The Qianqiu Festival is simple, but the 70th birthday of the Empress Dowager is in full swing, one is to rejoice the ancestors who are sick, and the other is to show the royal prestige.

It was in this early winter with colorful lights and noisy gongs and drums that Cai Ling saw the King of Dian again.

That day coincided with the sick leave of the female official serving tea, and because Cai Ling had always won His Majesty's appreciation for serving her daily life, Yunhe arranged for her to serve for a day.

As usual, she stood at the head of the palace maids, and entered the front hall of the vertical arch that she had not set foot in for a long time. The tea case was still there, she knelt on the seat, boiling water to make tea, and everything went smoothly. His Majesty sat on the dragon chair in the center, listening to the report of the Ministry of Menxia on the events of this birthday.

"The palace is really big. I can't imagine that there is a bigger house in this world than the Dian Palace. A melodious voice like the flow of spring water came from outside the temple.

"Shh A deep male voice.

"Be low-key, low-key. I'm sorry, I was so excited for a while that I forgot about it. The woman snickered.

His Majesty glanced outside the hall, his chin was slightly raised, and Yu An said loudly: "It is rumored that the king of Dian and the side concubine are here." “

"Your Majesty." It is rare to see him wearing court clothes and looking serious.

"Concubines, see Your Majesty." The slightly slower movements and language make it more and more cute and cute.

"No courtesy." The emperor raised his hand and sat down, "Uncle Huang has been doing well lately." ”

"With His Majesty's concern, everything is safe for the ministers." The King of Dian replied respectfully.

As soon as the words fell, the palace maid stepped forward to offer two cups of new tea, and Cai Ling also boiled a cup of tea and was about to serve it to His Majesty.

"It smells so good." The dark eyes of the concubine of the king of Dian stared at Cai Ling tightly, causing the king of Dian to also turn his eyes.

"That's the emperor's royal tea servant, and she can naturally brew the best tea in the world." The king of Dian gently pinched her thigh, whispered a reminder not to make a fuss, and in a trance it seemed that she had been hit by a cold arrow, and was stunned for a moment, and then turned her eyes to look at it, and was already stunned.

I heard that she was destined to enter the court, why did she now serve in this arched front hall? Gestures, thousands of manners. But where is there still a little bit of the original cute appearance? I still remember that the people who drank one cup after another in Dongxi Building, and fell asleep when they were drunk and their sleeves were raised to cover half of their flour and fall asleep on the table, now they knelt on the table like a virgin, boiled a pot of the most fragrant tea in the world, and then respectfully sent it to the emperor's desk.

At this time, she also looked at him. When I was cramped, I saw her smiling with a deep apology in her eyes. He had no choice but to smile back, his eyes wandering, as if there were thousands of words.

"Old knowledge?" The side concubine looked at her vigilantly, and Cai Ling smiled at her politely.

"I've met a few times." The king of Dian had already returned to normal, grabbed the thin waist of the concubine, and whispered in her ear.

Although Cai Ling couldn't hear what they said, she could clearly feel the alienation of the Dian king. The future is like this, naturally she doesn't dare to ask for his forgiveness, but now that she sees that he is safe and has a harmonious relationship with the side concubine, she is especially happy, and she can't stop smiling on her face.

"Why are you here?" His Majesty asked coldly, but he looked at her.

"One day on the bench, tomorrow will not appear." She was not afraid and answered easily.

The Emperor was choked speechless and glanced away. The king of Dian played a lot of Yunnan people's affairs and political affairs, the emperor seemed to be a little tired, and he had long lost the enthusiasm when he first met, and after he finished speaking, he only said: "The empress dowager is still looking forward to the imperial uncle." Don't be in a hurry to leave the palace later, go to Ziwei Palace to say hello. ”

"Yes!" King Dian arched his hand and pointed to the delicate woman beside him, "The minister's return to Beijing this time is to celebrate the birthday of the Empress Dowager, and the second is to invite her old man to see if her future daughter-in-law is still satisfied." ”

"Uncle Huang has a heart." His Majesty nodded in agreement.

The crowd dispersed, but Cai Ling did not leave for a long time.

The king of Dian also wanted to settle down, and one of the eighteen beautiful concubines was selected as the main concubine. Although she felt that this woman was more than delicate and not calm enough, but that was his family matter, she must not participate, now she only needs to be happy for him, if he is doing well, she can pack up her mood and start a new life without worry.

The family banquet on the eve of the birthday banquet was held in the Yujing Pavilion of Ziwei Palace, and Cai Ling stood half a zhang behind His Majesty, serving his food. On the table sat Concubine Liangxian, Wei Meiren, the eldest princess, the princes and their families. The King of Dian came from afar, and his generation was very large, and it was the first time for him to attend the family banquet of the Empress Dowager with his inner family, which naturally attracted much attention.

"Back to the Empress Dowager, her name is Cong Zhi, and her father runs a jade business in Yunnan." In the face of the Empress Dowager's inquiry, the King of Dian answered frankly.

"They all call me 'little bug.'" The melodious female voice was full of joy, and she instantly felt that someone had pulled the corner of her skirt and hurriedly added: "No, it's a concubine." Qi Yu Niangniang, they all call their concubines 'little worms'. “

"Haha......" The old ancestor who was originally upright was instantly amused by her cuteness, and asked gently: "So little worm, what do you like about the old thirteen of the mourning family?" “

"The concubines like everything, even if His Royal Highness is very dishonest when he sleeps, the concubines like it." The side concubine held her head high and smiled honestly. The King of Dian showed a hint of shame for the first time, and hurriedly drank a glass of wine to stabilize it.

Seeing this, Cai Ling was also sincerely happy, and unconsciously had a smile on her face. It's just that the two people who were so good in the past haven't said a word until this moment, and occasionally their eyes unconsciously intersect, he quickly looked away, and the broken friendship has never been restored. She secretly told herself that maybe it would be fine next year, but it was not impossible to come to the door to apologize after five years, so she let go of this and still served His Majesty openly.

"Your Majesty, don't you like to eat this fish soup?" Concubine Liangxian asked.

"I've eaten enough." His Majesty's tone was gentle.

"Can the concubine eat what you have left?" Without waiting for His Majesty to answer, "Sister Ling, please help me hand it over." “

Cai Ling's face was expressionless, and she picked up the bowl of fish soup from His Majesty's desk with both hands and sent it to Concubine Liangxian, and was about to leave, Concubine Xian begged gently: "Please ask my sister to help take away this plate of barbecue, I really can't eat it." Cai Ling smiled slightly and walked with the trend.

After all this, I just stood in my place. The Empress Dowager suddenly said: "Emperor, the mourning family heard that your female official in the inner court was also a person who served your tea in the past, and a cup of plum tea is fragrant, and everyone is here today, why don't you give everyone a cup?" ”

His Majesty has a bad appetite these days, and the powdered black plum is ready at any time, but he never thought of serving tea to the royal family, but he is not restricted, this job is much easier than that of the Huanyi Bureau. Her Majesty has not yet answered, and she has already stepped back to prepare.

Plum tea is bright, especially fragrant in the black pottery cup, the palace maid holds the tray for her, she will give the first cup to the queen mother, it seems to be a long-awaited ceremony, looking at her old man took a sip gently, infinite joy welled up in her heart, if she is no longer angry, what is it to serve tea to the Manchu Dynasty?

The second cup was given to His Majesty, but His Majesty did not accept it, she only put the eight-point full teacup on the table, and added two drops of honey to him later. Next was Concubine Liangxian, but she looked more respectful than her, hanging her head slightly: "There is Sister Lao Ling." Then there is Wei Meiren.

Finally walking up to the King of Dian, she squatted down and handed him a cup of tea: "Your Highness, please use tea." The man sitting in the seat, his eyes drooping slightly, did not look at her, his hands holding the teacup were a little sore, but she did not know what she was waiting for.

"The prince doesn't like sour food, I'll just have a drink with him." The side concubine hurriedly played a round.

"Lord Wang...... Rajah! The side concubine lowered her voice and reminded, "This is His Majesty's inner court lady, and it depends on the owner to beat the dog, not to mention the ......" The rest of the words were hidden in the cold eyes that the King of Dian raised instantly, and the side concubine was shocked and almost knocked over the tea cup on the case, Cai Ling smiled slightly, reached out to hold the cup of tea steady, and left with her head bowed.

Later, he also served tea to the eighth prince and the eldest princess of Jinghe, and the tea was placed on the table, and it was up to them whether to drink it or not. Before returning to the throne, he had already changed a cup of hot tea and handed it to His Majesty: "Add two drops of honey, it will not be sour." ”

His Majesty's eyes as deep as a cold pool seemed to have stars flickering in an instant, and he took the teacup and drank it lightly.

The side concubine said a lot of witty words, which made the empress dowager very happy and left her to live in Ziwei Palace. Wei Meiren was not favored, so she naturally said goodbye and returned to the palace early. After the members of the royal family also dispersed, the king of Dian walked quickly across the lotus pond that had been defeated. Cai Ling looked at his back in a daze for a moment, even if she could see her again at tomorrow's birthday banquet, she would not be as happy as before, and she didn't know when she would see him again, so she couldn't help but feel uncomfortable for a while.

"Your Majesty hasn't been to the Changle Hall for a few days, you must not know that the daffodils in front of the concubine's window have bloomed twice, the moonlight is just right tonight, can you accompany the concubine to enjoy the daffodils?" As soon as she walked to the imperial garden, Concubine Liangxian climbed on His Majesty's arm and begged bitterly.

is really elegant, just in line with His Majesty's wishes, Mingyue is worthy of being a talented woman. Walking behind the crowd, Cai Ling secretly admired in her heart.

Suddenly, a figure seemed to flash behind the rockery, and she was so frightened that she hurriedly took two steps.

"Auntie, but you see a figure?" The female official of the Changle Hall hurriedly asked.

"It's fine. It's just a cat. She hurriedly comforted, curiosity, still looked back, a thin figure loomed from the rockery again, and beckoned to her, "Suddenly I remembered that something was dropped, please serve Your Majesty properly, I will come when I go." ”

"Auntie?" The palace maid roared softly, and in a blink of an eye, the person had disappeared in an instant.

"What are you doing hiding here?" Cai Ling patted the man's crow-blue robe.

"Pay attention to your words and deeds." The king of Dian raised his head and pretended to be cold, "This king is an abandoned person, and he can't stand the girl's frivolity." “

Cai Ling laughed, looked forward to it for a long time, and finally waited for him to laugh as usual, and asked softly: "Your Highness is still angry with Cai Ling?" “

With the help of a place of moonlight, he stared at her for a moment, and suddenly rubbed her face, which no longer had much flesh, "I was originally angry, but I can see how your description makes this king angry." This king never thought that he would be smart and naughty like you. If this king is not mistaken, then Concubine Liangxian used to be your best friend, what is happening now? You're willing to respectfully deliver her dishes. This king can't help but think, what's wrong with this king, you would rather be down-and-out than marry this king! It's infuriating! “

"Your Highness is good anywhere! Even if you fall asleep, punching and kicking are very dishonest, you look very good! Cai Ling smiled softly.

"How dare you tease this king!" The King of Dian also suddenly grinned.

"I didn't expect that the Empress Dowager originally intended to let me taste the shame of **, but the crooked beating aroused a pity for His Royal Highness, and it was so great to be able to rebuild the old friendship with His Royal Highness...... Too...... That's great. She almost jumped for joy.

"It turns out that you also know her old man's good intentions." King Dian Zhengse said, "If you marry this king, why do you need to bring tea and water to others." ”

"Yes, yes. You're all right. She waved her hand, "All the past has faded away with the wind." “

"Hmm. The one who should say this is like this king. King Dian said coldly.

"I'm sorry......" Cai Ling couldn't help but laugh again.

After a while, the king of Dian strode out of the rockery, "Where do you live now?" I'm afraid that it's not okay to walk at night, and this king will send you back. ”

"One side of the arch hall." She replied in a sneer, looking up at him cautiously.

King Dian showed a wry smile, "That kid really has a way." Then he asked, "Not going yet?" “

"I'm very familiar with this journey, and it's okay to go back by myself." Cai Ling hurriedly excused herself, he took a concubine from Yunnan to tell her that she wanted to be a concubine, and her good attitude was obviously intended to release her past suspicions with His Majesty, how could she dare to be ignorant.

"Although this king is jealous of that kid, but after all, he is his imperial uncle, how can he cause this king to die. Since he will not die, what should this king take care of? It's not easy to meet, so let this king send you back. His attitude was resolute, and he felt pity for this little palace maid from the bottom of his heart.

The two of them didn't say anything, and walked side by side in the deep eternal alley where the moonlight was like water, with red walls and green tiles, gray and inky sky, and jackdaws hovering overhead. A ring-shaped black jade tied by Yingluo on his waist, rising and falling as his footsteps moved, she stared at the jade tightly, and couldn't help asking: "Eighteen concubines, has each of them endowed with sincerity?" ”

He glanced at her with disgust, and said impatiently: "Little palace maid, the management is very wide. Since he has abandoned this king, he is not allowed to ask this king about his love history. ”

It has always been to break the sand pot and ask in the end, chased two steps, and then wanted to speak, a person carrying a glass lamp slowly approached from the corner, saw the two of them, hurriedly avoided the side, and curtsied: "His Royal Highness the King of Dian Jin An." ”

"Hmm. All is well with this king. It is said that the kings meet the palace maids in the deep palace to salute, and they don't have to pay attention, at most they say "no courtesy", and they have never heard of such an abrupt answer "everything is fine with this king". Cai Ling's eyes widened, staring at the King of Dian tightly, and seeing that his often indifferent face was actually dyed red, it was really a wonder of ten thousand years!

"Aunt Wu!" Cai Ling glanced at the palace maid and exclaimed. Wu Jianzuo smiled at her.

"This king is now out of the palace. If you have a chance to see you again in the future, take care. In the past, he was teasing and laughing, but he had never seen him so serious, Cai Ling couldn't help but look at the two of them with interest.

"Your Highness also take care." Aunt Wu only said softly.

What a disappointment! What a disappointment! Without much further words, the two just passed by. The moonlight is like water, but the two are not swimming fish, and it is difficult to say goodbye when they meet, but they just said to each other so plainly to take care?

"Your Highness." Cai Ling caught up with him.

"Hmm." It took him a moment to come to his senses.

"Can this piece of jade from Your Highness's waist be given to the little girl?" She asked tentatively.

"This king will bring you Chiqiong next time. Don't hit this piece of the idea. A knobby hand gently stroked the piece of black jade.

"Okay. Deal. "Turning around has jumped over the corner.

"Ling ......"

"The Vertical Arch Hall is in front, I will go back by myself, and I will not send His Highness to Andemen." Cai Ling's voice came from a distance, "See you tomorrow in the Ganquan Palace." “