The Red Mansions

Chapter 1363 Zhen Qing: It’s just that heartless person who forgot about us sisters

Chapter 1363 Zhen Qing: It’s just that heartless person who forgot about us sisters…

The capital, the Grand View Garden, the Hengwu Garden——

Today, Daiyu did not stay in the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, but came to Hengwu Garden with Zijuan and Xiren to chat with Baochai.

Ever since Daiyu got married, her relationship with Baochai has become much closer than before.

Perhaps it was also the result of Jia Heng's pairing of Daiyu and Chai.

After all, the two of them served Jia Heng on the same bed and had seen each other's truest selves.

Looking at Daiyu, who was wearing a slightly thin dress, Baochai's beautiful eyebrows were like green feathers, and her watery almond eyes were filled with concern. She said, "It will be late autumn in a few days. Pin'er, you should also wear two more clothes, so as not to catch a cold."

As she spoke, the beauty looked at Zijuan who was standing beside her, and said in a blaming tone, "You guys shouldn't take good care of your daughter and her health."

When Zijuan heard this, she looked somewhat helpless and said, "I tried to persuade the young lady before, but she wouldn't let me."

Daiyu chuckled and said, "Don't worry, Sister Bao, I'm keeping an eye on it."

Baochai looked gentle as she warned, "Although your health has improved over the past two years, you are still born weak. You may have to give birth to a child in the next two years, so you must not make any big mistakes."

Daiyu blushed on both sides of her cheeks when she heard this, and she said charmingly, "Sister Bao is right."

My heart feels warm.

She lost her mother at an early age and no one taught her these things. Sister Bao was like her confidant in this regard.

Just as it was said in the original novel, because of a dialogue in The West Chamber, Daiyu felt that Baochai was someone she could confide in.

Daiyu's face was flushed like clouds. She pursed her soft pink lips. Her eyes were shining brightly under her beautiful eyebrows. She said, "It's been quite a while since he went to Tianjin. There's no news yet. I don't know how the war is going over there."

This war is indeed a blind spot in Daiyu's knowledge.

Baochai put down an embroidery needle in her hand and said, "I don't see any progress in the court bulletin. Last time it said that he led the troops to march out from Tianjin. We don't understand these things about war."

Although Baochai is well versed in the ways of the world, her background and vision determine that she knows little about military affairs.

Daiyu smiled lightly and said jokingly, "You'll have to ask Third Sister and Sister Lan'er. We have only these two female Zhuge Liangs in our family, in charge of the military affairs."

Baochai nodded and said with a smile, "They usually like to discuss these military and national affairs."

What Pin'er said really doesn't sound like the family of a duke.

Just as Baochai was thinking about something else, an elderly maid came in from outside the corridor. Her wrinkled face seemed to be covered with a smile. She said, "Miss Bao, Miss Lin, the Empress in the palace has given silk to your mansion. Now, the two girls in the front yard are sending their maids to choose."

Baochai's crystal clear and moist almond eyes twinkled under her emerald eyebrows, and she said, "Did anyone tell me why the palace gave you this reward?"

Daiyu's eyebrows were like the shadows of a sycamore leaf, her bright eyes flickered, and she asked curiously, "There must be a reason for the reward, what is the saying?"

The nanny's smile remained unchanged as she said happily, "The palace said that it was Master Heng who made great contributions in Liaodong."

As soon as these words were spoken, Baochai and Daiyu looked at each other, and both saw joy in each other's eyes.

Daiyu smiled and said, "Sister Bao, it seems that Brother Heng has won the battle again."

Baochai's face was equally filled with joy, and she whispered, "Yes, I just don't know how big the victory is. Ying'er, have someone outside keep an eye on the palace bulletin."

At this moment, a maid in a silk shirt came in from outside, smiled, and said softly: "Miss Lin, there is good news from the front yard. The imperial edict has been issued, saying that Master Lin will be admitted to the palace."

Daiyu was extremely surprised when she heard this and said, "This..."

The smile on Baochai's snow-white face froze for a moment, then returned to normal, and she said with a smile, "Congratulations, Sister Lin."

Uncle Lin was originally a third-rank minister. After entering the cabinet, he became an important official. From then on, Sister Lin became the daughter of a famous official.

But her father passed away early, so she had no important officials in the court to rely on.

Daiyu's beautiful face was also filled with joy, her eyes sparkling brightly as she said, "Father has been an official away from home for many years, wandering in the political world. Now he can go in and out of the court, assist the king, and help govern the country. This is his wish come true."

Baochai sighed, "Yes, this is the ambition of many scholars and patriots, to study for the imperial examination, become an official, and rule the world."

As Daiyu was talking, she noticed that Baochai was a little upset, so she changed the subject, blinked her bright eyes, and asked, "In the future, when Sister Bao has a child, will she let him be a scholar or a warrior?"

Hearing this, Baochai chuckled and said, "Focus on literature. After Liaodong is pacified, the world will be at peace and there will be no more wars. At that time, scholars will surely be noble and elegant."

I only hope that my son, who is ignorant and rude, can become an official without any disaster or trouble. This is probably the deepest hope that all parents have for their children.

Daiyu covered her mouth and laughed sweetly, "Brother Heng is a great commander, but he can't teach a kid anything."

Baochai's fair face was filled with smiles, and she said with a hint of joking, "You've made him laugh. It's true. You're the daughter of an official from a noble Hanlin family, a family of scholars."

Daiyu said, "I am just an ordinary family. There are many princesses and royal family members in the backyard."

We are back together again, right?

Baochai chuckled, but felt inexplicably melancholy.

The three wives in the backyard are truly royal descendants and noble ladies of the royal family, and are priceless beyond words.

Daiyu glanced at the beautiful lady who was in a daze and thought, and said comfortingly: "Sister, you are so worried and hidden, so you are not afraid of disturbing the fetus."

Baochai was stunned for a moment, and asked in confusion: "What do you mean by pregnancy? When did I get pregnant?"

She didn't remember when she had the baby? Where did this miscarriage come from?

Daiyu chuckled and said, "Even the people in the backyard of the Rongcui Temple are talking like this. I think Sister Bao will have such a day too."

Baochai said, "That's nonsense."

The two sisters chatted and laughed briefly, and for a moment, Hengwu Garden was filled with a happy atmosphere.

Xiren and Zijuan watched this scene quietly, feeling somewhat inexplicably happy.

The ladies in the harem don't have any conflicts, so the maids don't have to worry too much.

If they really scheme against each other and secretly trip each other up, like those women vying for favor in the palace, then the backyard would be terrifying.

Grand View Garden, Qichi Yard——

It was late autumn, everything was withering, the cold autumn wind blew, and the tiles on the roof made a clicking sound. There was still some residue from last night's autumn dew.

In the side room, Zhen Xi was reading a book, while Zhen Lan was playing chess with Tanchun not far away, across a chessboard.

Because both of them have decisive and sharp personalities and are interested in military affairs, they usually have similar interests.

At this time, a maid from the outer room came into the hall and said with a smile, "Miss San, Miss Lan, the maid from the front yard said that the palace gave a lot of jewelry as a reward, and Madam said that each room should go over and pick out the ones they like."

When Empress Song bestowed gifts on the Rong and Ning mansions, she knew the preferences of the female members of the family. Some of the gifts she bestowed were exquisite ornaments made by the Shanggong Bureau, made of gold and jade.

"Why would the palace give me jewelry as a reward for no reason?" Tanchun said in a low voice with a look of surprise on her face.

Zhen Xi was also staring at this moment, feeling a little confused.

During this period, the palace did give out rewards every so often.

"I heard that Master Heng won a victory in Liaodong." The nanny didn't know the details and just spoke vaguely.

Zhen Lan raised her eyebrows, her bright eyes twinkled, and said, "Go to the front yard and ask about the situation."

The maid turned around and inquired about the situation.

Tanchun's pretty face showed a melancholy look, and she said, "Brother Heng has been gone for a month or two. It's time to have news."

Zhen Lan said, "That's right. He is good at fighting. He will surely have some good news after being away for a month or two."

While they were talking, they heard a burst of talking and laughing sounds coming from outside, like the sound of a string of silver bells, it was Xiangyun's voice.

Xiangyun, Baoqin and Yaruo, the three girls, were wearing warrior shorts and powerful outfits. They looked bright and capable. They almost jumped into the house and called out, "Sister Lan."

Since the wedding of Chai and Dai, Qichiyuan has become another activity center for the women in the Grand View Garden.

Because all the girls in the backyard knew that Chai and Dai were married and no longer lived in the boudoir, it was not convenient for them to go there unless there was something important or the two of them took the initiative to invite them.

"Sister Yun, Sister Baoqin is here." Zhen Lan looked at the two little fat girls with a smile on her face and said softly.

She and her sister originally came from outside the Zhen Mansion, and were born with some barriers between them and these sisters who grew up with them, but fortunately they have gradually integrated into the group.

In the future, she will gradually become the center of the Jia family sisters, and finally when eldest brother Heng reaches that position, she will... be the mother of the country.

Xiangyun's innocent and graceful face was covered with sweat, and the crystal sweat kept flowing down her neck, seeming to reflect her figure. In her innocent voice, she said with a hint of loveliness and cleverness, "Sister Lan, what are you two talking about? Why are you so happy?"

Zhen Lan smiled and said, "Sister Yun is back just in time. Your brother Heng won a battle in Liaodong, and the palace gave him some jewelry as a reward. The front yard asked us to go over and pick some."

"Brother Heng? Did he win another battle outside?" Xiangyun's heart was filled with joy. She pursed her slightly pink lips and said softly.

Zhen Lan said: "That's what the palace said, but I don't know how big the victory was."

Xiangyun asked, "When did Brother Heng come back?"

An indescribable longing welled up in my heart.

It is obvious that the chubby girl is still obsessed with the intimacy of the past, or it can be said that she is at the age of a young girl in love and is just obsessed with her lover, wishing to stick with him every day.

And under Yaruo's heroic brows, her eyes also showed an unconcealable joy, and she said: "Brother Heng won the battle in Liaodong?"

Baoqin sat down now, picked up the teapot and poured herself a cup of tea. She listened to her cousin's discussion leisurely, and she also felt a little missed in her heart.

Xiangyun's face was as rosy as a red apple, and she was innocent and bright. She asked, "Sister Lan, tell me, how long will Brother Heng's war last?"

Zhen Lan looked at the three girls with sweat all over their heads, chuckled, and said, "I'll talk to you later. You three just rode horses. Wash your faces first. Be careful not to catch a cold from all the sweat."

As he spoke, he gave instructions to several maids in Qichiyuan.

Everyone brought basins of water for washing faces and asked the three little girls to wash their faces, revealing faces that were more charming and bright than the other.

In the autumn when all the flowers are withering, it seems as if spring has returned to the earth, with all the flowers competing with each other in beauty and splendor.

At this time, Zhen Lan said: "This war to destroy a country has always taken a long time. It will take at least a year and a half. This year, Brother Heng will most likely not come back for the New Year."

As he spoke, he looked at Tanchun who was standing beside him and asked with a smile, "What do you think, Third Sister?"

Tanchun said without hesitation: "The army of the Beijing camp has not been mobilized yet. The war will not officially begin until the troops of the Beijing camp are mobilized. It is almost winter now, so it is not suitable to fight a big war. We can only fight next year."

Although I haven't inquired about the specific battle, it should have been just a victory in the first battle.

Zhen Lan nodded and said, "Third sister is right. With only the navy in Liaodong, it is indeed not a war to destroy the country."

When Xiangyun heard this, her face, which was as beautiful as a crabapple flower, showed a displeased expression, and she said, "Brother Heng is not coming back this year?"

She missed him a little.

Well, I don’t want him to serve me.

……

……

Jinyang Princess Mansion——

In the back house, on the second-floor attic, Princess Jinyang, wearing a scarlet dress embroidered with peony flowers and a silk jade belt wrapped around her plump waist, stood in front of the window, gazing at the withered grass and trees in the courtyard, her heart filled with longing for that man.

Some time ago, the news that Princess Jinyang gave birth to a son made Li Ren feel quite frightened during this period. She kept thinking about the impact of this matter on Jia Heng and his relationship with Emperor Chongping.

Lianxue came forward, took out a black cloak and covered the beautiful lady's shoulders, saying, "Your Highness, there is news from Ningguo Mansion that the Duke has won a victory, and the palace has issued an imperial decree to allow Lord Lin to join the cabinet."

Princess Jinyang raised her eyebrows, her beautiful eyes sparkling with surprise, and asked, "Lin Ruhai has joined the cabinet?"

What does the emperor mean by this? Lin Ruhai is Ziyu's father-in-law. Is he no longer afraid of his rising influence in the court?

Lian Xue said, "Your Highness, Lord Lin is in charge of the General Administration of Taxation, so he should be appointed as a cabinet minister."

Princess Jinyang thought for a moment and said, "Now that maritime trade has become the main source of tax revenue for the Han Dynasty, we should indeed select a cabinet minister to foresee the situation."

So, this is a normal personnel transfer and there is no other deeper meaning.

Lian Xue hesitated for a moment and said, "Your Highness, the Song family has started checking the accounts at the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

Princess Jinyang was silent for a moment, with a hint of coldness on her lips: "The account books are all clean and every entry is used for state affairs. If he wants to check, let him check."

Ever since the news of Princess Jinyang giving birth to a son for Jia Heng came to light, Emperor Chongping had indeed been on guard to a certain extent. First, Uncle Song entered the Imperial Household Department to work, in charge of the Langzhong of the Kuaiji Division. The day before yesterday, he was promoted to Deputy General Manager of the Imperial Household Department, with an official rank of the third grade, assisting in the management of government affairs.

While they were talking, the maid outside came to report, "Your Highness, His Highness Xianning and the little princess are back."

When Princess Jinyang heard this, she looked in the direction of the voice.

After a short while, Princess Xianning, Princess Qinghe and Song Yan, one big and two small, two in red and one in green, walked over the threshold and entered the hall.

Suddenly, the room was filled with bright lights, and the pearl hairpins and pink skirts were dazzling and pleasing to the eyes.

Princess Jinyang said with a doting tone of reproach, "Xianning, why don't you stay in the palace and take care of your baby? Why are you walking around at this time?"

Princess Xianning said, "I was bored in the palace, so I wanted to visit my aunt. My aunt has heard that the master has won a great victory in Liaodong."

Princess Jinyang said: "I just heard that this is just the beginning, and there will be a lot of fighting to come."

Princess Xianning came forward and sat down. The maid beside her hurriedly came forward to serve her and said, "Aunt."

Li Chanyue's eyes, which were full of stars and moonlight, were already as bright as water. She asked softly, "Mr. Xiao Jia, did he come back to celebrate the New Year before the New Year?"

Princess Xianning's clear eyes showed concern under her willow-shaped eyebrows. She said, "Once the war starts, it will be difficult for you to escape. You probably won't be back for the New Year this year."

"You, you've been thinking about coming back all day, I don't know how long it will take." Princess Jinyang smiled, her eyebrows curved like crescent moons, her eyes showing doting, and said, "I really didn't ask Mr. Jia to give you a child before I left."

Chanyue probably also wants a child, and her envious eyes usually always remain on Xianning's belly.

As Princess Jinyang spoke, Li Chanyue's palm-sized face flushed slightly, and her bright eyes were full of joy.

Song Yan's face was as white as snow, and a hint of longing gradually appeared in her mountainous brows and watery eyes.

……

……

Prince Chu's Mansion, Back House

It was a late autumn afternoon. As the sun was setting, a bone-chilling chill was already evident in the air.

Zhen Qing was sitting in the hall at this moment, and not far away was Princess Beijing Zhen Xue.

At this moment, the two of them were sitting opposite each other, both teasing their children, but one was teasing his son and the other was teasing his daughter.

After the King of Chu and the King of Beijing left the capital, Zhen Xue lived in the King of Chu's mansion for the past few days.

At this moment, Zhen Qing was teasing her daughter Yin Yin. As the two children began to speak, it also brought Zhen Qing a lot of joy.

As for Zhen Xue, she was holding a rattle in her hand and teasing a boy.

It’s not his own child, but Zhen Qing’s child.

Zhen Xue's own child was naturally taken care of by the old Concubine Beijing in the back house. Of course, after Prince Beijing Shui Rong said it several times, Zhen Xue spent more time with the child.

Looking at the boy with soft and cute cheeks, Zhen Xue's eyes showed doting.

Well, after all, he is Jia Heng’s child, so I should love him as well.

"Sister, have you heard that the nun from Longcui Temple is pregnant with Ziyu's second child?" Zhen Qing said softly with her beautiful eyes calm and composed.

The biggest hobby of these women in the back house is gossip.

Zhen Xue, whose skin was as white as lotus, chuckled and said, "That's what's spread in the capital. It's said that a bet has been opened in the gambling house to bet on whether the baby will be a boy or a girl."

At the end of the story, Zhen Xue's beautiful and bright face blushed as if she was humiliated, and she also found it a little funny.

Everyone thought that he had no boys to inherit the title, but they didn't know that both of his boys inherited the title of prince and duke.

Zhen Qing was quite surprised when she heard this, and asked with a smile: "Sister never leaves the house, how did you know?"

Zhen Xue felt a little embarrassed and said, "The rumors outside are bound to spread to the backyard."

Zhen Qing chuckled, her beautiful eyes suddenly became crystal clear and moist as water, and she said, "Sister really is keeping an eye on him all the time."

In fact, this is similar to the high-intensity self-searching of people in later generations, and then getting some nutrients to please themselves from it, but Zhen Xue just regarded Jia Heng as her man.

Zhen Xue scolded, "Sister, you're still criticizing me, but I'm the same. You can't stop talking about him."

Zhen Qing's fair face looked lost, and she said angrily, "It's just that heartless person who forgot about us sisters."

Thinking back to the past, that bastard had been obsessed with me and had abused me, now he seemed to be acting more like he didn't care.

Are you really just fickle? Are you tired of the old and love the new?

Zhen Qing said, "We are old and ugly, but he has a lot of girls in his backyard."

Zhen Xue pursed her pink lips and said, "Sister, Zi Yu is not that ruthless."

When she looked at herself in the mirror during this period, she felt that her youth had faded away and she was not as pretty as Lan'er and Xi'er.

"However, these two children are our support." Zhen Qing turned her phoenix eyes from under her beautiful eyebrows to the two children who were playing, and said softly.

As we get older, it is ultimately our children who keep our relationship together.

After all, men always like eighteen-year-old girls.

No girl is always eighteen years old, but there are always eighteen-year-old girls.

Just as the Zhen sisters were feeling inexplicably emotional, a maid from the outer room quickly entered the hall and said, "Princess, there's news from the outer room that the Duke of Wei and the prince won a victory in Gaizhouwei."

Because the King of Chu was escorting military equipment to the front line to support the war, Princess Zhen Qing of Chu sent people to the Ministry of War to guard and inquire about the news. This was also because she cared about "her own man", and outsiders could not make irresponsible remarks.

Zhen Qing was delighted when she heard this. She turned to look at Zhen Xue and said, "Sister, he...they won the battle."

Zhen Xue's cheeks, which were whiter than snow, blushed as she whispered, "It seems like I won?"

What are the sisters talking about? What do you mean by them?

Why is there a thrilling feeling?

Zhen Qingfeng's eyes showed a thoughtful look, and she chuckled and said, "This should be the first victory. There should be more to come. Your Majesty followed us this time and helped with military supplies, so he should also have made some contributions."

Zhen Xue said: "Sister is right."

My elder sister never forgets about the fight for the throne.

……

……

(End of this chapter)