Traveling through the harem: the favorite concubine

Chapter 79

The imperial court issued a decree, and the examinations held by the Ministry of Rites were carried out in full swing, and candidates from all over the country rushed to the capital to gather.

But for the harem, it didn't have any impact. It was good news for everyone in the harem to avoid the draft and change to the imperial examination.

Ruyi stays in the Chaoyang Palace, and spends her days leisurely, taking care of the children, doing embroidery work, and the time flies by.

A few days after the Hundred Days Banquet, Mrs. Cao handed over the sign to enter the palace, and Ruyi naturally agreed.

But on that day, in order to avoid Shao Yao's further contact with Cao's affairs, she took Shao Yao's leave and let Fang Cao serve her.

After Mrs. Cao entered the palace, she was taken to Ruyi's bedroom. Seeing that the person who came to pick her up was a stranger, she asked Ruyi, and Ruyi explained the reason with a smile. , she has more important things to talk to Ruyi.

"In the past few days, I have carefully looked at several houses in the capital that I am interested in. After looking around, I still think these two are better. I can't make up my mind at the moment, but I want to ask the empress to help me have a look!"

Mrs. Cao took a sip of the tea that was served, and couldn't wait to talk to Ruyi.

After hearing this, Ruyi smiled and declined politely: "Auntie said this, how do I know these things, let me come up with an idea, isn't this a blind idea!"

Mrs. Cao laughed, and said again and again: "Your Majesty is being modest! Besides, you have met both of these young ladies."

After finishing speaking, he began to talk: "One family is the lady of the fifth-rank official family that the old man pointed out to the empress that day. Her surname is Jiang, and the surname Jiang is a common surname. There are many promising people in the Jiang family. Although Miss Jiang's father is an official, It's a little lower, but my uncles are all capable. However, recently, the prime minister's wife seems to have the intention of marrying my family Rui'er, it seems that she wants to marry her eldest lady to Rui'er!"

When Ruyi heard this, she put down the teacup in surprise, and looked up at Mrs. Cao.

The daughter of the prime minister's wife, that Miss Huang, isn't it rumored that she will enter the palace and become a queen?Why would you want to marry the Cao family?Of course, although Ruyi was full of questions, she didn't ask them out. After all, she heard about this matter in private, and it would be disgraceful to say it.

She just smiled lightly and said, "Is that the extremely beautiful Miss Huang?"

Mrs. Cao nodded, with a little hesitation on her face: "This is Miss Huang. I originally counted the ladies in Beijing, but I never thought of including her. But yesterday, when I went to the banquet, it happened to be When I met Mrs. Huang, Mrs. Huang seemed to reveal this meaning to the old man, and I don’t know if I was overthinking it!"

"What did Mrs. Huang tell you?"

Ruyi asked curiously, Mrs. Cao seemed to have been holding back her stomach for a long time and wanted to ask someone. Seeing that Ruyi asked, she said it all: "Yesterday, Mrs. Huang took the initiative to come over and talk to the old man, and praised me again." After talking to Rui'er for a while, he talked a lot about her eldest daughter in private, and finally, he said a few vague words about the marriage."

"Mrs. Huang shouldn't mention these for no reason!"

Ruyi is almost certain in her heart that Mrs. Huang intends to marry the Cao family.This era is still relatively conservative, especially this kind of big lady, who almost never goes out of the door on a daily basis. As for what makes her famous and famous in the capital, there is no such thing at all. At most, the boudoir circle gets together to know each other The quality of the other party's young lady and the like.

Especially since Ms. Huang is now an adult, Mrs. Huang will not casually talk about Ms. Huang's affairs with outsiders. By saying this, she is already expressing her intentions very openly.

After listening to Ruyi's words, Mrs. Cao nodded in agreement, and said, "I also think that Mrs. Huang has this intention, but I just think it's too sudden. Think about it now. , it’s a bit embarrassing!”

"what happened?"

Ruyi looked at Mrs. Cao strangely and asked.

Mrs. Cao, however, sighed, and said: "It is very good that the Prime Minister's family is interested in marrying our Cao family, but Miss Jiang's family is also good, and the Cao family and Miss Jiang's grandmother and mother also revealed Some meaning! This is actually nothing, and the two families have never clearly stated that they intend to exchange tokens. Whether it is Miss Jiang or Miss Huang, both of them are excellent!"

"Look, madam, which lady is better?"

Mrs. Cao raised her head and looked at Ruyi, as if she wanted Ruyi to make a decision.

Ruyi smiled when she heard the words, and said softly: "I also think that both young ladies are good, aunt should have a deeper contact with them, and should know which one is better!"

Ruyi naturally wouldn't take the initiative to speak at this time.No one can say what will happen to this kind of marriage in the future. If it's not good, wouldn't it be scolding for her to name one casually?

What's more, when Ruyi listened to it, she probably already heard something in her heart, and Mrs. Cao had already made up her mind about who she liked more.Although that Ms. Jiang came from a big family and her relatives are all talented, but all the weight added up is not as important as that of Ms. Huang who has a father who is a prime minister. The high position above, and it only takes a few years to change. Today's Prime Minister Huang is in his prime, as long as he doesn't make any big mistakes, he can at least sit in this position for more than ten or twenty years.The Cao family is now small in number. Although Cao Rui is talented and has won the trust of the emperor, he is only one person. It is not difficult for Mrs. Cao to consider finding a well-established Yue family for Cao Rui.

Mrs. Cao is hesitant now, she is afraid that she feels sorry, after all, it is first come, first come, this Miss Jiang's conditions are indeed good, and both families have expressed their willingness, so the Cao family suddenly changed to marry the Huang family, which is somewhat unreasonable.

"Hey, I've gotten in touch with you a little bit!" Mrs. Cao sighed slightly, "I've seen Miss Jiang's family more often. Miss Jiang's family was brought up by Mrs. Jiang's family. The rules are very good. Miss Jiang has a beautiful appearance and a gentle temperament, and she will definitely be a good wife in the future."

Ruyi nodded, but she heard Mrs. Cao say again: "Although Miss Huang's old body has only met twice, she feels the same as the empress. There are few women in the world who can match her appearance. Besides, she is older, so she is not as good as her." Ruier is a better match. I don't understand her temperament, but looking at Mrs. Huang's dignified and virtuous, her biological daughter should be very good, and I heard that Miss Huang has read poetry and books. Madam, don't think that Ruier looks like a big and three rough , but he is a child who loves reading, and he will have common topics with Ms. Huang in the future. More importantly, the Huang family has a clean and upright family style, and the Prime Minister is a person who loves younger generations..."

Mrs. Cao looked at Ruyi as she spoke, as if she wanted to get Ruyi's approval.

Ruyi just smiled and didn't express what she meant. Instead, she asked, "Did Auntie ask General Cao which one he likes better? After all, he chose a wife for General Cao..."

"Rui'er said to let the old man choose the daughter-in-law he likes, and he has no objection."

When Mrs. Cao heard this, she couldn't help laughing. Although there was a bit of annoyance in her tone, she was obviously very satisfied with Cao Rui's filial piety to her.

"General Cao has always been a filial man..."

While Ruyi was talking, Zhao Qingze suddenly walked in from outside.

Zhao Qingze might as well see that Mrs. Cao was there, and after avoiding Mrs. Cao's salute, he sat beside Ruyi and said with a smile: "Since the nanny has entered the palace today, she will accompany me and Ruyi for lunch Go back again!"

After Mrs. Cao thanked her with a smile, she suddenly thought of something, and said to Zhao Qingze: "It just so happens that the emperor is here to give me some advice?"

"The nanny was talking to Ruyi just now?"

Zhao Qingze was a little puzzled, he just walked in and saw the two people enjoying themselves, he thought they were chatting to relieve boredom!

"My aunt told me about General Cao's choice of wife!"

Ruyi smiled and explained to Zhao Qingze.

"By the way, how did the nanny choose Cao Rui? I wanted to ask Cao Rui about this in the next few days, but I never took care of it!" Zhao Qingze became interested after hearing this, and asked a question .

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. I have seen several families in the capital these few days, and two of them are interesting and appropriate. However, I am still hesitating..."

Madam Cao spoke slowly, repeating what Caicai and Ruyi said just now.

Zhao Qingze also listened patiently. After Mrs. Cao finished speaking, Zhao Qingze smiled and said, "After listening to the nanny's description, I think that Miss Jiang's family knows everything and is more suitable for Cao Rui."

"The emperor means that the Jiang family lady is more suitable?"

After hearing Zhao Qingze's words, Mrs. Cao was vaguely disappointed. She still hoped to find a Yue family like the Huang family.

"Ms. Jiang's family is gentle and virtuous, and Ms. Huang, after all, comes from a wealthy family and is the eldest daughter of the family, so she probably can't bear to be wronged..." Zhao Qingze paused and laughed, "Cao Rui is a military officer after all. If something happens, I will definitely send him to guard it. When the husband and wife are separated for a long time, it is better to find a gentle and virtuous person to accompany the nanny, and he can also guard the Cao family!"

Mrs. Cao's face suddenly seemed to understand when she heard the words, as if she was moved by Zhao Qingze's persuasion.

"Besides, it is said that to marry a wife is to marry an inferior. From what I see, it is not unreasonable."

"What the emperor said is reasonable, just listen to the emperor."

After listening to Mrs. Cao, she made up her mind. No matter what the emperor meant by saying this, Miss Jiang's family is indeed a good person. If you marry into the family, apart from anything else, at least there will be harmony in the family.

"Your Majesty, the old man is going to make an appointment with Miss Jiang's parents now."

Mrs. Cao seemed impatient, and she was about to leave after paying her respects.

"The nanny is too impatient, the engagement is not too short, and didn't I say that I would give a marriage!"

Zhao Qingze was a little taken aback by Mrs. Cao's turmoil, so he couldn't help saying something with a smile.

But Mrs. Cao said with a smile: "This matter is to ask the emperor to grant a marriage, but before bestowing the marriage, I want to tell the Jiang family first. After all, I am marrying someone else's daughter as a wife. You still have to give enough sincerity.”

At this time, letting Mrs. Cao keep her meal in the palace would obviously be restless and the food would not taste good, so it would be better to let her go out of the palace to have lunch with Jiang's family.

Seeing this, Zhao Qingze didn't want to keep him anymore, and let him go without hesitation.

After Mrs. Cao left, Zhao Qingze turned around to look at Ruyi, only to realize that Ruyi was a little silent at the moment. He stretched out his hand and pinched Ruyi's nose, and said with a smile, "What's the matter? Like a gourd!"

"nothing?"

Ruyi touched her nose subconsciously, but sighed involuntarily.

"There is something to hide from me!"

Zhao Qingze said affirmatively, reached out and picked up Ruyi's hand, and squeezed it with a smile.

"Qingze, you..."

Ruyi bit her lip, but finally forced a smile and said, "Miss Huang, Qingze, how do you plan to arrange it?"

Are you going to enter the palace?She thought silently in her heart.

Zhao Qingze couldn't help laughing when he heard the words, and suddenly reached out and raised Ruyi's chin, and said with a smile: "I was wondering how long you could hold back before asking, but luckily you didn't keep it in your heart, at least you asked! "

"Qing Ze..."

A look of surprise appeared on Ruyi's face.

Zhao Qingze smiled in satisfaction, wrapped his arms around Ruyi's waist, and said softly: "You can ask me this, which means that you still trust me in your heart, but next time, I hope you can trust me more, don't doubt me! "

Ruyi looked at Zhao Qingze silently, but heard him say again: "There will be no queen, how Ms. Huang will arrange it is something her parents should worry about, not me!"

Ruyi's face was slightly moved, but she was a little speechless, she didn't know what to say.

"You have to remember that it is enough for me to have you and Aman, and I will not let anyone threaten your position."

Ruyi blinked her eyes, but tears suddenly fell down. She wiped her face with her hands and stood up. She said in a concealed manner, "I'll go and see what's in the dining room. Qingze, aren't you going to write a gift to General Cao?" Is it the sacred decree of marriage?"

Zhao Qingze took Ruyi's hand with a smile, pulled her into his arms, and smiled lightly: "Silly girl! If I don't do anything else today, I will accompany you...and Aman!"

"What about the edict!"

Zhao Qingze smiled indifferently: "Anyway, the imperial decree will be issued tomorrow, so the nanny is not in a hurry!"

Zhao Qingze always kept what he said. He really stayed with Ruyi and Aman throughout the afternoon and evening, took a walk with Ruyi, took a nap, and rarely agreed to Ruyi to carry Aman into the house. The noble parents watched with great interest their little hands and feet tossing and turning on the bed. Aman had just turned over on his side, and Zhao Qingze turned him into a little turtle with four arms and legs. After making Aman cry, Zhao Qingze still couldn't finish it.

On the contrary, Ruyi looked at her son and felt sorry for her son, picked up her son and gave Zhao Qingze a look, complaining righteously to this naughty father, but completely forgot that she herself was not much better.

On the second day, Zhao Qingze's imperial decree was sent out in the afternoon, but before the imperial decree came out, Ruyi and Zhao Qingze heard a piece of news that surprised and even shocked them.

Speaking of it, it has something to do with the delay in issuing their imperial decree, but is there much connection.

The Miss Huang in the prime minister's house actually lived in a nunnery on the outskirts of the city yesterday, and there was news that Miss Huang made this fuss because she didn't want to marry Cao Rui.People all over the capital described what Ms. Huang said vividly: If I were to marry that big bastard, I would rather shave my hair and be an aunt in this life, and the ancient Buddha of Qingdeng would die in this life.

In just one night, the news almost spread throughout the capital.

In the restaurant and teahouse, the people in the capital were talking about it, but by the time Zhao Qingze and Ruyi knew about it, it was already too late.

When Ruyi heard the news, she couldn't help worrying a little more about Cao Rui and Mrs. Cao. Although the husband had no wife, and Zhao Qingze had already arranged a marriage for him with the Jiang family, but this matter was so Rumor has it that the faces of Cao Rui and the Cao family are always hurt, not to mention, the marriage between Miss Jiang's family and Cao Rui will be said to be the result of Cao's and Huang's marriage failures!

Moreover, how could the young lady of the prime minister's family do such a thing? It's not good for her own reputation!

Ruyi frowned in thought, while Zhao Qingze had a sneer on his face.

Nowadays, almost everyone in the capital knows about this incident, and this incident is definitely not groundless, it is obviously done by someone with a heart.As for this person, Zhao Qingze just thought about it for a while, and he knew it clearly.

This person doesn't care about his own face, but he can really do anything.

It's true that Miss Huang's family doesn't want to marry Cao Rui, and it's also true that she went to a nunnery, but whether she wants to become a monk is another matter.

And the Prime Minister's family would hide the fact that Ms. Huang went to the nunnery. In this regard, Zhao Qingze believes that the person he chooses is still sober.

It's just that Miss Huang's family is really confident, she really thinks that she won't marry Cao Rui if it's right or wrong, and she wants to use this method to force Cao Rui back, tearing his face and stepping on the ground to raise her own value.

I don't know, it's just stupid!

"It's nothing, I have already issued an imperial decree on the marriage between the Cao family and the Jiang family. If you really want to save face for the nurse and Miss Jiang's family, let the nurse and Miss Jiang's family come to the palace a few more times to talk with you. That's it!"

Zhao Qingze comforted Ruyi softly, but he didn't take this matter to heart at all.

Don't say that the Cao family didn't intend to be married to the Huang family. It is true that the Cao family was rejected by the Huang family and then settled on the Jiang family. The young lady has a noble concubine backing her back, the Cao family and the Jiang family are as beautiful and beautiful as they can make people envy to get married, but that Miss Huang will only be ridiculed for being overconfident!

(End of this chapter)