Ordinary clear day

Chapter 196 Concubine Tong
Shu Ning and Wei Wan hurriedly got dressed and followed the visitors to Yanxi Palace.Because the rain on the ground outside was still wet, Shu Ning also specially wore satin shoes with wooden soles and flowerpots that were only one inch high to prevent slipping when walking.

Yanxi Palace is far away from Chuxiu Palace. First, you have to pass through the west gate of Qiongyuan from Xiyi Long Street, cross the Imperial Garden, and then exit the east gate of Qiongyuan. Go straight along Dongyi Changjie, pass the Sanchong Palace Courtyard, and then turn left , the second yard ahead is.Along the way, they only saw a few eunuchs and court ladies hurrying past, but they didn't meet many others.

The location of Yanxi Palace is actually a bit off. In terms of Concubine Tong's status in front of the emperor, I don't know why she lives here, but on the surface her status is not as high as the fourth concubine Huirong Deyi, so it's not surprising that she lives here.Shu Ning had previously heard from Nanny Cui that although Concubine Tong is just an ordinary concubine, the emperor respects her very much and has the affection of a cousin. She must be promoted in a few years.

When approaching the Palace of Yanxi Palace, due to the slippery ground after the rain, Shu Ning staggered a little, and quickly stood still, only a few steps behind.Just as he was about to catch up, he accidentally caught a glimpse of a palace lady coming out of the side door of Yanxi Palace in the corridor next to her, and quickly slipped into the opposite side door of Jingren Palace.Although she couldn't see what the other person looked like, the string of tassels on her head seemed familiar.

Shu Ning was hesitant, but remembering that there must be many things going on under the surface in this palace, it's better not to meddle in it, so she hurried to catch up with the maid and Wei Wan in front, and entered the gate of Yanxi Palace.

This palace also has two front and back courtyards. The main hall is five rooms wide, and there are many big trees in the courtyard.Walking into the hall and looking at the surrounding furniture, it is not dignified and gorgeous, but there is a homely and warm feeling, which makes people feel more relaxed.

Concubine Tong had already been waiting in the Nuan Pavilion, she accepted the gift from Shuning and the others with a smile, then told them to sit down, and said: "There are no outsiders here, you are all my elder sister's children, don't be restrained, just treat it as if you are here." Just like at home."

Shu Ning re-elected that day, because she was far away and did not dare to look up blatantly, she didn't see Concubine Tong's appearance clearly, so now she looked carefully.

She is not very old, not yet 30 years old, but because she is well maintained, she looks like a girl in her early twenties.She has a long face, thin curved eyebrows, and a pair of small eyes that are very bright.She can't be called pretty in appearance, but she has a very elegant temperament and speaks kindly and kindly.She wore a simple round bun, wearing a plain tin, with only a row of rice beads on it as decoration, a small golden phoenix hairpin with pearls inserted obliquely in her hair, and Dongzhu earrings in her ears. It was a light ochre-colored robe with a round collar, and she didn't wear any other jewelry. It was far from the image of a gorgeously dressed concubine in Shu Ning's imagination.

She said kindly: "Because the Queen Mother was not well a few days ago, I served her medicine by her side, and I didn't take care of you for a while. I heard that you have suffered some grievances these days. Don't take it to heart. If you have something to do, please tell me Say." She then asked Shu Ning whether the foot injury she suffered a few days ago had healed: "I only heard about it later, I was really negligent, does it still hurt now? That day, Concubine Yi was in a bad mood, I know You must be scared, don't be afraid, she is angry because of other things, not to blame you."

Shu Ning cautiously expressed that she was not scared, and her foot injury was almost healed. Concubine Tong smiled and nodded, and then said to Wei Wan: "Two days ago, my father came to see me in the palace, and mentioned the emperor's grace, let him be with you You met once. He said that you behaved decently in front of the king, but you didn't bury the reputation of the Tong family, so he was very pleased."

Wei Wan stood up and gave a salute, and said calmly: "Guan'er never dares to forget the teachings of his father, mother and elders." Concubine Tong nodded with a smile, and said: "I know that some ignorant people give you advice these days. Don't worry about it, don't pay attention to them. When the emperor makes a decree, those people will know how absurd they are. To be married to the royal family and the clan, it is not enough to have family background, talent and appearance. You are all very sensible and have done a good job .” Shuning and Wei Wan both stood up and saluted before Concubine Tong let them sit down again.

At this time, a palace maid who was nearly 30 years old came in from the outside. She greeted Concubine Tong with a smile, and then saluted Shuning and the other two: "Greetings to the two cousin girls, slave Ruixi, it was the empress who brought me from the mansion. The people who came here have heard about the names of the two cousin girls for a long time, but seeing them today, they are indeed worthy of being the biological daughters of the two aunts, and they are no worse than the young ladies."

After hearing this, Shu Ning knew that she must be an old person from the Tong Mansion, but for some reason, her name started with the word "Rui" like the others in Zhong Cui Palace?She and Wei Wan returned the salute for a while, and then heard Ruixi say to Concubine Tong: "The imperial dining room has delivered fresh meat and vegetables, and they are cleaning up, so let me ask your mother what dishes to cook ?”

Concubine Tong asked Shuning what they like to eat and what they don't like to eat, Shuning is not picky eaters, only Wei Wan said lightly that he doesn't like beef.Concubine Tong was startled, then smiled, and hurriedly ordered Ruixi to prepare the meals, then she turned her head and said to Shuning and Wei Wan, "Since you entered the palace, you have always eaten meals made in the big kitchen, right? The things made by the royal chef, you should eat a little bit of food." Twice is the same meaning, it’s too boring to eat every day. I make it myself in the small kitchen here, and it’s much more refreshing. You should also try it.”

Shu Ning thought back to the food she ate these days, it was indeed easy to get tired of it, even though it was rainy in hot weather, it was not a problem to eat stew every day.

Concubine Tong asked them again about their life in the palace, what they were not used to, and whether they had enough food and clothing, and said: "If you want something, just send someone to tell me, I still have some dignity." .”

After hearing this, Shu Ning was fine, so Wei Wan first suggested that since she came to the palace, she had read all the books she brought with her several times, and wanted to borrow a few books she hadn't read.Concubine Tong couldn't help laughing: "I heard that your child loves books, but I didn't expect to love books to this extent. Anyway, if you were in other places, your words would be in vain, but I happen to have a small study in this palace, and there are a few books in it. This book, I just don’t know if you will like it or not. If you want to, you can take it back, but remember to return it, after all, it’s something from the palace.”

With a smile on his face, Wei Wan thanked him solemnly, and then followed a court lady to the small study next to him.Shuning stayed behind to chat with Concubine Tong.After chatting for a while, Concubine Tong suddenly smiled and said: "I see that you speak and act very much like your mother when she was young, but you are more graceful than her."

Shuning followed her tone with a smile: "It turns out that my mother is also familiar with my mother? It's just that my mother is much younger than her. Shu Ning originally thought that my mother didn't see my mother much when she was at home."

Concubine Tong smiled and said: "She and my sister are very close, and they play together from time to time. I was still young at that time, and I would only follow my sister. Sometimes I heard my sister talk to your mother, but I couldn't understand it. I didn't understand what they meant until they entered the palace. Your mother-in-law has made up her mind since she was a child, and she is indeed a smart person." After she finished speaking, her face was a little lonely, and then she suddenly cheered up and looked at her seriously. Shu Ning said: "Since you are so similar to your mother-in-law and you are not too young, I have something to say to you, and you should be able to understand it."

Shu Ning shivered, sat up straight and bowed her head, and said: "My lady, please tell me." Concubine Tong nodded and said: "Your mother seemed to want you to lose the election on purpose. There are many parents who have such thoughts. If it weren't for the Queen Mother Grace over there, I am also willing to help. But now that you have been chosen, you have to make up your mind."

Shuning rolled her eyes and listened calmly.

"I've discussed with your maternal uncle. Your father's official title is only moderate, and it is enough to be assigned to the clan. If you don't mind being wronged in terms of title, the princes and elder brothers still have room for side Fujin." But I heard that someone from the emperor's side has already passed the message, that Mr. Pei..." She paused, sighed and said: "I know that he is very familiar with your family and has a good character, but although he is The eldest son of Prince Jian has an elder brother on top of him, so the throne will not fall on his head. He is only doing errands in the six departments on weekdays. Because of his accomplishments in painting, he won the lottery in front of the emperor. Looking at it now Come on, although his status is valuable, I'm afraid he won't have a great future. The emperor has never had any accurate words about this marriage, and I'm afraid it will be impossible, let alone someone else has taken a fancy to him. Your maternal uncle It means that he has taken a fancy to a Lord Belle of Prince Xian's Mansion, and a son of King Xinjun, both of whom have a promising future. What do you think?"

Shu Ning listened all the way, taking a deep breath all the way, thinking that in the eyes of outsiders, Tong Ying is such a worthless person?But she is an insider, so she knows it well, and maybe she hopes that Tongying really has no "prospect".But now she has made up her mind. Although she felt uneasy after hearing Concubine Tong's words, she still declined politely: "Thank you for your kindness. It's just that Ama and Erniang hoped that Shuning would lose the election, because they were afraid that Shuning would be accused. For those who don't know the details. Since the empress said that Beizi Tongying passed the message, he already knows the whole story, so Ama and Erniang probably won't object."

Concubine Tong frowned, and said: "If you're just worried about this, it's okay. Your uncle has a sense of propriety, and all he likes are trustworthy candidates. Otherwise, the fourth elder brother still has a side room, and he knows everything about it." of."

Shu Ning lowered her head, covered the expression with some dark lines on her face, and said softly: "The person your mother and uncle like is naturally good. It's just that Shu Ning and Cousin Wan are running together, Cousin Wan is both good-looking and talented. Outstanding, presumably there must be a great fortune. Shuning asked herself that her family background, talent and appearance are only mediocre, and the emperor is wise, how could she point out a person like Shuning and Cousin Wan to high-ranking and powerful people? This is just a little thought of Shuning Head, please be careful, Madam."

Concubine Tong was silent, and smiled after a while: "I listened to you, and I felt like I was listening to Sister Luan." Shu Ning bowed her head in silence, and after a while she heard her say: "Well, your There are reasons to worry. In fact...the future is worse, but it is not without benefits..."

Shu Ning breathed a sigh of relief, and was about to change the topic so that this empress would not have any weird thoughts, when Wei Wan came back, holding two books, and saluted Concubine Tong to thank her.Concubine Tong glanced at the cover of the book, then smiled and chatted with her, without mentioning the matter just now.

After a while, Ruixi came in with a basket of fruit, and said: "The concubine Cheng of the Xipei Hall heard that she has guests here, so she sent someone to bring the fruit." Seeing this, Concubine Tong smiled at Wei Wan and Shuning: " Why don't you just invite her over for dinner. Coincidentally, this concubine in my palace doesn't like to eat beef, and she also likes to read books in her spare time." Wei Wan lowered his head and smiled lightly. .

However, Concubine Cheng just came over to say a few words, and did not stay for dinner, because she was praying for the queen mother, and she was going to eat fast these few days, so she specially sent two delicious vegetarian dishes over.Shu Ning looked at her, and felt that she was very kind with a round face. Hearing that Wei Wan liked to read, she happily chatted with her, and did not leave until dinner was served.

Dinner was a pleasant one.Concubine Tong is not a person who pays attention to rules and etiquette, and she jokes and jokes at the dinner table from time to time, persuading them to eat more.Although Wei Wan was a little uncomfortable, he accepted her kindness.Shuning felt that Concubine Tong seemed to be a little colder towards her, but she didn't expect her to like her, so she didn't take it to heart.

After dinner, we drank tea and chatted for a while, but it was getting late.Concubine Tong sent a maid to send them back to Chuxiu Palace with a lantern. Before leaving, she said: "This year's draft, due to natural disasters and man-made disasters, has been delayed for a long time, and I don't know when it will end. It's just that I know your future, so don't worry. " Then he specifically said to Shu Ning: "The previous matter depends on the emperor's will, so you can wait for the order with peace of mind."

Shu Ning knew that what she said meant she would not interfere, so she gave a salute as a thank you, and went back with Wei Wan.

At this time, it was completely dark, and they walked all the way back, but they didn't meet anyone, except for the lantern held by the leading maid, and the light from the surrounding palace courtyard.The Jingren Palace and Chengqian Palace that passed by had no occupants living in them a few days ago, and the other end of the Kunning Palace was empty for many years. They didn't hear some human voices until they approached the Zhongcui Palace.

On the way, Shuning thought about Concubine Tong's words carefully, and felt that the other party probably just didn't know the truth.Tong Ying's great achievements at the beginning were originally concealed from others. Although the people in the Ministry of War know about the current errands in the Ministry of War, they will naturally not make noise all over the world because they involve military secrets. That's why Tong Guowei and Concubine Tong misunderstood Tong Ying. Britain.Even though the emperor didn't give a proper word, but with Tongying's temper, she definitely wouldn't give up at this point, and she would not give up until she got the order.She herself is not a sweet potato, will anyone stop her?However, who is the so-called "following him" person?Shu Ning unconsciously tightened the veil: If someone comes to grab someone from me...

She squinted her eyes, pursed her lips and curled the corners of her mouth.

"Ouch." Wei Wan cried out in surprise, which woke her up.Only then did she realize that her roommate seemed to have tripped over a rock on the gravel road, sprained her ankle, and was sweating coldly in pain.

Looking up and looking around, he has already reached the imperial garden.The maid looked around with a lantern, and then together with Shuning, she helped Wei Wan sit down on a stone bench by the nearby pool.Shuning checked Wei Wan's ankle, it seemed that the injury was not clear, it seemed that it was impossible to walk back to Chuxiu Palace.After thinking for a while, she said: "I still have some medicine for my foot injury in my room, and the crutch I used earlier is still there. This place is not far from Chuxiu Palace. I might as well go back and get it. At least I'll go back to the room first."

Wei Wan was right when he thought about it, so he endured the pain and said, "I'm bothering you so much." Shuning smiled, and told the maid to take good care of Wei Wan, and hurried to Chuxiu Palace by herself.Fortunately, there were still some lights around, so that she would not lose sight of the road.

When she arrived at Chuxiu Palace, she quickly went back to her room to get the medicine and crutches, then walked back, and bumped into Wanning and Chang Lu at the door, who asked, "Sister Shu, are you back? What are you going to do?" Shu Ning only answered in a hurry: "Sister Wan turned her foot on the way back, I'm here to deliver medicine to her." Then she left the palace gate.

She recalled the road she had just passed, and just passed a rockery, she saw the maid who had led the way coming over with a lantern, and asked, "Why did the maid come here, where is sister Wan?" The maid said: "I see you, my lord." I haven’t returned all the time, afraid that you won’t know the way, so I sent me to pick you up.”

While he was talking, he heard the sound of water in the distance, as if something heavy fell into the water.Both of them froze for a moment, then heard Wei Wan's cry for help faintly.Shu Ning had a bad heart, so she hurriedly dragged the maid to run forward.The palace lady ran to the front first, and then shouted: "No, Miss Wan has fallen into the water!" Then she shouted to the surroundings: "Come on quickly! Someone has fallen into the water!"

Shu Ning saw Wei Wan splashing about in the water, she couldn't hold it anymore, the pool didn't know how deep it was, she panicked, she accidentally saw the crutches in her hand, quickly took one to reach the center of the pool, and shouted: "Grab this!"

Wei Wan was also clever, so he quickly reached out to grab it, Shu Ning dragged it back desperately, and the maid hurried over to help when she saw this.It was hard to pull Wei Wan up to the edge of the pool, but unexpectedly, the soil by the edge of the pool became soft after days of rain, and it collapsed completely. Get down.

At this time, other eunuchs and maids of honor had arrived, and hurriedly pulled the three of them up.Shuning breathed a sigh of relief, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in her right ankle.

Her wounds hurt again.

(I'm down to just over 100 essences, and it looks like the past two days have been really...)
(End of this chapter)