frightfiction Chapter 228 What does it mean?
Chapter 228 What does it mean?
In the winter of the eleventh year of Yongzheng's reign, the winter was exceptionally cold, and the charcoal fire in Chengqian Palace was used up in abundance.
The imperial concubine's share of charcoal was large, and she could not use up all the charcoal on a normal day. Huimin felt sorry for her two trusted palace maids, so she used the red basket charcoal in their rooms as well.
As for the remaining palace maids, if nothing else, they are good enough to be charcoal.
As the year drew to a close, many rewards were bestowed, and the palace people were very grateful to Concubine Xian for her generosity.
Look at those unfavored concubines, they don’t live as well as the favored palace maids around Concubine Xian.
This winter is particularly cold. Huimin prepared thick clothes for Hongyao and Hongxi early in the morning and repeatedly reminded them of this. After all, it is no small matter for fragile children to catch a cold.
Especially for the five-year-old Hongxi, we can't take it lightly just because he is in good health on weekdays.
Considering Xia Dongchun's carefree personality, he went to Chuxiu Palace to remind her several times.
Didn’t you see that An Lingrong wrapped Jing’an tightly? She is the only one who has to raise the child, keeping her covered in spring and cool in autumn, but it’s winter now, so she can’t let her child get cold.
Huimin has recently been preparing for a New Year's banquet with Concubine Jing.
This time the emperor wanted to hold the ceremony in a grand manner. Princes and princesses were born one after another in the palace, and the court was prosperous and harmonious. The emperor intended to make it more lively.
Hongyao is already eight years old and is a little adult. Huimin attaches great importance to this banquet. She wants Hongyao to show off well in front of all the ministers. He doesn't need to show off deliberately. It is enough for all the ministers to see how well his manners and conversation are valued by the emperor at the banquet.
Of course, there are many people who want to show off their style at this banquet.
Concubine Jin had originally wanted to ask the Emperor to register Hongfang under her name at Hongfang's first birthday party, but unexpectedly, Hongfang became allergic before the party and the matter was delayed.
The beginning of the new year is also a good time.
She performed well at the banquet and after the banquet, she took the opportunity to make this request to the emperor. Jinpin had a good plan.
Of course, in addition to this matter, there is also the matter of the Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince choosing their wives, as both of them are not young anymore.
After getting married, you can officially attend court and participate in politics, and you can also get responsibilities.
Officials of the second rank and above and ladies of noble birth will all be present at this banquet. The Fourth Prince will inevitably have to show off his talents at the banquet and appear in front of these dignitaries.
Moreover, the younger brothers are gradually growing up. Hongqing, Hongyao and Hongjun are all eight years old and have become grown up boys. If the court officials have any ideas, they should think about picking one of them to bet on.
Even if it is not so urgent and those who are keeping a low profile for the time being will watch the emperor's attitude towards the princes at this important banquet, and also see what kind of personalities the princes themselves have.
Huimin also treated it with great enthusiasm.
There was singing and dancing and clinking of glasses at the banquet.
Huimin sat in her seat dignifiedly, maintaining an impeccable demeanor, but she did not take the initiative to step forward.
She had a faint smile on her face the whole time, and looked at the emperor with tenderness in her seat.
This banquet is just to let his son shine in front of his royal father and the ministers.
If I am too high-profile, the emperor will inevitably become suspicious.
Sure enough, the princes congratulated the emperor one by one, and when it came to Hongyao, the emperor was satisfied and praised him.
"Hongyao is really polite," the emperor said to Huimin with a smile, "Xian Guifei is a good parent."
Then the emperor looked at Shen Meizhuang again, "Hongjun's writing is brilliant, which shows that Hongjun works very hard every day."
As for Hong Qing, the emperor just nodded lightly and passed it over lightly.
When it came to Hongxi and Honghan, the two younger sons whom the emperor loved, the emperor praised them several times.
At this time, many people were secretly looking at Huimin.
It seems that both of Concubine Xian's sons are very outstanding.
But Huimin remained calm and composed, sitting upright in her seat without any trace of arrogance.
When they were still young, such as eleven or twelve, they were just carried around by their wet nurse as a formality.
Concubine Jin felt nervous when she saw the emperor's indifferent reaction to Hongfang.
When the meal officially started, Concubine Jin tried her best to talk to the Emperor.
First, he complimented the emperor on his diligence and love for the people, and then said that the prosperity and safety of the Qing Dynasty depended on the emperor's wisdom and bravery, which made the emperor very happy.
At general banquets, the emperor would reward his favorite concubine with a few dishes.
This time, Concubine Jin won the first place, and the emperor was happy and willing to give her face.
"This Yang Xierzhan is quite good, so I will give it to Concubine Jin."
This is a famous traditional dish of the Manchu nationality. When Concubine Jin, who was born in the Manchu military banner, was rewarded with this dish, she felt so proud and her face was flushed.
But then the emperor continued:
"My virtuous concubine, this anchovy shark's fin dish is delicious."
"My noble concubine, please try this cuttlefish soup. It's delicious. I remember you always have a light taste."
"I remember that Concubine Qi loves to eat this red oil duck."
"This Wanfu meat is good, let's give it to Concubine Chao."
……
The emperor ordered dozens of dishes in a row.
The two imperial concubines, four imperial concubines and six imperial concubines all received rewards. Among the remaining low-ranking concubines, only the two princes' biological mothers had this honor, and the noble lady Meng, who was the only one among the noble ladies.
You know, even the biological mothers of Princesses Jingle and Jingrou did not receive such treatment, but Concubine Meng, a noble lady who had never given birth, was remembered by the emperor.
But Concubine Jin gave her a fierce look.
But what made Concubine Jin most angry was the dish that Huimin was rewarded with - anchovy shark fin.
In fact, it’s not a very good dish, but the fact that the name contains the word “Phoenix” makes people particularly sensitive about it.
As soon as the emperor finished speaking, many people looked at Huimin.
Be wary, suspicious, envious, jealous...
All kinds of emotions, mixed together.
Members of the royal family, court officials, and ladies of honor from various families were all secretly looking at Huimin.
No one understood what the emperor meant, and everyone was guessing what he meant.
After all, at such an important banquet on New Year's Eve, a dish with the word "Phoenix" in its name was given to Consort Xian, who had two princes. This...
If it was the emperor and he didn't have any special intentions, who would believe it?
But the emperor did not feel anything unusual after rewarding Concubine Xian with this dish, and he rewarded the ladies in the palace one after another according to their ranks.
But judging from Concubine Xian's expression, she seemed to be able to remain calm.
But Huimin was not as calm as she looked. What did the emperor mean by this?
Huimin's heart tightened and she lowered her eyes slightly.
Your Majesty, what does this mean?
Do you want to?
Huimin observed the expressions of the concubines present calmly.
Although Concubine Jing was shocked, she remained calm.
Concubine Hui looked puzzled, but without any ill intention.
Although Concubine Qi did not look very happy, she immediately smiled when she heard that the emperor remembered her preferences.
Xia Dongchun was very happy, with a look of delight.
……
There is no need to say much about my allies, as for the other concubines...
Huimin looked at Concubine Jin, and her expression was almost unable to be concealed at that moment.
Your Majesty, do you want to provoke her to fight with you?
Is this the balancing act again?
Could it be?
Many guesses flashed through Huimin's mind.