the main house, and went in to report.Ouyang Ruo took advantage of this time to look around.The place where Princess Chu lives is called Shuyu Garden, with carved beams and painted buildings, and towering treasure pavilions.The warm pavilions on both sides are also very delicately made.Sure enough, it was the place where Princess Chuhou lived, and it was several times larger than the Jingyun Pavilion where I lived.Four or five servant girls were waiting respectfully by the door, some of them were still holding pots or teacups in their hands, presumably the princess hadn't finished washing.Nanny Zhang went in for a long time but did not come out.

Ouyang Ruo calmed down, Wan Hui patted her hand lightly, the two looked at each other with wry smiles, and waited patiently.

After about an hour, the sun was getting stronger.Nanny Zhang just came out, and she said apologetically: "Madam, the princess has packed up, just now I told my servants that Madam got up early, so I don't need to come so early to say hello. Tell Madam to come in quickly."

Ouyang Ruo nodded and helped Wanhui enter the door.As soon as you enter the door, you can only feel a strange fragrance lingering, which makes the room soft and comfortable.Ouyang Ruo raised his eyes lightly, and saw a noble lady in a luxurious dress and full of jewels sitting at the head.

Ouyang Ruo hurriedly knelt down: "My concubine Ouyang respectfully welcomes Princess Jin'an." Her body was slender and slender, and this kneeling made her look even weaker than a willow.

"Get up. Let my concubine take a look." A slightly deep female voice said.Ouyang Ruo raised his head in fear, then lowered his head hastily.

Although the look up was short, it still allowed her to see the concubine's appearance clearly.Concubine Chu's appearance is slightly above average, and she looks about 26 or [-] years old. Although her face is not old, her expression is serious and dignified.She has black hair tied into a ponytail, two golden butterfly peony filigree gold hairpins, a pair of bright moon jadeite earrings, and a pair of crystal white imperial concubine bracelets on her wrists.She is wearing an auspicious and rich Peony Lichun pleated dress with a hollowed-out gold silk robe on the outer cover, showing grace and luxury.She has a white and thin face, but this bustling body makes people feel more old-fashioned.

Although Ouyang thought so in his heart, there was still a panic expression on his face.To be Chu Dinghou's original wife, her background is definitely not simple.But Ouyang Ruo only knew that her surname was Zhao, and that her natal family behind her was the Zhao family of Anjun, a great family of Chu, and she didn't know the rest.

"Ouyang, right? Yesterday's rest was good, are you still used to living in the courtyard?" Concubine Chu took a sip of tea and asked in a harmonious voice.Seeing that Ouyang Ruo was a bit cramped, she smiled slightly, pointed to the sour jujube chair next to her with her well-maintained fingers, and said, "Sit down. Don't stand up. We're all sisters now, don't be formal."

Ouyang Ruo hurriedly nodded in agreement, sat down and said in a low voice: "Thank you for your concern, Princess, I slept well yesterday, and the yard is clean and comfortable, I am very satisfied."

Seeing her obedience, Concubine Chu smiled at all the maids and maids around her: "Everyone is a noble woman who is gentle and beautiful, knowledgeable and courteous, and now it seems true. Such a lovely person, let alone the Marquis, is the real one." The concubine also likes it."

Ouyang Ruo hurriedly said in a low voice that he didn't dare.As he said that, he got up in panic and thanked him again.Concubine Chu said angrily: "They say don't be cautious. There are so many courtesies, please sit down."

Ouyang Ruo sat back down again.Just as he was talking, someone suddenly giggled a few times outside the house, the voice was clear and pleasant.Ouyang Ruo was wondering, but the door curtain was lifted, and two beauties in brocade clothes walked in.

The first woman had an oval face, a pair of single phoenix eyes on her face, charming and energetic, her shiny black hair was tied into a meteor bun, on which were inserted four shining emerald-encrusted gold long hairpins, and the rest were inserted a few small hairpins. The butterfly play flower hairpin, a pair of white jade crescent moon earrings, exquisite and small.She is a very beautiful woman with Qiong nose and cherry mouth.

She smiled and tugged at the beauty behind her, and said: "I heard that a beautiful younger sister came here today, so I asked Sister Liu to take a look. How did I know that her devil king has been making trouble for a long time, and she is late, don't mind, sister wangfei." ah."

Her laughter is crisp and clear, like a yellow warbler coming out of the valley, but her actions are crisp and hot, and she can be seen as a woman from Chudi at a glance.

The person behind her, Tingting, approached gracefully, and first gave a deep blessing to Concubine Chu and said softly: "My concubine pays respects to the concubine, and I respectfully wish the concubine Wanan." Look at Ouyang Ruo.

Ouyang Ruo stood up early, lowered her head and listened quietly to their chatting and laughing.

Seeing her salute, Concubine Chu ordered her to get up, then smiled and said to Ouyang Ruo: "Go and meet the two sisters who should be called sisters, they told my concubine a few days ago that they want to see you soon, sister Ouyang."

Ouyang Ruo hurriedly stepped forward to give her a blessing: "My concubine, Ouyang, has met two sisters." Before she fell down, she put a warm, cool and delicate soft cloth on her hand, her five fingers were as white as jade, and her nails were Painted pink Danko, very beautiful.

"Sister Ouyang, isn't it? She is really beautiful! Sister Xu, look at what people say is beautiful, it is true." Ouyang Ruo looked up when she heard the words, and saw the one in front of her dressed in apricot-colored twigs and broken flowers. The long skirt is covered with a moonlight white transparent gauze dress, with a jeweled snail bun on the head, two gold hairpins inlaid with South Sea pearls the size of a thumb, and silver hairpins with pearls of the same color everywhere, very refreshing and luxurious.Her complexion is soft and gentle, she only looks at Ouyang Ruo with a smile on her face.A pair of beautiful eyes are curved like crescent moons, very beautiful.

Ouyang Ruo heard her praise herself, and was about to answer, but the beautiful woman who just smiled just snorted dissatisfied: "Yes, sister Liu, we are all old people now, and no matter how beautiful we are, we can't compare with others who are young." You are beautiful, you will naturally see everyone as beautiful."

Ouyang Ruo turned her head and saw that Xu's pretty face was three points cold, and with a trace of sourness, she stepped to the side and sat down.Mrs. Liu was not annoyed, let go of Ouyang Ruo's hand, and said with a smile, "Sister Xu is too jealous. That's my sister's fault, don't mind me." She sat on top of Ouyang Ruo, her posture The cloud is light and the wind is clear, and there is no trace of annoyance.

Seeing that the two of them were seated, Ouyang Ruo lowered her head and said, "This time I saw the concubine and the sisters for the first time, and I was very frightened. I brought a few ornaments from home to express my affection. Please sisters later Just take care of my little sister." Saying that, he motioned to Wanhui.

Wan Hui hurried out and brought some accessories.Ouyang Ruo walked slowly, took a carved nanmu box, about one foot square, presented it to Concubine Chu and opened it, saying, "Princess, this is the best suet jade dripping water Guanyin."

Concubine Chu glanced lightly, with a faint smile on the corner of her mouth, she nodded: "My sister has a heart."

A servant girl in brocade clothes beside Concubine Chu suddenly pursed her lips and said with a smile: "Princess Guanyin has eight pieces if not ten, which is not rare." After speaking, she suddenly covered her mouth and knelt down in fear: "My lord, my servant is wrong. Slaves talk too much!"

Concubine Chu glared at her, and said: "I'm telling you to talk too much, this is a gift from the new wife, even if it's not rare, it's still a wish, why don't you apologize!"

(End of this chapter)