The Empress Dowager stood under the Cining Palace Gate and watched Aunt Fu direct the palace servants to place dozens of pots of "yellow crane feathers" and "Zixia Cups" sent from the flower room in an orderly manner. At that time, it was dusk, and the sky was filled with clouds as if a beautiful brocade was scattered, reflecting the dozens of pots of yellow chrysanthemums and purple chrysanthemums, and it also felt the brilliance was overflowing.

Aunt Fu smiled and said, "The courtyard of Cining Palace is much brighter. If it were in Shoukang Palace, these dozens of pots of chrysanthemums would be swung, and there would be no place to put your feet." Seeing the Queen Mother happy, she said more and more, "It is also the filial piety of the emperor. That day, I brought the queen to personally ask you to move the palace. Now you can do whatever you have. Even the best purple chrysanthemums in the flower room have been sent to you."

The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded, held Aunt Fu's hand and walked to the steps, carefully admiring the pot of flowers blooming like a waterfall. "In this way, it is said that the Ai family has not suffered in vain. However, although the emperor and the emperor later invited him that day, the Ai family knows who the contribution behind this is."

"Why is the Empress Dowager talking about Empress Xian?"

The Queen Mother picked up a chrysanthemum and looked carefully for a moment, "What a pretty good flower, like gold, it's a pity that it's not yet blooming."

Aunt Fu smiled and said, "With you care and training, it is not a matter of blooming in a flash?"

"It's not too urgent. The flowers in the garden are blooming in front of the flower buds, and the ones behind are not too anxious. Let's just be right in time and place." The empress dowager let go of the fingers of picking the flowers and patted her, "It's a pity that the emperor only gave her a concubine. According to her position in the Qiandi, she should be a concubine or an imperial concubine."

Aunt Fu took the silk and wiped the hand for the Empress Dowager, "If you are lucky, you will naturally not pay attention to your position at this time. It will take a long time to go."

The Empress Dowager nodded and said, "Concubine Hui is a favorite. Sometimes she pays her respects with the Empress Ai family, and the rules are not bad at all."

Aunt Fu said: "According to the rules, it is time to be settled in the morning and evening, but the queen and concubines will only come once every three or five days. This..."

"Ai's family lives in this Cining Palace, and is a legitimate empress dowager. Whether it comes twice a day or once a day a few days a day, it is not important. What's important is that the Ai's family's eyes are still looking at the harem. The position of the empress dowager is not an old housekeeper, so there is no need to participate in everything, and it is good to guide the big things. In this way, the real authority will not be left behind and it will be avoided."

Aunt Fu then smiled and said, "The Queen Mother's intention is really not as good as me."

The Changchun Palace, which came at night, was particularly quiet. The bright yellow clouds and hundreds of bats were ripe. The tent was like flowing water and winding quietly underground. A small world was drawn out. From Darung Hua was lying on the emperor's shoulders, slid the golden keys on the emperor's bright yellow bed, just smiling and silent.

The emperor was not sleepy and laughed, "The queen has always been dignified and polite, why did she suddenly become so intimate with me?"

Langhua chuckled and said, "Did the emperor only sees me being dignified and polite, but he doesn't see me being reliant on the emperor?"

The emperor looked at the top of the tent and a thin smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, "I am very happy that the queen is arbitrary in the harem to share my worries. But it is rare to see the queen's appearance as a queen."

The queen was silent for a moment and slowly laughed: "The children in the harem have more affection, so they are inevitably more jealous. If I don't be serious, wouldn't I lose my bias and make people laugh?" She stopped and looked at the emperor carefully and said, "What the emperor meant is that I was a bit inappropriate in suggesting that Concubine Xian live in Yanxi Palace this morning."

The emperor put a little smile on his face and let go of the shoulders that were leaning against by Langhua. "The queen is the lord of the six palaces, so the matter in the harem should naturally be decided by the queen. I will naturally not be inaccurate in the queen's proposal."

Langhua was slightly shocked, and he couldn't help but feel a little aggrieved, "The emperor said this, really underestimated me. Could it be that I have followed the emperor for years and still as ignorant as a few nobles, and only know how to be jealous? I just think that the emperor has been praised by Concubine Hui recently, so he is naturally favored. Concubine Hui is virtuous and quiet, and can bear the favor of the emperor. However, Concubine Xian has a high position in the residence and is arrogant. Now that she is taller by the Concubine, she is inevitably angry and wants to argue with others. It is better to put her in a quieter place and be more at ease. When she calms down, the emperor will reward her with some grace."

The emperor reached out and stroked the queen's hair, "The queen thought carefully."

Langhua then breathed a sigh of relief, reached out to hold the emperor's arm, and smiled, "How can my foolish opinion be comparable to the emperor's wise? In the past, the emperor always praised Concubine Xian for her character, but Concubine Hui was quiet and gentle. Why did the title given to Concubine Xian today is Xian, but Concubine Hui was Hui? But I don't understand."

The wind blew in, and the candlelight on the crane-carved copper candlestick outside the tent shook slightly, reflecting the swaying curtain, like the waves of water, trembling, and unstable. The emperor's face fell with dark light and shadows, a little floating, and his smile was as faint as the thin clouds in the sky. "I just chose two words casually." He lowered his head and looked at Langhua, "I instructed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to arrange your Changchun Palace with care. Are you still satisfied?"

Langhua's smile bloomed deeply, as if a bright candle flower burst out from the candlelight. "The emperor stayed in the palace for the first night in the harem, which was his greatest intention and grace for me."

The emperor gently patted Langhua's shoulder, and his voice gradually became softer, but he felt nostalgic and gentle. "Just understand my intention. You are my queen and have always been virtuous. I feel relieved to take care of the affairs of the harem."

Because of the mourning, the Empress was appointed as a concubine, and the concubines no longer had silver jewelry. Hailan changed into a Ruyi shoulder and water blue flag dress early in the morning, with only the white little flowers embroidered on the cuffs of the clothes, which were as fresh as hers, without any eye-catching. Naturally, this is also her usual attitude.

Hailan came as usual to wait for Ruyi to get up, and then accompanied her to have breakfast before going to Changchun Palace to pay tribute to Langhua.

Langhua has a very good complexion and has carefully modified her appearance. She has changed into a lotus, honey-colored embroidered branch, butterfly flower cloak. She only tied her hair like clouds with a gilt flat square on her head. She is only a few sparse silver beads and a few flowers of grass on her straight bun. Although it is simple, it is generous and cheerful. Early in the morning, the second prince was also brought by the wet nurse. Langhua became more and more happy, and the concubines were also busy. As the second prince was strong again or looked smart.

Only the nobleman of Jia, Jin Yuyan, looked at Langhua's outfit and smiled and said without saying anything. Langhua noticed it for a moment and smiled and said, "Guy Jia likes to joke the most in the sky, why do you just laugh and stop talking today? But Changchun Palace is so reserved for you?"

Yuyan hurriedly smiled and said, "I am looking at the flowers embroidered on the Empress. Although it is embroidered less, it is really beautiful to be clear and beautiful, and it looks refreshing and grand."

Langhua slightly straightened the pearl button on the collar of her clothes and said with a smile: "Gui Jia has always loved to dress up cutely, but I want to listen to your comments."

Yu Yan bowed obliquely, like the wind swaying willows, and said in detail: "I look at the embroidery and folded branches on the embroidery body. It looks like the most popular embroidery method of the palace family when the Qing Dynasty first entered the pass. It often uses the sparse and broad patterns of flags and embroidery as the beauty, and also uses the Beijing embroidery technique, which emphasizes the grandeur and continuous, wealth and auspiciousness. Nowadays, the most popular thing in the palace is to use soft satin materials to pursue the softness of lightness and flutter. Often embroidery patterns on the cuffs and skirts, the body is light, and it is mostly embroidered by Jiangnan or woven with thin gold thread. Although the branches are dense, the softer the better. Now, looking at the Queen's outfit, it really has the ancient style when she entered the pass."

Everyone listened to Yuyan's story and looked at her flag suit. Although the colors and colors were different, they were indeed much lighter, softer and thinner than the queen.

After hearing her, the queen sighed unconsciously: "I always feel that the nobleman is dressed in the same way. Now it seems that she is a careful person and can detect the intentions of the palace. When I woke up this morning, I checked the bills of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and found that the number of clothes and materials spent on the harem of the harem was as huge as this year. Although the clothes on my palace were embroidered, the flowers were sparse, and they were maids in the palace, and ordinary clothes craftsmen in the capital could embroider. The softer you wear, the more tribute you paid for by the weaving of Suzhou in Jiangnan. In addition, the method of weaving gold, mud and gold is expensive, and the cost is huge. Moreover, the decorations of the harem are often sought after by the people, and it has become a trend, which has doubled the materials from Jiangnan in the capital, and even the embroidery work is even more expensive. If this lasts, luxury in the palace outside the palace becomes more and more expensive."

Langhua continued to say one by one. Although he was kind, the concubines did not understand the meaning, so they all lowered their heads and dared not say more. Only Chunpin didn't know it and smiled apologized: "What the Empress said is that the emperor always said that the late emperor and Emperor Kangxi worked hard to govern the country and the people were strong..."

Langhua smiled faintly, took the teacup and looked at her and said, "There is an old saying among the people that wealth can only last for three generations. Even if the country is rich and the people are strong, the harem should not be extravagant and squandered. Otherwise, the foundation left by the ancestors can withstand several generations. But then again, you just gave birth to the third prince, and the emperor valued it, so it is reasonable. This palace is just talking to yourself."

Su Xin understood and poured tea into the queen's cup: "No," the queen ordered the Ministry of Internal Affairs yesterday. In the future, even the jewelry of Changchun Palace will only be used for gilt and pearls, preferably silver or velvet flowers and grass, red gold and east pearls, and southern pearls are not allowed at all."

Yue Xianqing smiled and looked at the silver-inlaid armor on her hand, "I will naturally listen to the Queen's words. It's not like Chunpin's sister. With the third prince, the confidence to speak and do things is different."

Although Chunpin was simple, she didn't understand what she said. She didn't realize that her face was pale, and her legs were weak and she knelt down and said, "Empress, I wish you forgive me for your crimes. I'll give you a lesson. Although I gave birth to my elder brother, I'll always be blessed by the Empress. I dare not take credit for myself, and I dare not spend extravagance."

Langhua smiled faintly, "Okay, don't kneel down at any time, it's like this palace is particularly strict with you. Get up."

Only then did Concubine Chun dare to get up and sit down timidly.

Yuyan was very proud, glanced at the concubines, stepped forward and smiled, "The Empress said very well. But now the trend has become. Not to mention inside and outside the palace, even the clothes and jewelry that the emperor gave to Korea are luxurious and exquisite. I heard from the envoys who came to Korea that North Korea is also very popular. If we change the clothes and accessories we used when we entered the pass and rewarded relatives and nobles or vassal states in this way, wouldn't it surprise outsiders?"

Her words were so self-righteous and considerate that the queen could also take care of her preferences. Ruyi and Hailan looked at each other, and they just smiled without saying a word.

Langhua took a sip of tea and said slowly: "The words of nobles Jia are of course reasonable. It is inevitable that the emperor will be grateful to the outside world. But inside, we live in the six palaces, so everything is better to be simple." She looked slightly serious, "What's more important is that if we are at peace today, we should not forget the difficulties of our ancestors entering the pass to pacify the world. As examples of women in the world, we must always remember our identities and never forget our ancestors in everything."

These words were very important. Even though Jin Yuyan was so smart, she had to bow her head and say yes.

Yue stood up and said, "Since the Empress set an example, I will definitely follow you. From today on, I will no longer be gorgeous and elegant. I will definitely follow the Queen, remember my ancestors for their hard work and live a simple life."

Langhua nodded and sighed: "I have made good efforts in the palace. Don't think that this palace is willing to blame you. There are many people in the harem. If everyone spends more money, the family will be big and the business will be big, and there will always be difficulties."

At this time, Concubine Yi, who was sitting aside and silently whispered: "I have been serving the Empress for many years, and the Empress has never been luxurious. Until now, even the pearls and buttons used on the lapels are just the most common type in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Even the pearls used are too wasteful."

Chunpin smiled quickly and said, "Guy Yi used to serve the queen personally, so he naturally knew nothing. It seems that my concubines have always been too careless and never followed the queen."

The queen smiled and looked at the nobleman Yi and said, "Okay. Now they are all noblemen officially enthroned by the emperor, and they still have slaves and servants. What kind of tradition is it?"

Concubine Yi hurriedly said respectfully: "I will follow the instructions of the Empress."

Yue suddenly turned her head and looked at Ruyi, "My sister Xian has been silent. Do you not accept what the queen said or have other suggestions?"

Ruyi raised her eyes and said slowly: "The so-called teaching by words and deeds, the Empress, and we can only listen to their words and follow their actions. Why should we interfere more?"

Hailan also hurriedly said "Yes" and said, "I dare not say too much, because I am afraid that I will be stupid and ignorant. So I learned carefully from the Queen and didn't dare to say more."

Ruyi smiled slightly, "No, the queen means the emperor means. If we listen carefully and learn, we will benefit endlessly."

Yue chuckled, covered her lips and said, "My sister Xian said this to be meant to the emperor stayed in Changchun Palace last night, and it seemed a bit sour."

Ruyi smiled faintly and said, "What we said just now, those who are harmonious will naturally hear the meaning of the emperor and empress being united and harmonious in the harem; those who are sad will naturally also hear the meaning of sad."

Yue Xiu raised her eyebrows, as if she was angry. Langhua smiled happily, "Okay. Last night, the emperor was just to favor the face of the empress of this palace. The future is long, and you are all carefully preparing, so the emperor will naturally come to see you one by one."

Everyone answered yes, and Ruyi raised the jade beads on her wrist and said, "Although the empress was personally rewarded by the empress shortly after I entered the Qiandi Mansion, I am now frugal in the palace and I dare not wear it anymore. I also ask the empress to allow it."

After she said this, Yue also stood up.

The queen's expression slightly sank, like the frost-cold grass stained by the cold smoke in autumn. However, the autumn sun was bright and the coldness evaporated without a trace. The queen still had an impeccable smile, "Since it was my former reward, it would be okay. Besides, one of you is a concubine and the other is Xian, so you can't be wronged." The two agreed and then left.

The autumn scenery outside was as bright as a picture scroll. Lu Yun and Hai Lan came out with Ruyi, and the three of them were silent. Jin Yuyan and Yi walked in front of him, and they still complained, "Oh, from now on, I can't wear such soft satin from Jiangnan anymore. When I think about the embroidered cheongsam on the Empress, although it looks good, it has no elegance at all. Alas..."

Concubine Yi smiled faintly and said, "Concubine Jia is beautiful, so she naturally looks good in everything she wears. No matter how bad you are, you have always been attentive in dressing up, and the emperor will definitely pay attention to it."

Yuyan said softly, and said, "Guy Yi has been by the Queen for a long time, so she naturally understands the Queen's mind. With the role model of the Queen, how dare I not follow me?"

The two of them talked and laughed, and walked to the front.

Ruyi patted Lu Yun's hand comfortably, "Don't take what you do today. The queen only values ​​the family rules of the ancestors, not intentionally criticizes you."

Lu Yun looked frowning, "How can I not understand the queen's meaning? The eldest prince's biological mother is a member of the queen's clan. Although she died, her identity is still noble. The second prince was born to the queen, and she was even more noble. Only me, her identity is not awkward, and I am just a post. If I hadn't been lucky enough to give birth to the third prince, how could the emperor give me a concubine? I know that I am not of high origin and I am usually respectful and peaceful, but the queen still cares..." She wanted to continue talking, and she was already in tears. Hailan quickly blocked Lu Yun's mouth with silk and whispered: "Good sister, you are of course respectful and peaceful to the queen, but my sister is simple in her mind, so what do you say? This is outside, and it makes people hear it and there are many troubles."

Lu Yun was so scared that she was silent, so she hurriedly took the silk and wiped away the tears. The surroundings were silent, and even the palace maids who were accompanying him followed from a distance.

Ruyi glanced at Hailan with praise and said softly: "Okay. If you have anything to do, just talk about it in my palace. Now, don't lose your word."

Lu Yun nodded repeatedly, and the three of them went to the Imperial Garden as they spoke.

At that time, the autumn light was just beginning, and the various autumn chrysanthemums in the imperial garden were blooming in a particularly gorgeous and colorful way, with the still gorgeous and prosperous spring light. At the beautiful scenery, the three of them were less dull as they had just now. Along the way, Ruyi saw Yu Yan and Yi in the pavilion in front of them sitting chatting, so she watched the red fish in the pond jump lightly and had fun by herself.

Yuyan and Yi's nobleman turned their backs to them, and they didn't notice it for a while, just caring about their own talk lively.

Before Ruyi finished speaking, she heard a gentle voice behind her, "Who should I be? Only Concubine Xian is so sharp-tongued and unwilling to forgive others."

Ruyi bowed slightly and looked at her coldly, "In the past, the imperial concubine was gentle and well-behaved in the hidden residence, but she didn't look like she was today."

Concubine Hui glanced at Ruyi and was very disdainful, "One time and another time, your position is above me that day, so I naturally have to respect you. Now this palace is a concubine, and you are just a concubine. The ranks of nobles and inferiors are as different as clouds. You naturally have to be under me at all times. If you don't even know this, you won't have to stay in this harem."

Ruyi was silent. The imperial concubine's eyebrows were flying up, "Why, are you not convinced?"

Ruyi smiled calmly. "The etiquette is complete, and does the imperial concubine even have to control the hearts of the people? If this is true, it is not to suppress others with dignity, but to conquer others with virtue." She was once again blessed, "I will not be disrespectful to the position of the imperial concubine. But I also ask the imperial concubine to understand that your nobility should come from respect, not deterrence."

After Ruyi said that, she left directly. Chunpin and Hailan looked at each other and immediately followed quickly.

Yuyan was so angry that she was stunned when she saw Concubine Hui, and then she smiled and said, "Concubine Don't listen to her rap. Seeing that her life will be difficult, why should I have to talk to her? Concubine Xian is under you, are you still afraid that she will not be able to deal with her in the future?"

Concubine Hui brows slightly loosely and smiled at Yuyan, saying, "With noble Jia and I am united in my heart, what can I worry about?"

Notes:
Chapter completed!