The Concubine in the Palace_The Feast of Masks【Complete】(167)

Xiaobao focused his eyes on Zhuzhu. He had no impression of this little cousin. But once, Yan Ge'er told him when he was drunk that he had a sister, but she died when she was very young.

In his previous life, although Xiaobao was bedridden for many years, he knew a lot about the Qingwang Mansion. In his memory, since he could remember, the Qingwang was in the capital. Later, when he grew up, he learned that after his father took the throne, he made drastic cuts to all the princes.

The Anwang, Daiwang, Qingwang, and Wuwang were all in the capital, but compared with the Qingwang, the follower of Jin Andi from beginning to end, the Anwang and others were lost in the crowd. In addition to having the hat of a prince, he rarely showed up in front of people. On the contrary, the Qingwang, who was both a supporter and a confidant of Jin Andi, was naturally prosperous and powerful in the capital.

In the previous life, although Yan Ge'er was the prince of Qingwang, he was not favored. The one who was favored by Qingwang was the second son of the mansion. However, his father thought highly of Yan Ge'er and said more than once that this child was a military talent. Before his last serious illness, Yan Ge'er was sent to the border by his father.

All these thoughts flashed through Xiaobao's mind in an instant. He didn't dare to think too much. His mother was embarrassed at the moment. He suddenly slid down from Princess Qing's lap, ran to Yao Niang, and pointed at Yan Ge'er and Zhu Zhu: "Little brother, little sister."

Princess Qing also felt that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, and hurriedly interrupted and said with a smile: "Xiaobao wants to play with his brother and sister, right? Yan Ge'er, come and play with your brother, and bring your sister with you."

Then the three little kids got together. Only then did I realize that although Xiaobao was the youngest, he was not short at all. He was taller than the two-year-old Zhu Zhu, and only half a head shorter than Yan Ge'er.

One reason why Xiaobao was much taller than children of the same age was that Yan Ge'er was too thin.

Princess Qing couldn't help but sigh: "Sister-in-law Xiaowu is really good at raising children. Yan Ge'er has been small since he was born. He doesn't grow up. I worry about him every day."

When it comes to parenting, Yao Niang has a topic to talk about. She can't help but ask if Yan Ge'er has a poor appetite or too little exercise. The two mothers said this, and the three children went out hand in hand. With the maids watching, they were not afraid of anything happening.

Yang Ge'er held Xiao Bao's left hand. Zhu Zhu was the shortest among them, but she had to act as a little sister and hold his other hand. Not only that, she also said to him: "Xiao Bao brother, I have a puppy in my room. If you listen, I will take you to see it."

Puppy. Xiao Bao looked at the short bean in front of him and sighed: "Okay then."

The three of them were originally going to see the dog together. As they watched, they took the puppy out and put it in the yard to play.

This puppy is not a precious breed, it's just a small local dog. Black nose, dark circles under the eyes, four black paws, but other parts are earthy yellow fur.

It looks ugly, but very cute, with a little fat, and its belly trembles when it runs. It follows Zhuzhu and bites her skirt.

Yan Ge'er protects his sister and chases it with a small branch, but the little dog is not afraid at all. Yan Ge'er is reluctant to beat the little dog, so he can only be very helpless and anxious.

Xiaobao stood by and looked helpless, but with a smile on his face.

At this time, several servants hurried in from the gate of the courtyard. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they were stopped.

Princess Qing heard the noise and came out.

The maid who was the leader among the servants said respectfully: "Princess, Concubine Han asks you to come. The guests are almost all here and are waiting for you."

Princess Qing's face suddenly became ugly, and she said after a while: "I will go right away."

Yao Niang heard the noise outside while sitting inside, thinking that there must be a big conflict between Princess Qing and Concubine Han, no wonder Prince Jin said that when he came here before.

Just thinking about it, Princess Qing walked in from outside: "I can't let my sister-in-law sit here with me. Many ladies from the mansion have arrived at Chengxiang Pavilion. Let's go and take a look."

Yao Niang nodded.

This Chengxiang Pavilion is located in the back garden of Prince Qing's Mansion, facing a lake and beautiful scenery.

It is a bit like a water pavilion, but it is much larger than an ordinary water pavilion. It is divided into several places, connected by corridors. There is a large flower hall facing the lake, and the others are facing the garden.

There is also such a place in Prince Jin's Mansion. If Jingzi was not different, Yao Niang really suspected that it was in Prince Jin's Mansion.

When Princess Qing and Yao Niang arrived, many people had already arrived at Chengxiang Pavilion, and people in elegant clothes could be seen everywhere. These noble ladies and girls were either in twos or threes, or in groups of three or five, scattered in this building, talking and laughing with people they knew.

In the largest flower hall, many noble ladies were already sitting. Judging from their appearance and dress, they were all female relatives from the most famous mansions in the capital. Concubine Han was accompanying them. It can be seen that this woman was also a very versatile person. She laughed and talked with everyone, and the atmosphere was lively and joyful.

Beside her stood a maid, holding a child in her arms. She was dressed in bright red and had a golden lock on her neck. She was very cute.

When she saw Princess Qing coming, Concubine Han stood up and looked relieved: "Sister, you are finally here. I have been waiting for you for a long time."

This statement was a bit ambiguous. It seemed normal, but it was actually unusual.

Princess Qing had never shown up, and Concubine Han came forward to entertain these female relatives who came to congratulate her. It was not impossible, as the concubine was also listed in the imperial edict, and no one present had a higher rank than her. But a concubine was still a concubine, and there was no Princess Qing, so how could she be allowed to take the spotlight?

But Princess Qing is clearly here, but she is unwilling to show up, which is worth pondering. Those sitting here are people who have been in the harem for many years. The situations in each family are similar. The main wife and the concubine, the eldest wife and the youngest wife are an eternal proposition. Probably only on the day when the coffin is closed, can they get rid of all this.

There are naturally people who love Princess Qing, and there are also many who disdain Concubine Han, but all this will not affect the superficial harmony. It's not their own business, but just a meal. Who wants to care about such trivial matters? Watch when there is a play, and do nothing when there is no play. It has always been like this.

As a bystander, it can be like this, but as a party, it is obviously impossible to be so free and easy. Long before coming in, Princess Qing saw Concubine Han's pride from a distance, and she felt very uncomfortable.

She forced a smile and said to Concubine Han: "Today is the first time that Xiao Wu's sister-in-law has come to visit. His Highness ordered me to entertain her well, so I am late." Then she acted like a mistress and apologized to the noble ladies beside her: "It is an honor for me to have you all here. The palace is honored."

"You are too polite, Princess."

"It is a great honor for us to experience such a happy event."

After a round of polite greetings, Concubine Han said that she would hold a one-year-old ceremony for the second young master. This was the highlight of the day. With word of mouth, the hall was soon filled with people inside and outside. Everyone looked at the little boy in red sitting on the three-meter square table in the middle with a smile on their faces.

The table was filled with all kinds of things for the Zhou ceremony, including jade pendants, a copy of the Four Books and Five Classics, writing brushes, inkstones, abacus, account books, and small bows and arrows and swords, as well as some palace flowers and rouge, food, and some children's toys, but all of them were placed in the corners, just to make up the numbers.

Yao Niang couldn't help but touch Xiao Bao's head. When Xiao Bao celebrated the Zhou ceremony, the King of Jin also wanted to hold a big one. Unfortunately, it happened to be the birthday of Emperor Hongjing, and they were on the road at the time, so the family of three could only eat a bowl of longevity noodles. Seeing such a lively scene at this time, she couldn't help feeling a little guilty. But then she thought that her Xiao Bao was so smart, and he would definitely be extraordinary in the future, and this Zhou ceremony was just to get a good luck, and it shouldn't be taken seriously, so she was relieved.

Just as it was about to start, Concubine Han suddenly spoke.

With a smug smile on her face, she took out a seal from her bosom and placed it on the table, "In order to bring good luck, His Highness specially borrowed his own golden seal for use."

This golden seal has a dragon head and a dragon tail, and the overall shape is square. It is not an ordinary thing at first glance.

In fact, it is indeed not an ordinary thing. When the prince is conferred, there should be a golden book and a golden treasure, and this golden treasure refers to the golden seal, which represents the king's status and majesty. It's just that the golden seal is too large and too heavy, and it is not suitable for daily use, so a smaller version of the golden seal with the same material, style, and seal surface will be made for daily use.

It is obvious that the golden seal in Han Concubine's hand represents the King of Qing, and it is also the seal used by the King of Qing in daily life.

It is enough to give his own golden seal to a concubine, even if it is only for temporary use. Especially this seal appears here at this time, which makes people feel more subtle.

For the purpose of grabbing the week, if the second son really catches it, where will the eldest son be placed?

After all, this golden seal represents the majesty of King Qing, and the "Zhuazhou" is about happiness, which is also the expectation of adults for their children. Could it be that King Qing does not like the eldest son, but has high hopes for the second son?

Everyone can understand the meaning, so for a moment, everyone's eyes fell on the face of Princess Qing. Although it was a flash, it was as real as substance.

Princess Qing clenched her hands under her sleeves tightly. Although she was smiling, her face was pale and a little scary. Her lips trembled a little, and it was obvious that her appearance had affected Yan Ge'er next to her.

Yan Ge'er bit his lower lip and grasped the corner of his mother's clothes. Only Zhuzhu was still opening her ignorant eyes, looking at the second son who was surrounded by stars with some envy.

Yao Niang felt a little uncomfortable in her heart, and she couldn't help but hold Princess Qing's hand.

The "Zhuazhou" started soon, and there was no one to guide, but the second son grabbed the golden seal without any surprise.

If we judge by the average one-year-old child, the child is ignorant at this time, and he can grasp it accurately, which obviously means someone has deliberately taught him. Yao Niang finally understood why Concubine Han insisted on ordering people to invite Princess Qing. This was obviously her protest.

After a moment of silence, someone began to congratulate Concubine Han. With one, there will naturally be two, and then there will be a lot.