Chapter Seventy-Four: Competing for Favor
At the end of the month, ask for pink
*****
Qi Younian left, and Ji Xiaotang's heart felt a little empty. However, she simply didn't have time to seriously melancholy, because there were so many people and things waiting for her to deal with.
Autumn is going to winter, and the chill in the air is getting thicker and thicker.
Early this morning, Ji Xiaotang woke up earlier than usual for some reason. Now that he had woken up, Ji Xiaotang didn't plan to sleep any more, so he cleaned up and got up.
It was Jin'er who was on night duty in her house that day, and Jin'er served Ji Xiaotang to freshen up. Ji Xiaotang got up, and the other people serving in the house soon came over.
Mama Cheng looked at Ji Xiaotang with some concern.
"The princess didn't sleep any longer, it wasn't dawn yet. In winter, the princess should go to bed early and get up late, which is the way to maintain health. Mama Cheng said to Ji Xiaotang in a gentle voice.
"Mama, I understand everything. It's just once in a while, and it's not a big deal. Ji Xiaotang told Mama Cheng that there was no problem with her body, but she woke up earlier today.
Mama Cheng stopped persuading, but there was still worry in Ji Xiaotang's eyes.
Ji Xiaotang's heart moved slightly, and he understood what Mama Cheng meant.
Mama Cheng was not worried about what was wrong with her body, but worried that she was worried that she was on her mind, so she got up early and couldn't sleep.
Ji Xiaotang smiled.
"Mama, you should know me. How could I bother with those things. ”
Ji Xiaotang said vaguely, but just as she knew Mama Cheng, Mama Cheng also knew her, so Mama Cheng immediately understood what she was talking about.
Mama Cheng did not answer. Just sighed softly.
I want to make new clothes in winter, and it just so happened that a lot of good furs were sent to Zhuangzi and the shop yesterday, and Ji Xiaotang cleaned up. asked people to send the fur up, and took Mama Cheng, Jin'er, Xiu'er, Bi'er, Yao'er and a few other people to start selecting the fur.
At this time, the sky was already bright, and Ji Xiaotang's house was brightly lit, and the big guy picked out the fur and laughed to relieve Ji Xiaotang's boredom.
"These two pieces of sable fur are rare and in good condition, thick and smooth. And there is not a trace of stray hair. Mama put it aside first, and when I picked out a few pieces, I sent them to Xinhuatang. Sable. Just to make a new robe for my father. Ji Xiaotang instructed Mama Cheng.
Mama Cheng agreed with a smile and put the sable fur in front of Ji Xiaotang into another box.
picked a piece of fur for everyone in her mother's family, and Ji Xiaotang also picked a few pieces for Qin Zhen, Qin Ying and herself, and each piece was calculated. Or to make a gown. Or make a leather skirt, or make a big hat and a cape, all of them are written down one by one, so that people can put them away first.
The house was busy when I heard the sound of boots in the yard.
Ji Xiaotang's eyes turned slightly, at this time, such a sound is not a second person at all. It must be Qin Zhen.
It's still so early, why did Qin Zhen come?
Ji Xiaotang wondered in his heart. The face was not revealed, and after a while, sure enough, a little girl outside opened the curtain to report, saying that the prince was coming.
Qin Zhen walked in from the outside wearing a big coat, with a little chill all over his body. He paused at the door, took off the big hat, put it in Jin'er's hand, walked to the smoke cage and stood there, and then walked to Ji Xiaotang and sat down.
The weather is cold, Qin Zhen will be like this every time he comes back from outside, according to his own words, he just doesn't want to bring in the cold and freeze Ji Xiaotang.
Qin Zhen's thoughtfulness is reflected in all aspects of life, like spring rain, moisturizing things silently.
Qin Zhen's body was warm, and his complexion eased, but Ji Xiaotang could still see that Qin Zhen was angry because of something, and it shouldn't be a trivial matter.
Without waiting for Ji Xiaotang to ask Qin Zhen, Qin Zhen had already opened his mouth to ask Ji Xiaotang first.
"Why did you wake up so early? To pick these skins? When you can't pick the skin, why get up so early, you are still growing your body, you should rest more. ”
"Lord Wang, I'm fine." Ji Xiaotang hurriedly said, "I went to bed early last night, so I woke up early this morning, and I was not sleepy, so I just got up." There was nothing else to do, and I wanted to make a big sweater, so I asked someone to pick it up. ”
Qin Zhen listened to Ji Xiaotang's explanation and didn't say anything more, but his eyes turned to Mama Cheng.
Mama Cheng hurriedly saluted Qin Zhen.
"Lord Qiqi, I have persuaded the princess. The princess is fine, once in a while, it may as well be as long as the princess is happy. ”
Qin Zhen looked at Ji Xiaotang again, he was indeed happy, so he nodded.
"It's okay to do it once in a while, but not often."
"Obey the orders of the prince." Ji Xiaotang said with a smile.
Qin Zhen's face became more and more gentle.
At this time, Ji Xiaotang asked Qin Zhen a question.
"It's just that I got up early, why did the prince get up so early today. It's just to get up early and accompany Concubine Zheng, why did you come all the way over, how can it be good if you get cold? …… This is Concubine Zheng's......"
"Don't mention her." Qin Zhen's originally gentle complexion became gloomy again when he heard Ji Xiaotang mention Zheng Zi.
Sure enough, he was angry with Zheng Zi?!
Ji Xiaotang secretly thought in his heart, Zheng Zi was too late to stammer with Qin Zhen, no matter what Qin Zhen said or did, she would be willing, as long as Qin Zhen went to her, and Qin Zhen's temper could not have any positive conflict with Zheng Zi.
These two people, because of something, actually threw Qin Zhenqi down Zheng Zi early in the morning and ran back to Xuchun Hall.
Listening to Qin Zhen's tone, it was Zheng Zi who did what made him so angry.
Zheng Zi didn't have time to please Qin Zhen, he would do something to make Qin Zhen angry.
"Concubine Zheng......" Ji Xiaotang wanted to ask euphemistically, but as soon as she said the word Concubine Zheng, Qin Zhen immediately said that he didn't want to listen. Even if Ji Xiaotang mentioned it, he didn't want to hear it.
"Don't mention her again, and you won't persuade me to go to her again." Qin Zhen said categorically.
Qin Zhen hadn't gone to Zheng Zi's side for a month, and Zheng Zi had to come to Ji Xiaotang almost every day to offer his courtesy. In the past two days, it was also the time when Ji Xiaotang's body was inconvenient.
Qin Zhen went to Song Xinyue to rest for the night. planned to return to Xuchun Hall, even if he couldn't live in the same room with Ji Xiaotang, he would sleep next door to Ji Xiaotang.
Ji Xiaotang persuaded Qin Zhen yesterday. Zheng Mian's recent performance is acceptable, whether it is Qi Younian in the north or King An's Mansion, it is the time to use Zheng Mian. Qin Zhen listened to Ji Xiaotang's persuasion before going to Zheng Zi.
Zheng Zi was finally able to serve Qin Zhen, and she should be extremely careful, how did she say that Qin Zhen was so ruthless.
Even Ji Xiaotang didn't have any curiosity. There are also some who want to know the answer to this matter.
But Qin Zhen's attitude, Ji Xiaotang was not good to continue to ask.
At this time, the little girl outside came to report again. said that Zheng Zi was here.
Zheng Zi came, but did not enter the upper room, but knelt under the steps.
Zheng Zi is here to plead guilty.
"The concubine is ignorant and makes the prince angry. It was not the original intention of the concubine. But the concubine was willing to be punished. Please show the prince and princess! ”
Ji Xiaotang couldn't help frowning slightly.
Don't say that Zheng Zi mentioned her, even if Zheng Zi didn't mention her, only Qin Zhen, but Zheng Zi was kneeling in the courtyard of Xuchun Hall, and Ji Xiaotang couldn't ignore it.
"Let her go on her knees and leave her alone." When Qin Zhen saw Ji Xiaotang looking at him, he immediately said, "Count her acquaintances." Know that you are guilty of sin. ”
Qin Zhen meant to let Zheng Zi kneel. This is a punishment for Zheng Zi. This is still Zheng Zi personally coming to ask for the guilt, otherwise, Qin Zhen's punishment of Zheng Zi will be even more severe.
However, on this cold day, Zheng Zi didn't wear any thick clothes at all, so he knelt directly on the bluestone ground.
After kneeling like this for a while, Zheng Zi's two legs were almost destroyed.
Zheng Zi's bitter plan, on the one hand, she really provoked Qin Zhen, and on the other hand, she did it for Ji Xiaotang to see. Zheng Zi knew that Ji Xiaotang would not let her break her legs like this.
Even if Zheng Zi is at fault first, even if Qin Zhen is in charge, if Zheng Zi breaks his two legs in Xuchun Hall, the world will only talk about Ji Xiaotang.
At that time, Princess An Ji Xiaotang had a reputation for jealousy, not only jealousy, but also viciousness.
For Ji Xiaotang, reputation is still a trivial matter. It's not that she doesn't care about fame. Fame and public opinion, she can completely manipulate such things, there is nothing to worry about.
However, Ji Xiaotang couldn't watch Zheng Zi cripple like this.
At least, now is not the time. Otherwise, what was Qin Zhen doing when he accepted Zheng Zi as a side concubine!
However, Zheng Zi offended Qin Zhen, and Ji Xiaotang couldn't let her go easily.
After Zheng Zi knelt outside for a while, Ji Xiaotang stood up.
Jin'er and Xiu'er hurriedly stepped forward, one put on a big coat for Ji Xiaotang, and the other put the hand stove that had just been added with charcoal into Ji Xiaotang's arms.
Ji Xiaotang walked out of the door and saw Zheng Zi at a glance.
Zheng Zi really didn't wear much, it seemed that she was in a hurry and went out in a hurry, even the people who followed her to serve were wearing thicker clothes than her. Kneeling on the bluestone ground in the cold wind of the early morning, Zheng Zi was already shivering.
Zheng Zi also saw Ji Xiaotang, his eyes lit up all of a sudden, and he seemed to see Ji Xiaotang and see hope.
Ji Xiaotang stood still on the steps and looked at Zheng Zi condescendingly.
"Sister Azi, what did you do to make the prince angry like that. I persuaded me for a long time, but the prince refused to lose his anger. I really can't help it. Ji Xiaotang sighed, and at the same time saw Zheng Zi's eyes darken.
"The prince won't say anything, but he won't let you go. This bell must be tied to the bell, Sister Azi, tell me, what did you do, accidentally annoyed the prince. Knowing this, I can persuade the prince, isn't it? ”
At this moment, Ji Xiaotang really wanted to know what Zheng Zi had done.
Zheng Zi's originally pale face immediately turned red, but he couldn't say anything, it was still what he said just now, saying that she was careless, and she didn't mean to make the prince angry.
"What the hell is going on? You won't say, how can I help you? And the prince, you have to let him discourage, right? Ji Xiaotang looked at Zheng Zi.
Zheng Zi knew that Ji Xiaotang had to ask for a reason before he was willing to help her.
But that incident, she really couldn't say it in front of Ji Xiaotang. She couldn't let Ji Xiaotang know about that either. If Ji Xiaotang knew, I am afraid he would be even more angry than Qin Zhen.
However, even if you say nonsense, not a single reason will work. Because Ji Xiaotang will definitely tell Qin Zhen, then her lies will be exposed immediately, which will further anger Qin Zhen. At the same time, he also offended Ji Xiaotang.
At this moment, Zheng Zi is in a dilemma.
originally made a good calculation, who knew that Qin Zhen was so shrewd, not only did he see through it, but he also didn't care about face and affection at all, so he abandoned her and left.
This matter, if it is not good. Not only will he have a bad relationship with Qin Zhen from now on, but he will never be favored by Qin Zhen again, and I am afraid that he will become the laughing stock of the entire Anwang Mansion.
couldn't get Qin Zhen's favor. How can she give birth to a son, how can she gain a foothold in the palace, and how can she plan for the future?
has become the laughing stock of the entire Anwangfu, and it will be difficult for her to gain a foothold in the Anwangfu in the future. Nothing else is even more difficult to mention.
Ji Xiaotang didn't mean to give in at all. Zheng Zi was faced with a choice: whether to become the laughing stock of the entire Anwang Mansion, or to just throw his face in Xuchun Hall and in front of Ji Xiaotang.
Zheng Zi was not worried that Ji Xiaotang would leak her affairs and make the people in Anwangfu laugh at her.
Ji Xiaotang is an atmospheric person, he will not do such a thing, and he does not disdain to do such a thing.
However, this matter was said in front of Ji Xiaotang. She took the risk of bearing Ji Xiaotang's anger.
Zheng Zi thought about it, but finally gritted his teeth. still vaguely said that it was because of Qin Zhen's inconsiderate service that Qin Zhen was angry.
Ji Xiaotang looked at Zheng Zi for a while, smiled, and then turned around and entered the house.
Zheng Zi was still kneeling in the courtyard.
"Since she won't say anything, let her continue to kneel." Ji Xiaotang sat back on the couch, and she had already guessed the reason why Zheng Zi refused to tell her the true ~ appearance.
No matter what Zheng Zi did, he couldn't tell her anyway, because what Zheng Zi did would hurt her greatly.
Zheng Zi refused to say it, Qin Zhen didn't want to say it, but Ji Xiaotang still quickly knew the true ~ phase.
"What?" Ji Xiaotang raised his eyebrows.
Mama Cheng nodded, confirming that Ji Xiaotang had not heard it wrong.
Yesterday, Qin Zhen went to Zheng Zi, and Zheng Zi invited him to be petted, not only did he do things on the spices burned in the house, but also made an article in Qin Zhen's tea.
Doing hands and feet in Qin Zhen's tea is to get a child.
Qin Zhen got up early and found out, and immediately turned his face with Zheng Zi.
Ji Xiaotang's eyes also narrowed.
After Zheng Zi knelt on the bluestone floor in the courtyard for two full hours, Ji Xiaotang ordered someone to call Zheng Zi into the house.
Qin Zhen had already gone out, and in addition to Ji Xiaotang in the house, there was also Song Xinyue, who rushed over after hearing the news.
Zheng Zi entered the room with the support of the people he served, and his embarrassment was not pretended. Zheng Zi actually didn't expect that Ji Xiaotang would be ruthless enough to make her kneel for so long.
Zheng Zi thought that he had recognized Ji Xiaotang. No matter what Ji Xiaotang's nature is, Ji Xiaotang intends to be a model princess and a virtuous woman. Moreover, Zheng Zi is also very confident in the forces behind him.
Ji Xiaotang is smart, pragmatic, and virtuous, not only will he not treat her well, even if she does something wrong, Ji Xiaotang will also be very tolerant of her.
In fact, Ji Xiaotang has indeed been very tolerant of her and Song Xinyue since he entered the mansion, although they did not dare to provoke Ji Xiaotang easily.
But this time, Ji Xiaotang doesn't seem to intend to be a virtuous and virtuous woman, nor does he care about the forces behind her.
Zheng Zi's heart was a little weak, and when he was helped to kneel in front of Ji Xiaotang, his body shook twice.
Ji Xiaotang's gaze slowly moved from Zheng Zi's legs to her face.
She thought well, Zheng Zi didn't seem to be wearing thick clothes in order to perform a bitter trick, but Zheng Zi has been pampered since he was a child, and he really can't endure hardships, so he still does things inside.
Zheng Zi's legs must have been added with something, and now that he is being supported and can't walk, half of it should be pretended.
Even so, these two hours really made Zheng Zi suffer.
Ji Xiaotang looked at Zheng Zi, and there was no trace of a smile on his face: "Concubine Zheng, can you punish the crime?" ”
"Concubine, concubine ......" Zheng Zi didn't know how much Ji Xiaotang knew, so he couldn't decide what to say.
I have to say that compared to her two sisters, Zheng Zi is not a little bit worse, and she is still lucky at this time.
"I still don't want to admit it!" Ji Xiaotang sneered, "You want the favor of the prince, it's not wrong." But you shouldn't do anything in the incense, for a selfish desire, to the health of the prince! ”
Zheng Zi's face turned red, but his heart settled down a little. If Ji Xiaotang knew this, then the matter was not too bad.
Thinking so, Zheng Zi immediately kowtowed to Ji Xiaotang, and admitted his mistake to Ji Xiaotang.
“…… When he was young, the person who sold incense said that this incense only increased his taste, and it was beneficial and harmless to people, if it weren't for that, the concubine would never dare to ......, and the concubine would already know that it was wrong, and he would never dare to do it again in the future......"
Zheng Zi's attitude of admitting mistakes is very good.
Ji Xiaotang couldn't help but sneer.
"So, you didn't make this incense yourself, but bought it from someone outside? Who is that man, and how can you trust him like that? If he has the intention of assassinating the prince, aren't you an accomplice? ”
Ji Xiaotang scolded Zheng Zi and asked Zheng Zi to tell where he bought the incense.
Where did Zheng Zi say it for a while, the incense was not bought from outside at all, but she brought it back from her mother's house, and it was a kind of hypnotic incense of the Zheng family's own characteristics, and it was completely different from the incense sold outside.
The Zheng family will not assassinate Qin Zhen, but they just want Qin Zhen to spoil Zheng Zi more and let Zheng Zi give birth to an heir earlier.
However, Zheng Zi can no longer say this.
In the end, Zheng Zi was forced by Ji Xiaotang to say a name. Ji Xiaotang immediately asked Wang Ruhai to pass Zuo Changshi from the palace from the outer courtyard to come in, and instructed Zuo Changshi to immediately bring people to arrest the people confessed by Zheng Zi along with the stolen goods.
After such an order, Ji Xiaotang glanced at Zheng Zi again.
If this person is caught, he will definitely be interrogated, and if he doesn't match Zheng Zi's words at that time, Ji Xiaotang will still not let Zheng Zi go.
Zheng Zi shivered, and secretly prayed in her heart, hoping that her mother's family was clever enough to know that things had changed and could make corresponding arrangements, and she would pass this hurdle well.
She had already thought of passing, but she didn't know that Ji Xiaotang had just begun, and the main event was still to come.
It is recommended that the weak face finish this farming text "Rebirth of the Little Landlord" (to be continued.) )