Chaos in the Chu Palace

Chapter 18
Mingying is articulate, and she speaks clearly after three or two words.Ouyang Ruo smiled faintly, drinking the chicken soup with red dates and ginseng that Wan Hui made for her.After she finished speaking, Ouyang Ruo nodded and praised: "Mingying is getting more and more clever. I found out these things so quickly. You have worked hard these days."

Mingying thought she was not used to being praised by Ouyang Ruo, so she said shyly: "Madam asked the servant to inquire, and the servant should inquire clearly about what is going on."

Seeing that she was still a child at heart, Ouyang Ruo smiled and said, "Don't make too much of a move to make people suspicious."

Ming Ying didn't care much: "Madam, don't worry, this servant is very careful. The words are all out of tricks. It's not just asking out of the brain."

Ouyang Ruo nodded, and took out a gold bracelet from her bosom. The bracelet was not heavy, but the carving was exquisitely made, so she wanted to put it on: "I saw that your wrist was empty a few days ago, so I thought about giving you one. You have done well this time, so I will reward you." He said with a smile on his face and wanted to put it on for her.

Mingying turned around, pouted and said: "Madam is too out of touch. Mingying's life is given by Madam. If you do something, you have to be rewarded. That servant is too heartless. Madam, what is she doing? Slaves are outsiders!"

Ouyang Ruo saw that she spoke seriously, so she quickly pulled her and said: "What outsider and insider, you followed me all the way to this mansion, how could you be treated as an outsider, if you were an outsider, how could you be asked to do these things?" thing."

Wan Hui said with a smile: "Madam, what does that mean? Madam is not in good health yet. Don't be so anxious about Madam."

Mingying smiled and took the bracelet after hearing the words, but she seemed reluctant.Ouyang Ruo pursed her lips and snatched it away: "Forget it, since you feel that the reward is too wronged, you won't reward you. Save it for you, and when you get married, I will make it for you together." dowry."

Mingying was ashamed and anxious when she heard that, she took the bracelet and covered her face and ran out.

Ouyang Ruo watched her disappear, and said with a smile: "This girl is so thin-skinned. She will marry sooner or later, so why not be ashamed." Seeing Dexuan standing by the door, she said angrily, "Come in."

Seeing Dexuan standing aside, Wan Hui knew that he had something to report, so she tidied up and withdrew.Ouyang Ruo stepped down from the low kang, put his hand on Dexuan's arm and walked out.

Because Lord Hou had won the battle and returned to the state of Chu, the mansion was full of people, congratulatory visits, officials, and fame...there was an endless stream, and the manpower in the mansion was not enough.Li Jingcai was in charge of Chu Huotian's basic necessities, food, housing, and transportation, and also arranged the affairs of several gentlemen. After a few days, he was so tired that he couldn't even speak.So he found a few clever servants in the mansion to do some chores by his side.Dexuan is handsome, but not frivolous, and he does things properly, so Li Jingcai asked Ouyang Ruo to help him, but only three meals a day, Dexuan still came back to cook, really dedicated.Although Dexuan only did some trivial things, compared with the servant girl in the west, the news from Lord Hou is more informed.

Dexuan supported Ouyang Ruo and walked to the back of the pavilion.

Although Jingyun Pavilion is small, there is also a small garden at the back, which is exquisite and small, and there is even a small pavilion, which is a bit like the common gardens in Jiangnan water towns.Ouyang Ruo seldom went out after meeting Mrs. Xu in Fuzhong Garden that time. When bored, she would go to the back to take care of flowers and plants.Although he only lived in a corner, but he couldn't see the group of women, so he naturally felt better.The backyard is clean and no one is there, so I can feel more at ease when I say something.

"Back to Madam, there are some gentlemen on the east side. The servants looked at it, and there is a Mr. Zhao who seems to be very important. The past few days when Hou Ye returned to the mansion, Mr. Zhao passed by every day. When the servants were serving tea, they often closed the door and talked deeply. " Dexuan supported Ouyang Ruo to sit in the pavilion, thought for a while, and then said slowly.

"There are quite a few gentlemen who don't seem to be simple. Mr. Lin is the most straightforward, and he even praised the tea made by the servant. From the view of the servant, all of those gentlemen have some real skills, but Lord Hou..." He paused paused.

Ouyang Ruo heard him mention Chu Huotian, her long eyelashes trembling like crow's wings, raised her eyes, saw that De Xuan hesitated to speak, and said: "Speak, there is no one else now."

De Xuan looked around nervously, the hexagonal gazebo was built on a higher terrain, and he could see the situation below at a glance, and after confirming that there was no one around, he said softly: "I secretly think that the situation of Lord Hou is not very good recently, Looking at the serious expressions of these gentlemen, I think someone in the court is targeting Lord Hou..."

Ouyang Ruo's heart moved, he stopped what he was about to say, walked slowly, and changed the topic: "Where is Hou Ye resting at night?"

De Xuan lowered his eyebrows and said: "Except for the first night where the concubine rested, I heard that they all slept in the study. None of the wives went to spend the night."

Ouyang Ruo nodded, and suddenly smiled coldly: "No wonder Mrs. Xu is full of anger. It turns out that she was annoyed that the Marquis didn't go to see her."

Disgust flashed in De Xuan's eyes: "Mrs. Xu will only vent her anger on Madam if she thinks about it. She has nothing to do with anything else."

Ouyang Ruo looked at the spring in Yiyuan, nodded and said: "It's fine to provoke her less in the future, but it's a good thing for you to be by Li Jingcai's side. He is not an easy person. I think Lord Hou relies on him very much. There are many things to think about. Leave it to him to take care of it. If you follow him, you must remember four words: be cautious in your words and deeds. Don’t ask if you shouldn’t ask, and do what he tells you. You will know the benefits in the future.”

Dexuan quickly agreed.

The two were talking, when suddenly Wan Hui came over in a hurry, and raised her head under the pavilion and said, "Madam, Madam Liu is here."

Ouyang Ruo was startled suddenly: "What is she doing here?" As she spoke, she hurriedly stepped down from the pavilion and walked into the house.

"Madam Liu said that she came to visit Madam. She also brought some things." Wan Hui said as she walked.

"Go and tell Mrs. Liu to wait a moment, I'll go change clothes." Ouyang Ruo hurriedly said to Dexuan, and helped Wan Hui to walk into the inner room.

After a while, Ouyang Ruo changed into a long dress with light purple flowers and dark patterns, and a quilted embroidered purple orchid robe of the same color. On her head, there was still only a long purple jade hairpin.People look sober and yet noble.Stepping into the flower hall, Mrs. Liu was sitting in the main seat drinking tea, and Ouyang Ruo hurriedly stepped forward to salute.

Liu Shi smiled, but she came over in person and gave her a little help: "Sister, don't be so polite, your body is just right, please sit down quickly. We sisters don't need to look outside like this."

Ouyang Ruo looked up at her.Mrs. Liu was wearing a long white dress with cloud and moon silk embroidered flowers. The pear blossoms in full bloom on the skirt were plain white and elegant, and the embroidery was very delicate.Wear a gauze robe of the same material on the outside.The hair on the head is coiled into a beautiful cloud bun, and a transparent white jade hairpin is tied obliquely. The huge South Sea pearls are decorated with silver threads to form a net, and the hair on both sides is loosely netted.Very elegant.

Ouyang Ruo couldn't help but look at her twice more. Although her dress looked plain, her skills were not sloppy.Immediately she felt confident, she smiled and said, "Sister Liu is here, and my sister is too happy. Hurry up and change to another tea, and bring some pastries." Wan Hui hurriedly led the maid down to make arrangements.

Mrs. Liu sat down with a smile on her face: "Originally, I came to see my sister during the few days when she was ill, but my little ancestor has been really restless recently, he didn't study hard, and I punished him every day for copying poems and books, so I didn’t come here. Now that my sister is in good health, I, as a sister, have to come over to see if it’s all right.”

As she said that, she asked the maid on the side to take the red-sealed paper bag: "This is a catty of high-quality blood bird's nest. My sister is recovering from a serious illness and needs to replenish some blood. There is also a box of Chudi's specialty tea called : Yunding Qinglu. It’s very good. My sister, I have half a pack, and I’ll give the whole sister a taste.”

After she finished speaking, she took a small sandalwood box from the servant girl's hand, which was about a little bigger than a man's palm.Before Ouyang Ruo opened her mouth, Liu Shi put the box in her hand and motioned for her to open it with a smile. Ouyang Ruo was puzzled, so she had to open it, only to feel a bright light in front of her eyes: it turned out to be two pink pearls the size of a thumb.There are not many pearls the size of a thumb, and each one is worth a thousand gold, not to mention two pink pearls of the same size, which are even more priceless.

Ouyang Ruo let out a soft cry, quickly covered the box, and stuffed it into her hand: "Sister, I can't do it, my sister dare not take such a precious thing."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Liu had a reproachful smile on her beautiful and unparalleled face: "Why doesn't my sister want my sister's wishes? These things are rare."

Ouyang Ruo was holding the box in his hands, as if he was holding a hot potato, with panic on his face, he quickly pushed it into her arms: "My sister also said that this thing is rare, so my sister can't accept it. My sister sees that my sister loves pearls very much. It is better for my sister to use this pearl. If my sister uses it, it will be a pity for this treasure."

Mrs. Liu withdrew her hand, and there was a trace of resentment on her face: "Sister Ouyang refuses to accept, is it just like sister Xu who despises my natal family as a merchant family?" Said, a pair of beautiful crescent eyes couldn't help but turn red.

Ouyang Ruo understood slightly in her heart, but her face became more and more panicked: "What is my sister saying, how can my sister look down on my sister, not to mention the way my sister takes care of me, just looking at my sister's beauty is also admirable."

Mrs. Liu took out her handkerchief and wiped her eyes, and with a slight signal, the maidservants who had brought them withdrew, and Ouyang Ruo also ordered: "Mingying, go down and greet Mrs. Liu's maidservants for tea." Mingying crisply said In response, he withdrew.

Ouyang Ruo put the box in the middle of the case, and said softly: "Sister Liu, you can't belittle yourself like this. Although I haven't been here for a long time, I know that Sister Liu is very popular in the house. Who doesn't know Sister Liu? Generous and gentle. Everyone says Sister Liu is good."

Only then did Liu's smile spread across her face: "Don't call me sister Liu, it's strange, my girlfriend's name is Ruyu, when there is no one, just call me Yu'er."

Ouyang Ruo hurriedly said, "Then I'll call you Sister Ruyu." Liu's face smiled slightly.Ouyang Ruo also raised his head and smiled sweetly.

After Liu Shi was sent away, Ouyang Ruo slowly turned back to the inner room.

Wan Hui took the box and went into the room and said: "Madam, this box..." Ouyang Ruo didn't even look at it, and said casually: "Seal it up and record it and put it in the warehouse behind. This kind of thing can't be used, it's too ostentatious .”

Wan Hui agreed, and Ouyang Ruo suddenly said: "Give Mrs. Liu another generous gift quietly in a few days. Remember, it should not be too big, it should be delicate and small, and it should be high quality."

Wan Hui backed out in response.

Sitting at the table, Ouyang Ruo looked at her beautiful face in the mirror that had gradually recovered, with a mocking smile in her clear eyes: "Liu Ruyu...is it you who can use me, or can I use you?" ?”

A few days later, Wan Hui brought a generous gift and quietly presented it to Liu Ruyu. Liu Ruyu smiled slightly and said, "Sister Ouyang is really polite. Last time it was just my care, why did you return to Lilai? "

Wan Hui replied respectfully: "Our wife said that Mrs. Liu cares about her the most in the house. Besides, it's not surprising that there are many people. I hope Mrs. Liu will take good care of our house in the future."

Liu Shi took a sip of tea and only smiled slightly.Wan Hui only felt that the tea had a clear fragrance, not inferior to the imperial tea in Hua Palace before, and she couldn't help but secretly startled.

Liu Shi saw that she was standing respectfully, advancing and retreating with restraint, so she smiled and said: "They are all serving Lord Hou, so saying that would be out of character."

Wan Hui hurriedly said she didn't dare, said some good things, and then withdrew.After returning to Jingyun Pavilion and seeing Ouyang Ruo, he said the whole thing and mentioned the tea leaves again.

Ouyang Ruo pondered for a while before saying: "It seems that Liu's natal family has amazing financial resources. According to what you said, the tea is not the ordinary share given by the mansion. It may be sent to the mansion by her natal family. She brought it last time. The clear dew on the top of the cloud, Dexuan looked at it and said that in Chudi this tea is also a sky-high price of one or two teas and one or two golds. Her handwriting is not small."

Wan Hui nodded, and said worriedly: "Mrs. Liu is a sophisticated person with amazing financial resources. Now she has another son, and her position in the mansion is unshakable. But now she comes to show her favor to us. I don't know what she is thinking."

Ouyang Ruo's long and beautiful eyebrows frown lightly, looking out through the window lattice carved with Clivia, the high courtyard walls are layered on top of each other, and there are many towering pavilions. The courtyard is deep, and it is clear that people's hearts are unfathomable.

"Let's relax, now she means that she wants to unite with us to deal with Xu, but who knows if she can take both sides. Anyway, we just need to be careful, and we must be very respectful when we meet her in the future, I think I should also go to the lady's place in those courtyards in the mansion." Ouyang Ruo said lightly.

Ouyang Ruo was in good health. She chose a day and asked Mingying to follow her, and visited each wife.Because she is modest and the gifts she gives are just right, the ladies in several places have changed their views on her, and they are much closer to her when they walk around.Mrs. Xu made sarcastic remarks from time to time, and Ouyang Ruo was not annoyed, but just ignored her.The wives felt that Ouyang Ruo was more and more amiable, and they gradually couldn't handle Xu's satire.Xu has no one to follow her, and she is domineering and often offends others, and the wives don't want to pay attention to her.

Seeing that Xu's arrogance was suppressed, Mrs. Liu was secretly happy, and just watched with cold eyes.Mrs. Xu became irritable day by day, and Chu Huotian hardly went back to the wife of the mansion to rest for the night. She was full of anger and couldn't vent, and often beat up servants. Ouyang Ruo heard Mingying mention which servant she had beaten again several times.

Wan Hui frowned and said: "It seems that Mrs. Xu has a very bad temper. I don't know how Hou Ye can bear her." Ouyang Ruo was only puzzled after hearing this.

Days passed by, and more than a month passed in the blink of an eye.

In June, the weather in Chudi gradually became hotter, and Ouyang Ruo felt a bit like summer in Huadi.Chu Huotian still leaves early and returns late, and his family members live in the inner courtyard. Needless to say, the wives saw him, even they heard little about him.Because of Ouyang Ruo's illness, Li Jing brought some supplements over.Just such a small move made Mrs. Xu very angry, and said a lot of ugly things in secret.Ouyang Ruo just pretended not to hear and tried not to conflict with her.

But right and wrong do not happen because people hide.

One afternoon, Ouyang Ruo was lying on the bamboo tavern on one side of the inner hall to rest in the morning, and he drew down the Xiangfei bamboo curtain to block the heat outside the house, and the slight breeze from the hall was very cool.Much cooler than the back room.While sleeping, he suddenly heard a loud noise outside.Ouyang Ruo seemed to hear someone talking loudly, and it seemed that someone was arguing violently.

Ouyang Ruo listened vaguely for a while before waking up. It seemed that the voice was getting louder and louder, so she had to put on a robe and go out to have a look.Just as the curtain was being raised, Ming Ying walked over in a very upright manner, seeming to be cursing something.

"What's wrong?" Ouyang Ruo asked.Mingying looked up and saw Ouyang Ruo, and immediately ran forward, angrily and urgently said: "Ma'am, those people are unreasonable, saying that something was lost in Yihuayuan, so they insisted on coming in to check. Aunt Wanhui was talking to them talk."

Ouyang Ruo thought about it, and said, "Come with me to have a look."

Ming Ying was full of anger, but could only hold back.Going out of the outer hall, I saw a group of three or four maids and mothers talking to Wan Hui at the entrance of the yard.

One of the nanny spoke very loudly: "Why don't people go in and check it out? Our wife said that this jade is very important, even if you dig three feet in the mansion, you have to find it!"

Wan Hui was probably getting impatient talking to them, and said coldly: "This nanny thinks where our yard is, and if you want to come in and search, you can search, and you can search if you want? One day Zhang San and Li Si said that she lost something, Come in and take a look, what's the point?!"

The nanny didn't show weakness and said, "What's the matter, is your land made of gold or silver? Why can't people check it? Not to mention that your wife was the last to enter the mansion. We checked the first few yards all the way." Come here, can you guarantee that our wife's jade was not stolen by your servants?"

The more she spoke, the more ugly she sounded, Wan Hui was so angry that her face turned livid, and she was about to retort.

Ouyang Ruo couldn't help shouting, "Enough is enough!"

(End of this chapter)