Marriage of the Di Daughter

That night, Jiang Li slept very restlessly.

Ji Heng's words reverberated in her ears like a curse. Ever since she became the second Miss Jiang and re-entered the Jiang family, she thought that the Jiang family had nothing to do with it except for the indifference of people, and the peculiar downgrading and flattery of official mansions. others. Looking at it now, the dirty things in the rich and powerful families are more horrifying than those in ordinary people. Miss Jiang Er's life experience is far more complicated than she imagined.

And the environment she was in was even more dangerous. If Miss Jiang Er really knew about Ji Shuran's scandal, or Ji Shuran thought that Miss Jiang Er might know, then there would be a reasonable reason for Ji Shuran's pursuit of her all these years. Ji Shuran wanted to reassure herself, and wanted to eradicate the grass.

This is a war, either you die or I live. Not only for Jiang Li herself, but also for Ye Zhenzhen who died, Miss Jiang Er who no longer knew where her soul had gone, and Jiang Yueer who died for no apparent reason.

The news Ji Heng brought made her suddenly have another idea. Regarding Ji Shuran's next plan, Ji Shuran wants to borrow a knife to kill someone, so she may not be able to follow suit. As for who gets the last laugh, it depends on whose method is better.

Because of thinking about things at night, it was already very late when she really fell asleep, and Jiang Li got up later the next day. Tong'er and Baixue were too late to see her, so they didn't call her.

After Jiang Li had breakfast, Tong'er came over and said, "Girl, the Ji family has entered the palace again today?"

"Oh?" Jiang Li put away the papers on the table that were blown around by the wind, and said, "She is very diligent in entering the palace."

"I heard that Empress Li is not feeling well, she seems to be sick. Mrs. Ji hurried into the palace early in the morning, saying that she was going to see her sister." Tong'er said disdainfully as she spoke: " Who doesn't know that she has an older sister, Concubine Li, but she has never seen such a good relationship on weekdays, it really inspires people."

"You," Jiang Li turned sideways, and tapped Tong'er's forehead, "You're really getting more and more outspoken. This is just talking in front of me, and no one else can hear it."

"Your maidservant knows that your maidservant has a sense of propriety." Tong'er asked: "The Ji clan brought Jiang Youyao into the palace, but he didn't inform the girl. Is this trying to embarrass the girl?"

"What kind of embarrassment is this? We are not a family and have no blood relationship," Jiang Li said indifferently: "If I really let me go, I will be a disgusting person."

Tong'er nodded: "That makes sense, then let's ignore them." She happily helped Bai Xue to collect the morning dew again.

Jiang Li stood in front of the table, making a circle on the collected paper, but looked out the window. It was no accident that Ji Shi entered the palace early this morning. I just saw Lipin earlier, and Lipin fell ill. It seems that the opponent is aggressive and doesn't give himself a chance to breathe, so he did it recklessly.

But if she was afraid, she would not be Jiang Li anymore. She would like to see what kind of reason Ji and Li cong will use to invite the well-known Daoist Chongxu, who is well-known in Beiyan, into Jiang's mansion, and she promises to give him an unforgettable Greeting ceremony.

"Tong'er, take the stove. Let's go sit in Aunt Hu's yard." She smiled slightly.

...

In the palace, in the side hall, there is only the fragrance of medicine. With astringent bitterness.

On the ground, the woman was half sitting and half lying on the pillow, her hair was not combed in a bun, her long hair was scattered behind her head, her face was paler and her lips were bloodless.

Overnight, she seemed to lose weight and haggard a lot. I just felt weak all over, and seemed to be haunted by nightmares at night. I woke up several times, and in the end, I hardly slept. Just sit and stay till dawn.

After Hong Xiaodi got the news, he came to see Concubine Li as soon as he came down from court. However, Li Pin, who was always smiling, seemed to be seriously ill today, and she didn't even have the strength to get out of bed. The imperial physicians of the Imperial Hospital have all come to see her and confirmed that there is nothing wrong with Lipin's pulse and that she is not suffering from any symptoms. As for why this situation has occurred, the reason is unknown.

At first the palace people suspected that Concubine Li had been poisoned, but after a thorough investigation of the entire palace, nothing unusual was found in Concubine Li's food and clothing. But Concubine Li's sudden illness came back so violently that even the Queen Mother was alarmed. She came to visit her in person, but Li Pin still weakened rapidly with amazing changes, and she was about to die.

When Ji's family got the news, they all rushed over. Chen Jishi took Lipin's hand and said, "What's the matter? There is no reason, why did this happen all of a sudden?"

"Yeah, I came to see my empress the day before yesterday. Isn't your empress still doing well? Why did you make such a appearance in such a short time?" Ji Shuran also wiped her tears with a handkerchief.

At this moment, Hong Zhu, the maid next to Concubine Li, knelt in front of Emperor Hong Xiao, and said, "I have something to say to Your Majesty."

Emperor Hong Xiao said: "Say it."

"A few years ago, my empress also encountered this. At that time, my empress was in danger. It was... Daoist Chongxu found out the reason, so that my empress escaped. Now there is no reason, and my empress has suffered this bad luck again, but I can't find it. The results came out. The servant girl looked at it, and seemed to have imagined it from the time many years ago, as if he was boldly begging His Majesty, please go to the palace to see the empress. Is there a nightmare in the palace that has entangled the empress!"

After saying this, Hong Zhu kowtowed to Emperor Hong Xiao several times with "bang bang bang". Seeing Lu Wu on one side, he also knelt down.

Many years ago, Concubine Li was jealous and hated by other concubines in the palace. The concubine got Li Concubine's horoscope from somewhere, and used the technique of disgusting victory, which made Concubine Li lose weight day by day, and almost died. It also happened to be the Empress Dowager's birthday, and Taoist priest Chongxu was invited to the Qing Palace, but something was wrong. Found the placed puppet. The queen mother was furious, someone dared to do such a thing in the palace, the concubine was given a glass of poisoned wine, and she only said that she died of illness. As a result, Pin Li saved her life and gradually recovered.

At this moment, Hong Zhu suddenly talked about what happened back then.

I thought that after hearing this, Emperor Hong Xiao would immediately be delighted to find a new solution. But after a long time, he did not hear Hong Xiaodi's answer. For some reason, Hong Zhu felt a little uneasy, and cold sweat gradually oozes from her forehead. Just when she was hesitating whether to kowtow a few more times, Hong Xiaodi's voice came from above. He said: "Chongxu Daoist is wandering around, and now I don't know where he is..."

"The emperor is talking about that master Taoist Chongxu?" Chen Jishi stood up and looked at him, and said, "I heard three days ago that a master came to the Taoist temple in Yanjing City." The method seems to be Daoist Chongxu. In this way, Daoist Chongxu may still be in Yanjing City."

"Really?" Emperor Hong Xiao couldn't hear any emotion in his voice, he beckoned, and Eunuch Su hurried forward: "Decide my order, immediately summon Daoist Chongxu to enter the palace, and give a consultation to Concubine Li."

Eunuch Su took the order to leave.

Ji Shuran was still crouching before the collapse, but she tightened slightly her hand holding Concubine Li, an imperceptible smugness flashed in her eyes, and two more tears fell in the blink of an eye.

Daoist Chongxu arrived in the palace an hour later.

This Taoist has reached the year of his destiny, looks thin and resolute, has a bit of immortal demeanor, decent demeanor. He is also carrying a mahogany sword on his back, and he is wearing a dust whisk, Taoist robe and cloth shoes. Entering the palace, saluting with Emperor Hong Xiao was neither humble nor overbearing.

"After many years, the Taoist priest is still the same." Emperor Hong Xiao's brows stretched.

"Pindao is fortunate to be in His Majesty's arms." Daoist Chongxu said, "I heard that His Majesty summoned the poor Taoist. Is it because of the concubine Li's business?"

"Exactly." Hong Xiaodi said: "The imperial physicians in the palace are helpless and can't find out the reason. The maid of Concubine Li begged me to come to you for a try. I just heard that you are still in Yanjing recently. So I want to ask you to come in." Palace, let Concubine Li take a look."

Emperor Hong Xiao couldn't make it too clear. Since ancient times, every foolish emperor believed in ghosts and gods, and asked God. Emperor Hong Xiao naturally didn't want to be a foolish emperor and leave people with something to talk about. But now that Concubine Li is like this, there is really no other way. Besides, Daoist Chongxu is not arrogant, he hides his name and mostly wanders around to practice. Just like when it was discovered that someone in the palace used the technique of overpowering Concubine Li, no outsiders knew about it.

It can be seen that it is trustworthy.

Daoist Chongxu cupped his hands to Emperor Hong Xiao, and said: "In this case, the poor Taoist will show it to Empress Li first."

Hong Zhu and Lu Wu hurriedly welcomed Daoist Chongxu in.

Concubine Li was supported to sit on the soft bed, her expression was pale, as if it took a lot of effort to say a word. She looked at Daoist Chongxu and said, "I have to trouble Daoist to come here in person..."

Daoist Chongxu waved his hand: "Miss Li Concubine speaks seriously. It is a poor fortune to be able to share His Majesty's worries." After saying this, he frowned and stared at Li Concubine's surroundings, as if he saw something else , with a good look, slowly took out a small bell from the bag.

Look carefully, it is a palm-sized snare drum, surrounded by red bells. He held the bell in one hand, and shook it slowly, and then, it became faster and faster, and the sound of the bell changed from mild at the beginning to rapid, crisp and piercing.

Li Pin suddenly bent down and coughed violently, as if the pent-up breath in her chest had been released, she took the handkerchief from Hong Zhu's hand and wiped the corners of her mouth, as if she spit out something invisible.

Seeing this situation, the female relatives present were a little scared. Concubine Liu patted her chest and said, "Oh, I'm so scared to death, what the hell is this?"

Daoist Chongxu didn't speak, but turned around and walked quickly to the table in the hall, took out the yellow talisman paper from the bag again, grabbed a handful of cinnabar and poured it on the table, and pulled out a gourd-like thing , took a sip hard, and sprayed all of it on the cinnabar, and the hall suddenly smelled of alcohol. What's in the gourd should be an unknown spirit.

The strong wine was mixed with cinnabar, and slowly melted into a bright red. Daoist Chongxu took out another wooden pen, dipped it in the cinnabar wine, and wrote a series of unclear runes on the yellow talisman paper.

That's all, he unfolded the talisman paper to dry, and folded it into a triangular origami. Handed it to Concubine Li, and said: "Your Majesty, you must ask someone to thread this talisman paper with a red thread and store it carefully. After a month, it will be safe."

His actions can be described as swift and resolute, decisive and clear, making people seem to believe him involuntarily. This person is indeed a real person, not a liar. The Empress Dowager asked: "The Ai family doesn't understand why Concubine Li is in such a state. The Taoist priest did something just now, but someone in the palace used a technique to suppress Concubine Li?"

Daoist Chongxu turned his head and said: "Back to the Empress Dowager, Li Concubine's problem is not that someone in the palace used the technique of disgusting victory. This matter has nothing to do with other people's actions, but Li Concubine was invaded by evil spirits, which are difficult to control. , almost sucking up Concubine Li’s energy. However, the poor Taoist exorcising concubine Li’s spirit just now, and suppressing it with talisman paper, there will be no problems in the future.”

"Invasion of evil spirits?" Concubine Liu took a step back, and said in a panic, "What do you mean? Could it be that evil spirits still exist in this palace? Taoist, don't talk nonsense."

The queen mother interrupted her: "Don't be unreasonable to the Taoist priest." She looked at the Taoist priest Chongxu, and her words were much gentler than Concubine Liu, "Daoist priest, what is going on?"

"Please rest assured, Empress Dowager, this evil spirit did not grow out of the palace. Your Majesty is the Ninth Five-Year Lord, and he has a real dragon to protect his body, so that the evil poison will not invade. If there is a real evil, it will only slowly dissipate in the palace, and it will not become a big climate." .”

Hearing what he said, Concubine Liu breathed a sigh of relief, then she remembered something and asked, "Where did Concubine Li get this evil spirit? She didn't leave the palace."

"Dare to ask..." Daoist Chongxu asked: "What kind of people outside the palace have Madam Li seen in the past few days?"

There was no evil spirit in the palace, evil spirit came from outside the palace, Concubine Li could not leave the palace, nor did anyone around her leave the palace, the only possibility was that she had seen someone.

Concubine Li stared blankly at Daoist Chongxu, her voice was weak: "I have seen..." She said to Emperor Hong Xiao: "Before the concubine, I met the concubine's younger sister, Shuran."

Ji Shuran was surprised for a moment, and then she quickly knelt down and said: "I did see Concubine Li a few days ago, and I was chatting with Concubine Li at the time, and I went back after staying for half a day. Wife...why not?" Knowing what's going on, the minister's wife has no intention of murdering the empress, please be aware of it, Your Majesty!"

Her flustered appearance did not seem to be fake, Li Pin also straightened her body with difficulty, and said: "The concubine can guarantee my sister, and my sister will never do harm to me."

"Yes, yes, yes," Chen Jishi seemed to have just come back to his senses, and knelt down and said, "Miss Li and Mrs. Jiang are biological sisters, and they have a good relationship since then. How could they harm others? Your Majesty must be careful. !"

Emperor Hong Xiao frowned: "I haven't said anything yet, why are you so busy kneeling?" He asked, "Daoist Chongxu, look, what's the problem?"

Daoist Chongxu stared at Ji Shuran.

His eyes were piercing, like sharp swords, Ji Shuran was a little scared by his look, and couldn't help but backed away. The next moment, Daoist Chongxu sighed, walked into Ji Shuran, and said: "This lady is full of evil spirits. On the surface, she looks healthier than Empress Li, but she is not. The evil spirits have already entered her body. If she stays any longer, I'm afraid her life will be in danger. .”

"What?" As soon as these words came out, Ji Shuran was shocked, and said in confusion: "Master, please speak bluntly."

"I don't know where Madam has attracted such evil spirits. It seems that only by staying with evil things day in and day out can they penetrate so deeply. Is there anything strange happening in Madam's house?"

Ji Shuran shook her head: "It never happened."

"Prince Daoist," Li Concubine propped herself up and said, "You mean, my younger sister is also tainted with evil spirits? Was it brought by my younger sister's house?"

"Nine times out of ten." Daoist Kong Kong touched his long beard and said, "If you think about it carefully, there really isn't anything strange happening in the house? Or is there someone strange?"

Ji Shuran thought about it carefully again, but she didn't know what she thought of, and suddenly she looked weird. This look caught everyone's eyes, and Chen Jishi said: "Shuran, what did you think of?"

Ji Shuran stammered: "No...it's nothing." She seemed to be having trouble speaking, anyone with a discerning eye could see that she didn't seem to want to say much.

Concubine Liu had had enough of watching the fun, and she sent several nieces to the palace, but Hong Xiaodi only loved Concubine Li, so her few nieces were useless. Today I thought Concubine Li was going to die, so I hurried over here, but who knew it was all for nothing, it was of no use. He also thought about it, the queens nowadays are not as favored as Concubine Li, it is just a display, now, Concubine Li survived a catastrophe, I am afraid that she will have to walk sideways in the palace for another period of time.

Concubine Liu said: "I don't know what to hide." She snorted through her nose, greeted the Queen Mother and Emperor Hong Xiao, and went back to her bedroom first. Concubine Liu has always been arrogant and domineering, and her temperament is exactly the same as that of Princess Yongning, so no one dares to talk about her like this.

After Concubine Liu left, Concubine Li also urged Ji Shuran: "Shuran, what are your unspeakable difficulties? Just now you clearly have something to do but refused to say it. Your Majesty is here at the moment, and if there is anything, His Majesty will make decisions for you .”

Ji Shuran thought for a while, then shook her head resolutely, and said: "Thank you for your concern, but there is indeed nothing special happening in the minister's house. As for the evil spirit, I don't know where it came from. It is said that I live under the same roof with evil things. , and even more panic, not knowing what went wrong."

"Madam, if it's inconvenient to say clearly," Daoist Chongxu mused, "You can take the poor Taoist to the mansion, and if the poor man goes to the Madam's mansion once, he will naturally know what's wrong."

"This..." Ji Shuran was taken aback for a moment, and Concubine Li had already taken over the conversation for her. Concubine Li said, "The Taoist priest will go to Jiang's mansion for a while. If he sees the evil spirit, he will naturally help to drive it away. If not, Quan It's a walk, but everyone is happy. Your Majesty..." She looked at Emperor Hong Xiao with a smile: "Can you allow it?"

"Quite." Emperor Hong Xiao said to Daoist Priest Xu: "Prince Daoist, you can go to Jiang's house to see for Mrs. Jiang, what is wrong?"

Daoist Chongxu agreed, and Ji Shuran quickly thanked her.

"The minister's wife will go back to the mansion today to clarify the matter with the master. Tomorrow, everyone in the mansion will be summoned to welcome the Taoist priest in the mansion. It is evil to save mistakes and omissions." Ji Shuran said.

"Okay." Daoist Chongxu nodded.

That's how the dust settled down. After half a stick of incense, Concubine Li's complexion looked much better than before, and she was more energetic. Everyone praised Taoist priest Chongxu as a god-man. Although the queen mother respected the Buddha, she also treated such a master of Taoism as Chongxu with respect. After Taoist Master Chongxu took care of everything for Concubine Li, he followed the Queen Mother's instructions and went to the Palace of Compassion and Peace to pray for blessings and purification.

Ji Shuran and Chen Jishi also left, because they wanted to discuss this matter with Jiang Yuanbai, Ji Shuran was out of her mind when she left, and it was Chen Jishi who supported her before getting into the carriage.

After leaving the palace, Chen Jishi was sitting in the carriage. Seeing that there were no outsiders here, Ji Shuran swept away her confusion just now, took a sip of the tea offered by the maid, and said, "It's done."

"You didn't discuss with me beforehand when you were doing things with eldest sister." Chen Jishi complained, "Fortunately, I guessed it, so I can sing this song with you."

"It happened so suddenly, how could I have time to tell you?" Ji Shuran shook her head, "I was also forced by Jiang Li. I always feel that if I don't get rid of her soon, something big will happen. She is the first day of junior high school. Do fifteen, don't blame me for being cruel."

"There shouldn't be any excuses left this time," Chen Jishi also said, "Eldest Sister has always done things properly."

The two were silent for a while, and Chen Jishi said again: "As I see it today, the emperor still cares about eldest sister."

"That's right," Ji Shuran said: "When I came here, I heard from the servants in the palace that the eldest sister is the most favored in the entire palace. With her scheming methods, it is not difficult to consolidate her position."

"But she has no son." Chen Jishi's words made Ji Shuran fall silent.

Not having a son, at this time, is a fatal flaw for a woman in an ordinary house, not to mention a place like the imperial palace. Without a son, there will be less chips, and for himself, it will be more dangerous.

"Father is already looking for other daughters of the right age from distant relatives of the Ji family." Chen Ji said, "If no one has any more sons, this kind of kindness to my father may not last long, and I have to send a few daughters into the palace."

Ji Shuran frowned: "Eldest sister has paid so much, and these girls of Ji's family are so open and aboveboard to divide up her achievements, will eldest sister be willing?"

"So what if you are not reconciled?" Chen Jishi sighed: "As long as she is the daughter of the Ji family, she has to think about the overall situation. You and I are the same."

Ji Shuran stopped talking.

In the palace, the imperial doctor came to see Concubine Li and prescribed some prescriptions for Concubine Li to take care of her. Hongzhu took people to decoct the medicine, while Emperor Hong Xiao stayed in the side hall, sitting next to Concubine Li.

"Your Majesty took pity on my concubine, and ordered Daoist Chongxu to come and see her, and once again saved my concubine's life, I am very grateful." Concubine Li said.

Because she was haggard, she didn't put on makeup, but she had a sense of cleanliness and plainness. Emperor Hong Xiao comforted her and said: "You are my woman, so of course I can't let you have trouble."

Concubine Li leaned her head on Emperor Hong Xiao's shoulder, and said softly: "I know that the whole country can't covet gods and ghosts. Your Majesty, for the sake of my concubine, will not hesitate to be a talking point... In this life of my concubine, I have Satisfied. Even if I die at this moment, I have nothing to regret."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Emperor Hong Xiao scolded with a smile, his tone full of indulgence, Concubine Li leaned against him, could hear his gentle words, but couldn't see his cold eyes.

There is no trace of warmth.

...

When Ji Shuran returned to Jiang's mansion, she did not come back alone. And when Chen Jishi sent her off, when Tonger told Jiang Li about this, Jiang Li was reading at the table, but she didn't actually read it, all she could think about was those shocking secrets that Ji Heng said yesterday , and the conversation with Aunt Hu during the day.

"I heard that Ji Shi couldn't walk steadily when she came back, and it was Chen Ji Shi who helped her down." Bai Xue said, "Why did she become so weak? Could it be that she was beaten in the palace?"

"How is it possible, Li Pin is her eldest sister, if she is beaten in the palace, it can only mean one thing." Tong'er said.

"What's the matter?" Snow White asked curiously.

Tong'er answered quickly: "Concubine Li has fallen out of favor!"

With a sound of "噗嗤", Tong'er couldn't help laughing, Jiang Li also found it funny, and scolded: "Where did you learn these unscrupulous words, dare to say anything."

Tong'er rolled her eyes proudly, and said again: "But having said that, what did the Ji family go to the palace for? How did she get into this state? Could it be that she wants to play tricks and make the master feel distressed?"

Jiang Li's eyes were deep: "What else can happen, just pretend."

Ji Shuran's movements were faster than she imagined, so fast that even Jiang Li couldn't understand. I don't know if it's Ji Shuran who is really too afraid of herself, so she can't wait to get rid of herself, or the concubine Li, who helped in the palace, has such a vigorous temperament, and doesn't even give people a chance to breathe, pressing her every step of the way. , to put people to death.

Only this time, it is not known who died.

"Chongxu Daoist is coming to the house?" On the other end, Jiang Yuanbai was taken aback after hearing what had happened, and then frowned: "Nonsense, what evil! How can there be evil in our house!"

Jiang Yuanbai is not a person who deeply believes in ghosts and gods, so he subconsciously rejects what Ji Shuran said. Seeing this, Chen Jishi said: "Master Jiang, the emperor personally said that Taoist Master Xu came to the residence to drive out evil spirits. If you are dissatisfied with the emperor's decision, you might as well go to the palace in person and explain it to the emperor. You lose your temper with Shuran, it's not authentic."

Ji Shuran just twisted the handkerchief uneasily.

Jiang Yuanbai was very dissatisfied. Among Ji Shuran's older sisters, he actually didn't like this Chen Jishi very much. Chen Jishi was too strong a person, and he often didn't know how to bow his head to show favor. When Ji Shuran first married, Chen Jishi used her identity as Ji Shuran's sister to dictate the affairs of the Jiang family's house. Now that Ji Yanlin's official career is more prosperous, Chen Ji's seems to have a stronger backing, and the more confident he becomes.

"Brother is just confused." Jiang Yuanping came out with a smile to smooth things over, and he said: "So, it is the emperor's order for Daoist Chongxu to come to the house to drive away evil spirits."

"Exactly," Chen Jishi said in a bad tone, "it's not just for the Jiang family, the concubine Li in the palace was almost killed by the evil spirits in your house. That's the empress in the palace! If the concubine Li There's something wrong with it, Mr. Jiang, you can't take off the dry cleaning. So, this matter can be regarded as seeking justice for Empress Li. "

Jiang Yuanbai was full of anger when he heard it, she was just a woman, and she spoke as if she was some kind of extraordinary person. What's more, he didn't give birth to a dragon son, so he didn't know how many years he would be pampered, and he might be thrown into limbo in a few days. But on his face, he still had a smile on his face, and said: "Since it is the emperor's imperial decree, the minister accepts the decree."

It was full of sarcasm. Not for the sake of Concubine Li, but because this is an imperial decree, he has to do it!