Red makeup against the world

Chapter 181

Tables have been arranged along the surroundings in the Changxuan, according to the ancient etiquette, one seat per person.A rectangular red Persian carpet was laid in the center of the room, on which a group of female musicians played the cheerful melody "Dragon Boat Ride" from Qingshang Daqu.Only three days have passed since the Dragon Boat Festival, and it is quite appropriate to play at this time.

After the case, several people were already seated. Princess Zhaoyang sat on the main seat, dressed in colorful clothes as bright as clouds, and her smile was even more dazzling than clouds.On both sides of her, Xu Wanzhen guessed based on Madam Zheng's story that they should be Mrs. Li and Princess Fu of Dingguo's mansion.

Xu Wanzhen didn't know the rest of them, they were probably either the Duke's wife or the princess, all of them were noble and dignified.Although there are many people, it is not as noisy as before in the Accord, and the occasional conversations are all soft-spoken.

The people who came from Ya Ge sat quietly one by one under the guidance of the maid.

Xu Wanzhen lowered her eyes, but she saw a familiar face out of the corner of her eyes.Taking a closer look, it turned out that it was really Wang Miaoyan who had met several times in Suzhou.

Sitting with Princess Chu, Wang Miaoyan also saw her with mixed emotions in her heart.Since the purchase of the Xu family's property last year, although the Wang family and the Xu family settled their suspicions, the Wang family has been in a slump since then, and even the money supplied to the eldest daughter Wang Danruo and the side concubine of Chu Wang has been reduced by more than half. Walking on eggshells.

Under the pressure of Princess Chu, Wang Zhihua had no choice but to send Wang Miaoyan to Beijing. If he could be accepted as a concubine by King Chu, he could also be Wang Danruo's help.But how shrewd Princess Chu is, she saw through the Wang family's plan at a glance, and made Wang Danruo succumb with her words of coercion and lure, which instead made Wang Miaoyan her pawn to win over others.

This time Princess Chu brought her to the "Peony Fair", she seemed to have favor with her, but in fact it was just for sale.

Wang Miaoyan felt distressed in her heart, and she didn't dare to make any mistakes when she followed Princess Chu.Unexpectedly, she saw Xu Wanzhen again here.Seeing that she is elegant and refined, and she walks with her own elegance, she is more calm and calm than when she was in Suzhou.

Why am I in hell, but you are that bystander?Wang Miaoyan maintained a respectful expression, but her hands hidden in her robes were tightly clasped together, and she didn't even feel pain when her nails pierced her palms.Only in this way can she conceal the monstrous hatred welling up in her heart.

After everyone was seated, Princess Zhaoyang clapped her hands lightly, the female music stopped playing, and Shili withdrew.She smiled brightly, and said: "Zhaoyang was ordered by the queen to hold this 'Peony Flower Fair', just to present the best flowers, the best poems, and the best paintings to the emperor. I want you to appreciate your face here, and return Please do your best, and don't hide your secrets."

As soon as this remark came out, all the noble ladies looked excited, gearing up for a small test of their skills.

"This time I won't let you work in vain, the queen rewarded you with a lottery." Yuegui brought out a red sandalwood plate with a flawless white jade Ruyi on it. Princess Zhaoyang smiled and said, "This is the first prize for painting. .”

Yuegui supported the white jade Ruyi, and presented it to everyone to watch, and suppressed exclamations came and went.

After the laurel retreated, Mujin took out a waist knife with a tortoiseshell sheath inlaid with pearls, and showed it to everyone.I only heard Princess Zhaoyang say: "This is the waist knife of Dashi Kingdom's tribute, and the empress rewarded it with the first name of poetry."

Since the founding of the Gaomang Dynasty, the culture flourished and the martial arts prospered, and small neighboring countries came to the dynasty one after another, and the Great Food Kingdom was just one of them.Dashi is quite unique in smelting steel, and the scimitar he made cuts iron like mud, which can be seen as a lesson.This waist knife is also a family heirloom.

Xu Wanzhen secretly lamented Empress Cao's magnanimity and mind. The white jade is nothing more than wishful thinking, although it is precious, there is still a place to find it.This waist knife is a genuine treasure, and according to Madam Zheng, it is also a precious item in the Great Food Country.

Although there are women and children here, martial arts was very popular in the Gaomang Dynasty, and the royal family held two big hunts every year. Hunting is the most common recreational activity for the children of nobles.Follow the example, there are quite a few folks who are skilled in martial arts, and the noble ladies present here certainly understand the value of this waist knife.

Mrs. Dingguo's wife, Mrs. Li, has silver hair and is well maintained. From her straight nose bridge and bright eyes, one can still see her youthful demeanor.You are the mother of Empress Cao, but there is no trace of arrogance on her face. She said with a gentle expression: "This is the first time that the 'Peony Flower Fair' is held outside the palace, and it is indeed very lively. You don't need to be cautious, just let go of your hands and feet." .”

Regarding the rules of evaluation, the concubine Miao came forward to explain: "It is still the old rule, only the ladies in the boudoir can write poems and paintings, and then paste the names and send them to the 'Qingxuan Pavilion' to vote for evaluation. Those who are recognized Talented people will put a gold-leaf peony on the work, and the one who gets the most gold-leaf peonies will be awarded the first prize.”

The rules are simple, easy to understand, and quite elegant.The "Qingxuan Pavilion" was built on the rockery opposite the stream, facing "Shuyuxuan" across the water.Looking up, I could vaguely see the clothes shaking over there, and a man leaning on the railing, condescending.

The absolute distance between these two places is only more than ten meters. If you look closely, you can clearly see each other's figure and face.There are many scenes in the middle, with gurgling water, and there is a hazy aesthetic feeling of "a beautiful woman is like a flower separated from the clouds".

This arrangement is quite ingenious, it does not violate the barriers between men and women, and it allows both parties to meet each other.Knowing that Mu Shaoai is human nature, nobles also need this kind of banquet opportunity to discuss relatives, marry, or exchange benefits.

Xu Wanzhen lowered her eyes, she had attended many such banquets in modern times.It's just that it's more elegant and subtle here.But in terms of essence, it hasn't changed at all.It's just that I don't know how many political marriages and interests will be achieved in this "Peony Fair"?

In "Qingxuan Pavilion", the prince leaned against the railing, looking at the "Shu Yuxuan" below, with a perfect smile on his handsome face.Shi Jingze, the son of Duke Anguo, sat straddling the armchair by the railing, resting his head on the railing in a shapeless manner, and hanging his right hand outside the railing, swinging a white porcelain wine jug with a thin waist.

The prince chuckled lightly and said, "Bo Zhou, are you drunk before you drink this wine?"

"Wine is not intoxicating, and people are intoxicated. Flowers are not charming, and people are intoxicated." He lazily stretched his waist, pointed his right hand obliquely, and said, "If there are flowers that can be broken straight, then you must be sincere."

The prince crossed his hands against his chin, and a charming smile appeared on his face: "I don't know Bozhou, which flower do you want to fold?"

Seeing his smile, Shi Jingze shuddered, moved half a step away and said, "Zecheng, can you stop smiling at me like this, it makes me get goosebumps all over my body." He raised his chin, a hint of teasing flashed in his eyes, and said : "Smile at them and enjoy what is called a 'throwing fruit cart'."

Not to mention the prince's status, but with his unparalleled handsome face, there are many noble women in Beijing who want to pounce on him.Rao has had a princess concubine early, and there are still many girls in the boudoir who target him and continue to follow him.

(End of this chapter)