The Moon Over Tang Dynasty

Chapter 46 An unexpected encounter and a preliminary covenant (6,000 words, including ten pink votes plus updates)

Liuli picked up the Langhao pen, dipped it in the mixed silver light powder, and immersed herself in drawing the thousands of star-shaped dots. She drew seven or eight points in one breath at the designated positions, and waited until the silver powder on the pen was ready. After she finished using it, she glanced away and made sure that there was no one else in the room. Then she raised her head and breathed a sigh of relief, and gently rolled her neck.

Drawing eight pieces of a moonlight skirt for two days in a row. The intensity and boring level of this kind of labor, even a hard-working model worker like Liuli can't help but worry - let alone in such a ghost place!

What she is currently using to mix colors is a secret-color porcelain lotus leaf dish that is as clear as jade, and what she is using to write down is a large rosewood table with mother-of-pearl moiré patterns. Next to the table is a nine-dragon plate pillar with a hollow precious phase pattern and gilding. The incense burner was exuding a distant fragrance. In front of the desk stood a screen with six paintings of ancient sages painted by Yan Liben, not to mention the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the wall outside the screen, which seemed to be those of Wang Xizhi, Gu Kaizhi and others. His handwriting! Unfortunately, this was the imperial study room in the east hall of Ganlu Hall. Even if she was given the courage, she would not dare to wander around and carefully appreciate these ancient treasures that she had never seen before in her dreams.

Aling behind her said softly, "Madam, would you like me to rub your shoulders?"

Liuli turned around and smiled bitterly, "What kind of place is this? I'm afraid that people will see me and say I'm too frivolous."

Aling smiled and said, "Auntie is too cautious. Although this is the imperial study room, it is just a back compartment used to store some documents and classics. Apart from Ah Sheng and the others, where would anyone come in? Auntie would spend half a day with her head down like this. , I feel so tired just looking at you." After saying that, he took a step forward and gently rubbed her shoulders a few times.

Her techniques were skillful and her strength was appropriate, and she seemed a bit like a professional masseur. Liuli couldn't help but hissed and sighed, "Where did you learn these skills?"

Aling smiled and said, "I just got to know the female doctor who often comes to Xianchi Hall."

Liuli nodded and said nothing. At this time, there were female doctors in the palace, who were selected from the official maids of the Yeting Palace, and were taught medical skills by doctors from the Imperial Medical Office, mainly learning the skills of abortion, acupuncture, and massage. Because Wu Zetian was pregnant, female doctors came to visit her every day. Wu Zetian was very kind to these female doctors, and it would not be unusual if Aling learned some massage from them.

Aling pressed a few more times, and heard movement outside, and Gaozong's voice vaguely inside. Aling took a few steps back without leaving a trace, Liuli stood up straight, dipped some silver powder in it again, and started again Start painting.

Although Liuli had been in the imperial study for two days, she only met Gaozong once before noon yesterday. At that time, Gaozong came in and took a look, Liuli just bowed politely, and then continued painting according to his instructions. Gaozong probably also felt that this kind of painting method was not interesting, so he stood there for a moment and then left. Liuli was immediately relieved. Seeing that the second skirt was almost finished, even if the task was completed safely, she had better not look at Long Yan again.

Hearing the sound of footsteps outside, about five or six people walked in. First, Gaozong's voice said with a smile, "The day before yesterday, when I was going through the documents, I got a few more double-checked "Quick Snow and Clear Posts", just in time for a few of my beloved ladies to play with. ”

After a flurry of thanks and praise, a not too young voice said, "Your Majesty, I have just received news that Duke Ding of Peiping's illness will probably not be cured easily. I'm afraid that the candidate for Shangshu Sheng Youpushe will not be cured." Need to think about it and make some preparations.”

Emperor Gaozong sighed, "It's really disappointing that Duke Zhang has worked so hard for the country. His right servant has a high position and heavy responsibilities, so we really need to discuss it carefully. I wonder if my uncle has anyone in mind?"

Liuli's heart moved. Could it be that the person who just started speaking was Chang Sun Wuji, the most powerful minister at this time? As she painted, her ears pricked up. Just listen to the voice at the front saying, "I believe that Prime Minister Chu has been in charge of the Ministry of Civil Affairs for many years and is familiar with the affairs of the Shangshutai. He is the most suitable for this position. He is the same as the third rank of Zhongshu, and he is also justified."

Immediately there was another voice saying, "The Taiwei is so kind to me, how can I be worthy of such an important task?"

Gaozong smiled and said, "Xiangchu Chu is too self-effacing! This matter is a matter of course." He paused and said, "It's just that the Ministry of Personnel is also an important place. Isn't it too hard for Chu Xiangruo to be in charge of the Ministry of Personnel? I was in charge of it a few days ago. I learned that Wei Weiqing Xu Jingzong's "Wen Guan Ci Lin" has been completed, and he can be transferred to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. "

Changsun Wuji immediately said, "What your Majesty said is wrong. Although Xu Jingzong has literary talent, he is greedy and despicable. He actually married his daughter to a barbarian for money and was in charge of the civil service. He must be upright. How can Xu Jingzong hold this position?" The prime minister has been in charge of the civil service for a long time, so it is better to hold the post concurrently for the time being, and then slowly select the right person in the future."

Gaozong was silent for a moment, and his voice became a little deeper, "Just follow my uncle."

Afterwards, several people discussed the writing power of Wang Xizhi's "Quick Snow Shiqing Tie" and the quality of the double hooks in each copy. After a while, Changsun Wuji and others left, but Gaozong suddenly said, "Keep the promise, you Stay for a while.”

Liuli couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat, and couldn't help but hold her breath. She heard Gaozong take a long breath, with a hint of exhaustion in his voice, "The "Thank you for your birth" that I wanted you to write for me last time was written only the day before yesterday. I found that although the double hook is the most similar in appearance, it is not as smooth as the pronunciation. It is better to write in cursive. If you have nothing to do, you can do it on the table over there later. I will ask Asheng Hou to take care of you. "

Pei Xingjian’s voice was still as gentle as ever, “I obey.”

There was suddenly a trace of ridicule in Gaozong's voice, "In other words, you can keep your promise and write whenever and wherever you want, and you won't mind if I am not good at writing."

Pei Xingjian replied calmly, "I dare not compare with Prime Minister Chu."

Gaozong laughed and said, "A Sheng, you go and boil the pot of chrysanthemum wine, and then come back and polish the ink. When Pei She is ready, you can send it to Xianchi Hall. Keep your promise, drink two glasses before writing, Your handwriting is all good, but it's just a little bit less elegant. This cursive writing is made worse by the drunkenness. I'm leaving first!"

 “Best regards to Your Majesty.”

Liuli listened to Gaozong's footsteps walking away. The **** named Asheng also apologized and went to warm the wine outside the door. The front became quiet, but her mood seemed unable to calm down. But, can she go out and say hello now, "Long time no see! Have you received my letter? Is there no problem with that?" Thinking of this, she couldn't help but laugh at herself, lowered her head and continued to draw her stars, feeling good Slowly calm down.

After about a cup of tea, Liuli felt something moving behind her. When she turned around, she saw Aling with an impatient face. Seeing Liuli turn around, she said in an embarrassed low voice, "Auntie, how long will you be here? That’s good?”

Liuli's heart moved, she glanced at the skirt that had been basically drawn, and lowered her voice and said, "At most half an hour."

 Aling's face was even more troubled, "I have some internal servants who are anxious. But there are still people outside, what should I do?"

Liuli couldn't help but laugh and said, "That's a foreign official. You are a palace maid. Will he stop you when you go out? We are not doing shameful things here. What are you afraid of?"

A Ling thought about it and laughed, "Ma'am, wait a moment, I'll be back soon."

Liuli said, "Go." His voice was slightly louder.

A Ling hurried out, Liuli waited for her footsteps to go away, put down the brush, gritted her teeth, walked to the door in a few steps, opened the curtain, and saw Pei Xingjian standing behind the table not far away, wearing double ten Hua Ling's dark green round-neck robe and silver belt made her face look more and more like a crown jewel. She looked over with a pair of clear eyes and slowly revealed a smile, "It is indeed you."

Liuli looked at this familiar face, and for some reason she felt sour in her heart. She blurted out, "Liuli is just following Wu Zhaoyi's order to paint for the queen here."

Pei Xingjian was startled, and then he laughed, his eyes filled with bright light, "That's it."

As soon as Liuli said this, she wanted to give it to herself: There is simply no three hundred taels of silver here! Seeing his smile, she felt even more embarrassed and hurriedly said, "Is Mr. Pei okay?" He was immediately shocked to realize that this was even more stupid.

Pei Xingjian’s smile indeed deepened, “Did Madam come out to chat with Pei?”

Liuli had a fever on her face. She naturally had something to ask, but how could she say it easily?

Before she could muster up the courage, Pei Xingjian slowly suppressed his smile and said softly, "I have received the letter from the aunt. Pei once said that if the aunt is driven, she will obey her orders. But, what you said But Pei has some objections."

Liuli was shocked and couldn't help but said, "Jun Pei, Liuli knows that he has a humble status and has no delusions. He just hopes that when things calm down and Jun Pei has another day to go out, he can use Jun Pei's name to leave Chang'an. After escaping, , I will never bother you more. If you want to take a concubine and let it go, it will not damage Mr. Pei’s reputation..."

But Pei Xingjian waved his hand, with a bitter smile on his face, "Auntie, I misunderstood. What good reputation does Pei have that can be damaged? Pei just thinks that Auntie is kind to me, and it is my duty to help you escape. It's just that taking a concubine and letting her go is a way of repaying your kindness. It might be more beneficial to you in the future."

Liuli looked at him and could hardly believe her ears. According to her plan, taking a concubine was just a business. She remembered that Pei Xingjian would go to the Western Regions in more than a year, and would go there for more than ten years. At that time, the defeat of Mrs. Wei and the Queen was already decided, and she happened to take advantage of it. This deal, this reason, leave this muddy water, start over in the Western Region, do some business, lay down a foundation, and live a free life. In this case, they don't owe each other anything. But what a big deal it is to marry a wife and let her go! Is he really not kidding?

Pei Xingjian looked at her quietly, with absolutely no trace of joking on his face. Liuli couldn't help but stammered, "This matter is not serious, not very appropriate." Pei Xingjian smiled faintly, "I am a concubine. It’s not good for your reputation, but if I’m afraid that Pei will kill his wife, I’m afraid I’ll use this to escape…”

Looking at his self-deprecating smile, Liuli felt a sting in her heart and blurted out, "Of course I don't believe that nonsense! It's just..."

Pei Xingjian lowered his eyes and smiled, "That's good. Madam, don't worry too much. Pei will keep this promise. You must be careful in the palace." After saying that, he looked at her deeply, said nothing more, and turned around. Then walked out the door.

Liuli stood there blankly, thinking that she was probably dreaming. After a while, she put down the curtain, walked back to the desk, and mechanically dipped some silver powder into it, but she didn't know where to draw it.

She didn't know how long it had been before she heard Asheng's voice outside, "Pei Sheren, why are you out?"

"The autumn light is pleasant, so I came out for a walk." Pei Xingjian's voice seemed to have a warm smile. Liuli couldn't help but look out the window and saw that the sky was gloomy. How could it look "pleasant" at all?

 Is she crazy, or is Pei Xingjian crazy?

Half an hour later, when Liuli left the study, Pei Xingjian was still writing the post, and Ah Sheng was studying ink on the side. Liuli could only bow to him silently, and when she looked up and saw his smiling eyes, her face burned again.

 It wasn’t until she left the Manlu Hall that the cool autumn wind blew in her face and the temperature on her face slowly dropped. She must have made a mistake. The smile in his eyes, the concern in his voice, and the promise of "taking a wife" were just because he was a gentle and gentle gentleman to repay her favor. He is Pei Xingjian, how could he fall in love with a woman like herself who has no merit other than painting, or a Hu girl!

"Auntie, do you know who that person is outside today?" Arling's excited voice came from beside him, "He is so handsome and kind-hearted. When the slave saluted him, he actually nodded and smiled at me. The slave also smiled. I’ve never seen anyone smile so beautifully.”

Liuli was stunned for a moment before replying, "That's from Pei She." But she couldn't help but shake her head and smile in her heart. He was always a person who made people feel like a spring breeze. Didn't he also smile like that towards Aring?

Aling asked curiously, "Do you know him?"

Liuli nodded, "When I was a painter outside the palace, I once helped Pei Sheren paint a screen." This matter could not be hidden from anyone, and sooner or later she would tell Wu Zetian that "he" was Pei Xingjian. . However, it can still be postponed for a while... There are some things that she really doesn't know how to choose.

Aling became even more interested, "Why didn't I see my aunt and say a few words to him?"

Liuli was startled, her mind wandered a few times, and she still smiled and said, "It's difficult to talk because of our different status."

Ah Ling was deep in thought and was speechless for a while, then suddenly smiled and said, "Why is it that the painting of the skirt is getting slower and slower? It actually took me longer today than yesterday."

Liuli became a little wary, "Zhaoyi prepared eight pieces of skirts for the Queen and Concubine Shu, two more than Zhaoyi's own. I have been painting for two days and my wrist is almost broken today. Alas, If I continue painting, I’m afraid I won’t be able to finish it in one day.”

Aring looked at the skirt in her hand and sighed, "It's true, just like a slave holding this skirt, it doesn't feel heavy when walking for a short distance, but after walking for a long time, it really feels as heavy as a thousand stone. "

Both of them felt that their lives were miserable and sighed, but they got closer. Ganlu Hall is not far from Xianchi Hall, but it still takes two-quarters of an hour to walk. When you see Xianchi Hall in front of you, Ah Sheng's voice comes from behind, "Painter Kudi is walking so fast!"

Liuli and Aling stopped in a hurry and saw Ah Sheng catching up quickly with a smile on his face. He said, "Pei Sheren will be ready as soon as you leave. I thought I could catch up with you just in time." I came by on the way, but I didn’t expect to see these two until I got here.”

Liuli's heart was moved and she didn't dare to think too much. She quickly collected her thoughts and smiled at Ah Sheng, "If I had known this, we would have been waiting outside for the King's Attendant." This was the person she had seen the most in the study in the past two days. There was a young **** named Wang Fusheng, whom Emperor Gaozong seemed to send whenever he wanted to find a document. He was clearly a literate man, rare for being smart, and speaking kindly.

Ah Sheng smiled and waved his hand, "I don't dare, I don't dare." He said to Liuli again, "I have worked hard as a painter these past two days." He actually valued Liuli a little in his heart. Wu Zhaoyi had originally asked him to take care of him in private. He thought Liuli was worried, but it was only when the Holy Master entered the compartment yesterday and saw Liuli's behavior that he suddenly realized that he had made a mistake. This painter really didn't have that kind of intention. Among all the pretty women in this palace who met His Majesty in private, they were either charming or pretending to be shy, silent and by the rules like the painter Kudi, for fear of attracting His Majesty's attention. He was the first to do so. Seen for the first time.

 The three of them joked and joked along the way and entered the Xianchi Hall together. Emperor Gaozong was in Wu Zetian's room. Hearing Ah Sheng's report, he couldn't help turning his head and smiling at Wu Zetian, "I came from the study just now, but I completely forgot about your painter!"

Wu Zetian also smiled and said, "Both skirts are now ready. Your Majesty, would you like to take a look at them?"

Emperor Gaozong nodded obligingly, and Wu Zetian ordered someone to bring in both skirts. It was almost dusk, when the palace maid unfolded the two eight-piece moonlight skirts, and there were dots of silver light, which gave off a kind of radiance. Seeing the vividness of the colors, Gaozong nodded and sighed, "I took a look at how the painter put down his strokes yesterday, and there was nothing strange about it. I thought she was hiding something. I didn't expect it to be so gorgeous when it came out. Why does it seem to be more beautiful than yours?" good?"

Wu Zetian smiled and said, "These two skirts are eight pieces, so they are naturally more elegant." He turned around and said to Yiyi, "Give Liuli the pair of gold bracelets that His Majesty rewarded him a few days ago in a box at the head of my Five Blessings Box. She put it on, her skillful hands were worthy of it."

Yiyi was shocked. The pair of bracelets were of exquisite craftsmanship and rare items in the palace. With such a history, Zhaoyi gave them to Liuli. Could it be that... Gaozong laughed and said, "What's the matter in the palace?" No one takes the things I gave you more seriously than you, and you just changed hands and gave them to others."

Wu Zetian gave him an angry look, "Is your Majesty still reluctant to part with you?"

Emperor Gaozong laughed heartily. Although he didn't like luxury, he liked to give generous rewards to his ministers and concubines. Meiniang was the only one in the palace who had the same temperament as himself. It was too late for him to like her, so why would he be reluctant to part with her?

Yiyi couldn't help but look down at the pair of filigree curly grape bracelets on her wrists, and felt a little sad. These were also gifts given to her by Zhaoyi. Ever since she put on these bracelets, she felt a faint feeling in her heart. There is hope. Although Zhaoyi is generous to others, she has never rewarded other palace maids with such precious things. Unexpectedly... She wanted to say something, but she didn't dare to speak. She could only retreat with a smile, and went to the compartment to unpack the box. He picked up the pair of bracelets and walked out.

Liuli handed over the errand and didn't dare to leave for a while. She was waiting outside when she suddenly saw Yiyi walking towards her holding a delicate box and said with a smile, "Zhaoyi rewarded you."

Liuli hurriedly took it with both hands and opened it. Inside was a pair of gold bracelets with hollowed-out birds holding branches. The most rare thing was that there was a row of thin tassels at the interface. The ends were extremely delicate. She couldn't help but be shocked and said hurriedly, "This is too expensive. How can Liuli afford it?"

 Yiyi smiled faintly, "Zhaoyi asked you to put it on immediately. If you don't want to, you have to go back to Zhaoyi yourself."

Liuli was stunned for a moment, feeling that Yiyi's smile was a little weird, so she could only smile, took off the pair of silver bracelets she had on her hands, put them into her arms, and then took the pair of bracelets and put them on her wrists.

Yiyi took a glance and saw that Liuli's already fair and delicate wrists were highlighted by this pair of bracelets. They looked really bright like frost and snow. She felt moved in her heart and said with a smile, "Zhaoyi is really good at dressing up, Liuli wants to go in to thank you?"

Liuli said hurriedly, "Logically Liuli should go and thank him right away, but now that the Holy Master is with Zhaoyi, it would be better to go later when Zhaoyi is free. If Zhaoyi has no further instructions, Liuli will leave first."

Yiyi snorted in her heart and could only nod, "That's fine." Seeing Liuli and Aling slowly leaving the west hall, she turned back to Wu Zhaoyi's room and said with a smile, "Painter Kudi just said it's too expensive. The servant persuaded him for a long time before accepting it, saying that he would thank Zhaoyi for the reward when he had time. "But Zhaoyi and the emperor were looking at a copybook together. Zhaoyi just nodded, and the emperor seemed to be indifferent and pointed. The copybook sighed, "I'm afraid Pei Shouyue has put in a lot of effort at home, otherwise he would never be able to show such character in just a short time." Yiyi felt a little discouraged, but she saw that Yuliu, who was usually silent, was He turned his head and looked at her.

Yiyi smiled at Yuliu, with some disdain in her heart. Yuliu was originally the food minister who had been with Zhaoyi when she entered the palace more than two years ago. The miscellaneous maids in the government palace were cleaning the West Palace where Zhaoyi lived at the time. If she hadn't been quick to seize the opportunity, how could she have gotten to where she is today step by step? In this palace, the most difficult place is to advance or retreat. Who doesn't climb up by stepping on others? If you don't pay attention, you will only end up being a stepping stone!

She was lost in thought when she saw Zhaoyi raised her head and said, "Your Majesty, why don't you send these two skirts to the Queen and Concubine Shu now? These skirts are not suitable for wearing when the weather gets cold."

Gaozong naturally nodded in agreement, and Wu Zhaoyi looked at Yiyi, "Take two people and go give this dress to the queen. Just say it is my way of honoring Your Highness. This dress is precious, and you must deliver it to her with your own hands." Go to the Zhengdian."

Yiyi was startled, and her heart suddenly trembled. Is Zhaoyi confused? Who in the Li Zheng Palace didn't know that she was... She had a troubled look on her face, but Wu Zhaoyi turned around and looked at the copybook again, without noticing herself. Yiyi gritted her teeth, bent down and said "yes", thinking to herself, now she is also the maid in charge of the Xianchi Palace. The Queen wants face the most, and the most she can think of is to embarrass herself a little.

She had just walked to the door when she heard Zhaoyi say again, "Yu Liu, go and call Liuli and give her a hard time. Send this piece to Shujing Palace and apologize to Concubine Shu. I want to come to your highness, Concubine Shu." Seeing this dress, I won’t blame her for the confrontation that day.” The Holy Master then smiled and said, “You are so careful.”

Yiyi's heart immediately felt as if she had drank a glass of iced buttermilk on a hot day - the Holy Emperor in this palace believed that Concubine Shu would "no longer blame" Nakudi Liuli. Not to mention that she had offended Concubine Shu on the day she entered the palace. At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, Concubine Shu was so angry that she almost lost her etiquette. Now that she is holding this dress, she knows what will happen! Wei Dao Ku Di Liuli went to the Imperial Study Room for two days, but Zhaoyi didn't say anything, but it turned out that he was waiting for her here!

Yiyi couldn't help but have a smile on her face, and even the moonlight skirt, which was originally as heavy as a rock in her hands, suddenly became lighter.

p.s. Everyone’s pink votes are so awesome. When I came back from Tianjin, I found that the one chapter I owed has become two chapters... Many thanks to my dear Qingyu Landie, Book Friends 080517124459907, Marshmallow Shu, Xiao Xiaoaijie, Zhi The precious pink ticket rewarded by Huan and Qingyao. Thank you to dear xunxun200710 for the little yellow chicken (the starting point is too evil), and dear sisiaisd and Le Youyang for the peace charm (Le Youyang, you are so kind). I originally wanted to read the final chapter of Ha Qi today, but now I’d better hurry up and start coding... If I owe money, I will pay it back as soon as possible. Thank you all.

I went to Tianjin over the weekend and took a look at the newly built Tianjin West Railway Station (the dome is really beautiful) and had a seafood meal. I deeply realized that the people of Tianjin are really passionate about food. This is definitely seen in better restaurants in Beijing. It's a spectacular scene where every table is filled with families, old and young, eating together.

 (End of this chapter)