King of Song

Chapter 178 New Year's Eve Dinner
Su Shi didn't pay attention, and Lin Zhao didn't pay attention either. It seems that Zhao Pin mentioned this incident completely inadvertently.Because the topics of New Year's Eve, Zhengdan, and sacrifices are very normal and there is nothing wrong with them.

It is true to see things and think about people. Although Lin Zhao has never met his parents in this life, after all, the blood is thicker than water.Immediately, he thought of being reborn in this world unexpectedly, wondering how sad his parents in the previous life would be?In addition, this year he can't go back, and even his only uncle can't be with him for the New Year. Lin Zhao is inevitably a little sad!

Lin Zhao was in a daze, and Zhao Pin was also in a daze...

Lin Zhao took out the jade pendant, and Zhao Pin was a little surprised. This was the second time he saw it. He had prepared in advance, concentrated his mind, and looked very carefully.

The whole body is emerald green, and one can tell it is the best jadeite gem at a glance, and there are vivid patterns carved on it, a picture of the rising sun and auspicious clouds.

Is it really this?Why did Xiren hesitate back then, instead of explaining in detail?Now it makes people unsure and uncertain.Zhao Pin was skeptical, feeling like a cat scratching his heart, which was very unpleasant!Is the jade pendant or is it not, and is the person or is it not?So what?How about not being right?
For a while, many thoughts came to mind, Zhao Pin only felt that his head was as big as a fight, quite embarrassing and quite chaotic.Alas, Uncle Yong, you have hurt me!But if you think about it carefully, is it not your fault?Curiosity killed the cat, although there is no such saying in this day and age.But the old fritters who have been in the officialdom for a long time know that knowing too much is not a good thing!

But I just couldn't help being curious, and wanted to clarify, so I deliberately found such an opportunity today, and mentioned it in a roundabout way.

Well, now that the goal has been achieved, the doubts and curiosity in my heart are even more intense.This is a doubt that absolutely cannot and dare not have, but now it is deeply engraved in my mind, and I can't get rid of it!Zhao Pin was very helpless, silent and speechless, maybe there was another reason for making such a choice besides curiosity...

Lin Zhao recovered from his sadness, smiled and said, "Forget it, it's all about the past, cherish the present, and your parents will be happy if they are alive!" As he spoke, he just saw Zhao Pinna's staring at him. eyes.

Uh... Lin Zhao couldn't help being surprised and said, "My lord, is there something wrong?"

Zhao Pin was mature and prudent, rarely lost his composure, and hurriedly said: "No, I just saw the beautiful patterns on the jade pendant by chance, and wanted to take a look, but it's a pity that my eyes are easy to blur when I'm old!"

"Why don't I take it off for you to admire?" Lin Zhao was also a little embarrassed about this. After all, his uncle said that this jade pendant should be worn close to the body and should not be lost.The only relic left by my parents is my most private thing. I really don't want to let outsiders see it, but it's just a polite way of saying it!
Zhao Pin is also a knowledgeable person, waved his hand and said: "No need, since it is a relic left by your father, you just keep it close to you. Seeing things and thinking about others is also a thought."

"Yes, when I have a chance, I plan to go to my hometown in Zhuozhou to see if I can find my clan members, rebuild the ancestral hall, and pay homage to my parents and ancestors!"

"Zhuozhou?" Zhao Pin suddenly seemed to think of something...

Lin Zhao couldn't help wondering, Zhao Pin's expression always made people feel weird, what seemed wrong?Inadvertently put his hand on his chest, and attacked the jade pendant of the rising sun and auspicious clouds, and couldn't help but move in his heart, could it be that Zhao Pin knew this jade pendant?Thinking of his uncle Gu Qi's faltering every time he mentioned his life experience, Lin Zhao's doubts have never been eliminated.

Now Zhao Pin vaguely sees and shows such an expression, which inevitably makes Lin Zhao suspicious.But after thinking about it, even though I was born in a scholarly family, I escaped after all. How can I have contact with high-ranking officials like Zhao Pin?I must have thought too much.

This is just a small episode, except for Zhao Pin, no one took it seriously, and no one took it seriously.There were only the three of them in the hall, so this episode passed like this, and no one noticed it!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
On New Year's Eve, no matter where you are or who you are, New Year's Eve dinner is always indispensable.

In Jiangning, the New Year's Eve dinner in the Meng Mansion is very sumptuous. After all, it is one of the largest big families. Secondly, there are cooks like Gu Yuelun with excellent cooking skills. Naturally, the table is full of delicious food.

But this year's atmosphere is not so good. In the shipwreck in autumn, the Meng family lost [-] boatmen.Although he was just a helper, the atmosphere was somewhat affected by the sadness.Fortunately, Mr. Lin has brought the murderer to justice and revenge, and Meng Ruoying gave each family a generous pension, which can be regarded as a compensation, and the situation has improved a lot.

Of course, the more important thing is that the atmosphere is not high because there are fewer people.Lin Zhao seems to have become the core figure of the Meng family. He couldn't return to celebrate the New Year this year.

"Grandmother, Uncle Gu, Aunt Gu, Lin Zhao is busy with business and won't be back this year. Let Yuelun and I convey his greetings and apologies!" Meng Ruoying stood up and explained to the elderly.

"Business is important, not important!" Mrs. Meng is very open-minded. In her eyes, it is a good thing that Lin Zhao has a bright future, so he is more suitable for his granddaughter!In the future, the granddaughter can also enjoy the blessings, maybe she can also be like myself, and have a royal wife who can be her.

Mrs. Meng is old, her eyes are still bright, and her granddaughter's mind is beginning to be able to see some clues.Furthermore, the shopkeepers and stewards of the various branches are also the eyes and ears of the old lady to a certain extent, so he understands some things quite clearly.Although Meng Ruoying didn't say it clearly, isn't that what happened?The old lady was very patient, waiting for her granddaughter to take the initiative to pierce the window paper!

"It's okay, as long as you're all doing well!" Gu Qiwei said a little insincerely. He still misses Lin Zhao very much after not seeing him for a year.At the same time, he was concerned, as always, worried that Lin Zhaozai's official position was getting bigger and bigger, and the risks of what he did were also increasing.

A few days ago, Gu Qi was shocked when he learned that Lin Zhao suppressed the rebellion in Hangzhou and brought down a county king.Why do you want to get so close to the royal family?Infighting in the emperor's family is the most dangerous, and the sacrifices are often small people like you, why don't you understand Zhao'er?However, when he heard that the fallen Yuhang County King was the son of Pu Wang Zhao Yunrang, Gu Qi felt inexplicably relieved.

All in all, it is too dangerous for my nephew to do this. I heard that this time because of the food and the shipwreck, he had a grudge with a high-ranking official in Bianjing.Alas, I'm really worried, but it's a pity that my nephew doesn't listen to me, and I can't go too deep into some words. In this situation, there is nothing I can do.

Gu Yuelun smiled lightly and said, "Cousin asked us to bring gifts back. The cotton-padded clothes and quilts were brought from Tianzhu by the cannibal. Are you warm?"

"Nuan..." Little Yan Gu is almost one and a half years old, perhaps because of the blood of the Jurchens in the White Mountains and Black Waters, the little guy is stronger than ordinary children.This will be babbling, and it's funny to pop out a word.Xiao Dongping had just turned one year old, and he also babbled, making the whole room laugh.

The old lady smiled and said: "It's very warm, it's better than mink fur, and it's extra comfortable. It's really a good thing. Dongyang has a heart!"

Meng Ruoying smiled and said: "There are also these precious tonics, they are all from the palace, and he honors you."

"And this..." Gu Yuelun took out a bag, took out a few pieces of high-quality embroidery, and said, "This is sewed by my cousin, to honor you."

Cousin?

Several people were a little bit stunned, but they all realized that Lin Zhao had hired a prostitute in Hangzhou, and they all had heard about it.

Gu Qi is fine, no matter what happens, in his opinion, his nephew has grown up, he is in his 20s, and he should have a concubine by his side.As for the background, it seems a little low, but since the nephew likes it, that's all, he doesn't really object to it.I hope they can have a child as soon as possible, even if it is a concubine. Thinking about the past experience, children are really important.

Meng Ruoying carefully observed her grandmother's reaction, for fear that her grandmother would get angry because of this, or she would think that she had been wronged.Although it is very common for a big family to have concubines before the wife of the first wife enters the family, but the Meng family has a very strict family style, and no one has taken concubines for several generations. The situation is quite special.

Sure enough, Mrs. Meng's expression was slightly unnatural.But after thinking about it, with Lin Zhao's status and current development momentum, it is not surprising that he will have three wives and four concubines in the future.A daughter of a salt lord, who has once fallen into prostitution, so what if she is an advanced door?In other ages, it will not have any impact on the granddaughter.Especially after listening to Meng Ruoying's narration that Mu Sihong was willing to block the sword alone in order to save herself and Lin Zhao, the attitudes of the elderly people improved obviously...

With the efforts of Meng Ruoying and Gu Yuelun, and the presence of two cute babies, Yan Gu and Xiao Dongping, the atmosphere of the Meng family's New Year's Eve dinner was barely good.

The next day is the first day of the first lunar month, and the new year begins, and the most important thing is to worship ancestors.This incident was a bit sad for the Meng family. After Meng Ruogu's death, the Meng family no longer had any males, so important events such as worshiping ancestors could only be entrusted to the side brothers of the same clan.

As for Gu Qi, seeing such a scene, he couldn't help feeling sad, at least the Meng family could still hold sacrificial ceremonies.But what about Lin Zhao?After so many years, how could he pay homage to his parents?Not to mention the ancestral hall, he will never have the chance to go back in this life.

Forget it, don't go back!Gu Qi smiled helplessly and let out a long sigh, his mood seemed quite desolate!
Gu Qi stared blankly at the sky, as if he was saying to someone, although he can't pay homage in person, he can't... But he has been living well, which is also a kind of continuation, so you can rest assured...

Gu Qi changed his mind and thought again, is it luck or misfortune that Zhao'er is doing so well now?How perfect everything would have been a few years ago!In the end is the world is impermanent, maybe this is the fate that God has already doomed!
Things have come to this point, there are no other extravagant hopes, all I hope is that Zhao'er is safe and sound!Now that I have wives and concubines, I hope they will have children sooner, so that they can extend their heirs and continue the incense...

Although he just had a child in his later years, Gu Qi has an impulsive desire to report to his nephew as soon as possible!I believe that Xiao Dongping also thinks the same way. At that time, there will be a guy who is only a little younger than himself, but he will call him cousin, and he can take advantage...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ancestor worship is important to ordinary people, but royal sacrifices are even more important.

In addition to sacrificing to the heaven and the earth, it is necessary for the emperor to worship the ancestors in the Taimiao, and he also needs to accept congratulations from officials and envoys from various countries. Therefore, the emperor Zhao Xu is still quite busy on the first day of the new year.

Of course, he was not the only one who was busy. The Empress Dowager Cao, Empress Dowager Gao Taotao, and the young Empress Xiang Shi were also in the palace to accept congratulations from the princess and many wives.

There are three phoenixes in one hall, and three queens of grandparents and grandchildren are present at the same time, which is quite impressive.The empress dowager, the Cao family, is highly respected, loving and setting an example to the world.Empress Dowager Gao Taotao is only in her early forties, she can be described as dignified and noble, with a huge aura.In front of grandmother and mother-in-law, facing the queen is a bit sad, but she is also dignified and generous, and has gradually become worthy of the important task of mother's ceremonies.

After accepting the pilgrimage, there were some celebratory performances and banquets. After all, the old grandmother Cao was in her sixtieth year and was a little tired, so she left first and handed over the scene to the empress dowager Gao Taotao.

"Auntie, then go back and rest more!" Gao Taotao helped Mrs. Cao and sent her out of the hall.Gao Taotao is Cao's niece, and she has been called that since she was young.Although Zhao Zongshi, the husband she married later, adopted to Emperor Renzong and the Cao family, although she is already a legitimate daughter-in-law.However, Gao Taotao has been used to it for many years, and it is difficult to change his mouth.

"Well, I'm fine, but I get tired easily when I'm old, so go back and entertain the concubine's wife!"

"Okay, auntie, go slowly!" Gao Taotao looked at Cao's back going away, and couldn't help shaking his head slightly.

The Cao family really didn't want to stay here any longer, the so-called sacrificial ceremony always seemed so unreal to him.

Emperor Renzong was supposed to have an heir emperor to offer sacrifices in the Taimiao, but unfortunately he did not have a biological son, so he could only fulfill his obligations by adoptive Song Yingzong Zhao Shu and the current emperor Zhao Xu.But King Pu Yunrang was also enshrined in the Ancestral Temple, who was the sacrifice for?

Damn Pu Yi, when thinking of this incident, Mrs. Cao was filled with anger.

When I was drunk, I took away the seal and used it on the imperial edict, Zhao Zongshi, you are so despicable!
I thought that after raising her for many years, personally making her the crown prince and concubine, and pushing her to the throne of queen, Gao Taotao didn't say how grateful he was to himself, at least he should be more filial to himself.

But since the day Zhao Zongshi came to the throne, everything has changed. This niece has become more and more indifferent to herself, and has become more and more obsequious.In her, what is seen is always hypocrisy.So it was very uncomfortable for her to stay here. Thinking about it carefully, now the emperor is his son, and he is the empress dowager who is the mother of the world.

As for myself, although I have the title of empress dowager, what is it actually?After all, they are not the children and grandchildren of the direct relatives, I am afraid that the mother and son already feel a little intrusive.Cao's heart became more and more sad.Let's go, leave here, let the niece be the protagonist here!
When Cao returned to his birthday palace, he found that his younger brother Cao Yi was already here.This old Taiguo uncle understands my sister's state of mind very well. On such a happy occasion today, my sister's heart is more sad.As a younger brother, he naturally needs to take care of his elder sister, at least come to accompany her and comfort her!

"elder sister!"

"It's rare that you are free to come here!" Cao's mood was much better when he saw his relatives.

Cao Yu said with a smile: "The court celebrations in the Daqing Palace are over, and the officials are going to the Taimiao to offer sacrifices. It just so happens that I have time to congratulate my sister on Zhengdan!"

When mentioning the Taimiao and sacrifices, Cao's face suddenly became a little unnatural, and he said: "What is there to congratulate, I will be one year older in a year, but maybe it is a good thing for me, a lonely old lady, to die sooner. Just take it for granted, rest assured!"

"Sister, why is this so?" Cao Yi immediately realized that he had said the wrong thing!

Mrs. Cao shook her head and said: "It's okay, I'm a miserable person after all, it's just a pity for the first emperor...it's a pity for those children who died young, it's a pity that God doesn't take pity on it, if I leave one...my life will always be much better of!"

"Sister, God is so merciful, after all, there is another..." Seeing this, Cao Yi brought up the old story again.

"But where is the person? It's just a sentence. The world is so big, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack..." Cao sighed and said, "Since things have passed, why bother, let alone whether you can find them, even So what if you find it?"

Cao Yi whispered: "Could it be that my sister never thought about it..."

"What are you thinking about?" Cao said with a long sigh: "Maybe I thought about it a few years ago, but now, it's too late. I am no longer the queen mother who holds a big seal in my hand and can make things up and down. Just a lonely old lady!"

"Sister..." Cao's words stopped on his lips.

Mrs. Cao shook her head and said, "Don't think about it. The senior official said that the inheritance and stability of the Great Song Dynasty are the most important. Otherwise, I wouldn't have...I don't want to go against his senior official's last wish!"

"Okay!" Seeing that his sister was unmoved, Cao Yi couldn't say anything more.

Cao said leisurely: "I did this for the good of their mother and child. Since it can't be changed, let them live a peaceful life. It can be regarded as saving some blood! Even if I find it, I may be able to protect him one day." One day, but after a hundred years, who will protect him? What's more, who has been living among the people for so many years, who knows what the child will look like? If his appearance is used by someone with a heart, it will leave a disaster for the Song Dynasty.

Tell Tie Mian, let him give up, he is already loyal, he is the most loyal subject of a high official in his life, and he is also expected to abide by the last order of the high official before death. "

"Sister, I'm afraid it's a bit difficult..." Cao Yu knew that person's nature, so he couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Mrs. Cao shook her head and said, "You just tell him, and you will have less contact with him in the future. I'm old, and I don't know when I will leave. At that time, who will protect the Cao family?" Big, but not confused at all, can be described as foresight.

"Furthermore, if the news leaks out, I'm afraid that someone will hunt and kill that child all over the world. It's not easy to escape from the dead, so why make him feel wronged?"

"What my sister said is right!" Cao Yan nodded lightly. He also thought of the seriousness of some problems. After all, he is old, and it seems that he will be less involved in some things in the future.

But just letting go like this, there is always some reluctance in my heart.Cao Bi pondered for a moment, then asked, "Sister, can I ask you a question?"

"What do you want to ask?" Mrs. Cao is shrewd?Knowing that the question asked by my brother is definitely not ordinary!
Cao Yu pondered: "If that person has good qualifications and there are opportunities in reality, will you support...?"

"There is no such possibility!"

"But what if there is?"

Cao said: "The country is the most important thing..." But after a long silence, he said softly: "If you can, maybe go back!"

Cao Yi nodded and said: "With my sister's words, Tie Mian's work is not in vain, at least I can be relieved!"

"You must not tell him this. Let him let go. I have wronged him enough these years. The official is sorry for him, and I don't want to continue to be sorry for him!" Cao's emotions were slightly agitated. The majestic and dignified claims should be abandoned by him.Maybe only in this way, she will feel at ease and be a true self!

Cao Yu said: "I will convey..."

"Well, let's go back, celebrate the new year with our children and grandchildren, and bring back my rewards. I'm tired and want to be quiet for a while!" Mrs. Cao waved her hands, looking very tired.

"Yes!" Cao Yu said goodbye and left, his deep eyes rolled slightly, and he didn't know what he was thinking.

When no one was around, Mrs. Cao leaned gently on the couch, her face was full of bitterness and exhaustion, her eyes were leisurely looking at the roof, and she didn't know what she was thinking...

Who would have thought that on the first day of the new year, the most honorable person in the Song Dynasty would not have a trace of happiness at all...

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～
Although New Year's Eve is a happy day, the premise is reunion, otherwise what happiness is there?
Outside Yingtian Mansion, in Jingxin Nunnery, although the wind was cold and cold, but Jinghe Layman didn't seem to care.A person stood in an empty yard, staring blankly at the sky.

Layman Jinghe didn't have a smile on his face. New Year's Eve is the happiest time for ordinary people, and even the masters of the Qingdeng Ancient Buddha in the nunnery will have a smile on their faces.But she is indeed an exception. For almost 20 years, she has never seen a sincere smile...

On New Year's Eve, at the moment of reunion, for her there are only thoughts, aimless thoughts!There is only one object of longing in my heart, but I don't know how it looks like, or even whether it is alive or dead.But anyway, there is still such a thought, otherwise he doesn't know if he can hold on...

Stars were shining in the sky, Jing and Layman looked at them, tears streaming down their faces involuntarily.The nunnery master who was passing by saw this scene and couldn't help shaking his head slightly. Sure enough, after all, he had too much concern in the world, so he only left a sigh, turned and left!

Jinghe Layman seemed to have never heard of it, and still stood there blankly, silent, which made people feel very sad!

At this moment, a shadow flashed across the fence, and then a figure appeared behind him.

Jinghe Layman didn't look back, but said softly: "Are you here?"

Under the faint starlight, the mask on the face of the man behind him reflected a faint light!

(End of this chapter)