I studied in modern times

Chapter 858 Mother and son have a heart-to-heart relationship
"Madam Renshou, you haven't returned to Beijing for two years, right?" Zhao Xu asked softly as he looked at the memorial handed to him by Empress Dowager Xiang.

"Yes!" Empress Dowager Xiang nodded and said, "Madam is the wise wife of Duke Wen Zhong and a model of noble ladies in the Song Dynasty!"

"Back then, when Wen Zhonggong was alive, she strictly followed the rites and stayed at home to take care of her husband and children. Even though she was often summoned to the palace to talk with Ci Sheng Guangxian, she never discussed political affairs..."

Zhao Xu listened and just smiled.

Never talk about politics?

How can it be!

During the Zhiping period, the Xue family was deeply involved in the Puyi Dispute.

She was among those who later persuaded Cisheng Guangxian to reconcile with Yingmiao!
As for the Xining Reforms?

Based on what Zhao Xu knows in modern times, she probably also attacked Wang Anshi before Cixi Guangxian.

At least, Ci Sheng Guangxian often asked me about things outside the palace.

Why did Zhao Xu know?
Because he had seen the unearthed epitaph of the Xue family written by Su Che in modern times.

Among them, there is a sentence that goes like this: Since then, every time I enter the palace, I am always consulted, and I can help in secret when something happens... An eunuch took the opportunity to talk about current affairs, intending to pass it on to Wen Zhong. The lady refused with a stern face, saying: "This is a court matter, why should a woman interfere! Besides, you never talk to your wife about state affairs."

Hey!

As we all know, epitaphs are beautified and embellished texts.

Even the beautified text records these things.

What about the reality?

Anyway, during her lifetime, Empress Cixi Guangxian left the palace a few times, and at least one of them was dedicated to Mrs. Xue.

According to the epitaph, Empress Dowager Cixi once visited Jixi and passed by her old residence, and sent someone to visit her wife...

The relationship has become so close!
This shows the influence of the Xue family in front of Cisheng Guangxian!
The Xue family has close ties with the Xiang family, the Cao family, and the Gao family.

As far as Zhao Xu knew, at least one member of the Xue family had married a woman from the Xiang family, and this happened before Empress Dowager Xiang married Zhao Xu's father.

Zhao Xu had met this person in his previous life!

Although the impression has become very vague, I have even forgotten who this lady belongs to.
But, with this relationship, the Xiang family and the Xue family are relatives!
Therefore, in front of Empress Dowager Xiang, Zhao Xu praised her with flattering words: "Madam, I have also heard of your virtuous reputation..."

"I heard that Madam inherited the virtues of the former Grand Lady of Jincheng County, and was personally taught by the former Grand Lady of Hanguo County... She can be said to have been strictly educated and a role model of womanly virtues!"

The Lady Dowager of Jincheng County was Xue Kui's wife, and the Lady Dowager of Hanguo County was Ouyang Xiu's mother, Zheng.

These are two strong women!

Although the former is not well-known, he was able to raise four daughters who are good at managing the household!

As for the latter?
How could she be an ordinary person who could, after the death of her husband, raise the four-year-old Ouyang Xiu into a talented person while enduring the discriminatory taxes and oppression against female households in the Song Dynasty?
You must know that this is something that even Fan Zhongyan’s mother, Zhu, could not do!
The Korean lady achieved this with her own will, and even left the story of "teaching children by drawing on a bamboo stick" in history books, thus she was listed as one of the four great virtuous mothers.

Lady Xue of Renshou County was taught by her mother in the boudoir, and after getting married, she learned how to manage the household and manage finances under the hands-on instruction of Lady Korea.

For decades, we have only heard of his virtues and not his faults.

Almost everyone who has seen her has praised her.

Just based on this ability, how many people today can match it?

Empress Dowager Xiang listened to Zhao Xu's praise and nodded with a smile: "Sixth brother, what you said is very true..."

"Back then, before I entered the palace, I was blessed by the Holy Saint and received personal instruction from Madam!"

Zhao Xu licked his lips.

This is the detail that Zhao Xu didn't know.

It is no wonder that Ouyang Xiu’s four sons in his previous life were all taken care of and promoted in the Yuanyou era.

Especially the eldest son Ouyang Fa, who was directly granted the title of Jinshi. Now it seems that he should have exerted his influence on the Queen Mother.

Thinking of this, Zhao Xu asked, "Why didn't you tell me earlier, mother?"

"If I had known this earlier, I would have definitely repaid Madam on behalf of my mother..."

Ouyang Xiu was Emperor Wenzong of the Song Dynasty.

Unfortunately, he died too early, which made Zhao Xu always feel regretful - why didn't he live to see me ascend the throne?
If Ouyang Xiu could hold on until he ascended the throne, Zhao Xu would definitely fleece him of all the wool!

but it does not matter!

Doesn’t Empress Dowager Xiang have a past relationship with Xue?

Then, as the most filial son throughout history, is it reasonable for me to promote Ouyang Xiu's sons to repay my mother for her teachings in the past?

Then, using this excuse, it would be reasonable to ask Ouyang Xiu's sons to send their father's manuscripts and collected works to the palace, right?
Then, is it still reasonable to help Ouyang Xiu publish a large number of collected works in the name of admiring the famous officials of the previous dynasty?
Having come to this point, isn't it Zhao Xu who has the final say on how to interpret Ouyang Xiu's thoughts?
When Zhao Xu thought of this, he made up his mind: "No one in the world should understand Lord Ouyang Wenzhong better than me!"

Even Su Shi, who was universally recognized as the successor of Ouyang Xiu both during his lifetime and after his death, could not compare with him!

Empress Dowager Xiang had no idea of ​​what Zhao Xu was thinking as she listened to her beloved son's intimate and loving words.

Her heart was immediately filled with honey, so she gently reached out her hand, touched Zhao Xu's head, and said, "It is truly a blessing from the Bodhisattva that my mother was able to raise my sixth brother!"

Zhao Xu leaned gently against Empress Dowager Xiang and whispered, "It is the result of the Bodhisattva's blessing that I can be blessed and supported by your mother..."

When Empress Dowager Xiang listened, her eyes suddenly turned red and she hugged the child tightly: "Sixth brother!" Tears welled up from the corners of her eyes.

At this moment, she was extremely grateful to her husband.

This child has been taught so well!

So good that she couldn't get used to it!

However, considering that the late emperor lacked maternal love in his past, he only found comfort in Empress Cixi after entering the palace.

Therefore, Empress Dowager Xiang never doubted Zhao Xu's sincerity.

Because this child was indeed someone the late emperor could teach.

Zhao Xu also noticed Empress Dowager Xiang's mood, so he reached out and hugged his adoptive mother, whispering softly: "I have been brought up by my father since I was young and taught by him personally..."

"Father always tells me that I am the most virtuous, gentle, and kind mother in the world... I will definitely be able to teach and protect me in the future..."

"At that time... I often wondered... when I could see my mother and enjoy her presence..."

"It's a pity... Mother has been living in the Pepper Room and rarely comes out... Even if I wanted to go and pay my respects, I don't have the chance..."

Empress Dowager Xiang was stunned when she heard Zhao Xu's mumbling.

She remembered the first time she saw the child in Qingning Palace.

I also remembered this child, who had always been sensible and well-behaved in front of her...

She originally thought that the child was begging for her protection because he was afraid and lonely.

So this is ah!

"Emperor... why didn't you tell me earlier..."

"In this case, how can I stay in the Pepper Room all the time?"

But now, it's still not too late.

Holding the child in her arms, Empress Dowager Xiang's expression became more determined.

(End of this chapter)