Qing Ping Le · Double Songs

The night market in Nanyang City is full of pedestrians, and it is very lively. As the New Year approaches, colorful lights are gradually hung up here and there on both sides of the street.

Rong Cheng took Bai Qingtong and strolled in the busy streets, Xia Feng, Dong Ge and Jing Yu followed from left to right and behind, blocking the crowd.Bai Qingtong walked down the road, and passers-by would stop to admire her, or be envious, or jealous. She looked like a nobleman and wanted to strike up a conversation, but she was so cold that people were afraid to stay away.

They didn't stop at one place, the peddlers were as enthusiastic as their relatives, and even the eloquent lotus praised Bai Qingtong in different ways.Rao Bai Qingtong was calm and calm, and couldn't stand the repeated invitations, but Rong Cheng stopped outside a shop in three or four steps, as if on purpose, waiting for the mistress to come out and repeat the same words.

"Ah Cheng," Bai Qingtong said, "Why?"

Rong Cheng smiled and said, "Qingtong, I won't know many things until you tell them." She knew that Yibai Qingtong's temperament would only remain the same in response to all changes, but she always hoped that she would treat her a little differently, maybe already It's different, but she's more greedy.

Bai Qingtong was taken aback, she was no longer the Goddess of Flowers living alone in Baihua Palace, she was in Changning Palace, in the bustling capital city, her hand was still being held by Rong Cheng, she suddenly understood Rong Cheng's thoughts.

Rong Cheng had already led her around the corner of the street, Bai Qingtong didn't know where she was going, but just followed her quietly, the noise was gradually left behind, this place was a secluded place with few people, under the cold light of the dawn moon, there was a shimmer of light , the green field is surging, and the evening breeze by the lake is suitable. Occasionally, pedestrians pass by to enjoy the night view along the lake.

Rong Cheng raised his hand and pointed, and said, "That's the imperial palace." The majestic palace was quiet and majestic under the moonlight, the upturned eaves of Chaowen Hall could be seen faintly, and the sky above Linhua Hall could also be seen in full view.

There is a sound of thud, the colorful flames are dazzling under the moonlight, fiery trees and silver flowers bloom from the night sky, and then like stars falling to the ground, they disappear without a trace, making people stop after just a thud, and there is another thud, and the sky is full of stars again , the sky flickered and then went out, leaving only a faint smell of smoke that lingered for a long time.

Rong Cheng asked, "But the direction of Linhua Hall?"

Jing Yu replied, "Exactly."

"It seems that the fireworks just presented by the Ministry of Rituals are trying to be lit." She said again, "I wonder if the key has been released in the palace now?"

"Ah Cheng, what is that?" Bai Qingtong saw this colorful thing for the first time.

Rong Cheng's eyes were like stars, shining brightly, she looked at her and smiled deeper, "It is made of fireworks, very few among the people, and the production is complicated. It will only be set off in Nanyang City every New Year's Eve. At that time, the Empress We will watch it with the common people on the tower of Chengtianmen, and celebrate together." She paused and continued, "Since Qingtong likes it, then we will enter the palace to try our luck."

In the Linhua Palace, Rong Che was lighting fireworks with Rong Ling. These were the New Year fireworks presented by the Ministry of Rites to the Empress. Che lit fireworks outside the hall.Every time under the brilliant light, Rong Ling's nimble eyes will become more free and unrestrained, and when Rong Che looks over, he feels that those eyes are also full of fireworks.

Seeing that she was engrossed in seeing her, Rong Ling did not interrupt. When Rong Che came back to his senses and saw the smile on her face, he hurriedly bowed and saluted, "Qing Ping is rude, please punish me, Miss Huang."

Rong Ling withdrew her smile and said, "Didn't I say earlier that there is no need to be polite between you and me?" She sighed inaudibly, "Che'er, why do you have such a relationship with me? You don't even see Ah Cheng. so alienated."

"Sister Huang is the eldest princess Qing Ping and dare not offend." Seeing Rong Ling's expression changed, she said again, "Sister Huang, don't be angry, Rong Che knows his mistake."

"It's fine if you really know you're wrong." She changed the subject and said, "I have been outside the palace for many years, and the Queen Mother has been very strict with me. Only by chance can I hear about the growth of you and Ah Cheng. Later, we gradually grew up. Growing up, I used to think that the three of you and I already had a shallow relationship after a gap of more than ten years, but when we really met each other, I was filled with joy overnight."

She turned around and looked at the place where the fireworks dissipated, "Che'er, Ah Cheng also treated me like a monarch and minister like you did before, so I told her at that time, 'I'm only with you and Che'er in the Rong family. The closest'. Now I will tell you this, the entire Rong family, I am the closest to you and Ah Cheng."

Rong Che looked at the slender back, the palace lanterns were bright, and Rong Ling's scarlet palace gown was even brighter in the dark night. She seemed to have never understood the real heart of the imperial sister, or was she always afraid to know her heart?

Speechless for a while, the servant broke the calm, "Princess Qi, Princess Anle is asking to see you outside the palace gate."

Rong Ling raised her eyebrows lightly, "She saw the fireworks from such a distance, the Ministry of Rites put a lot of effort into the fireworks presented this time." She said again, "The key is about to be released in the palace. Order to go down and keep Xiaoanmen and not release the key for the time being."

"Yes."

Rong Ling returned to the main hall and waited for Rong Cheng to come in. It would take a little longer from Xiao'anmen to Linhua Hall, and she and Rong Che talked a few words, and saw a plain-looking person far away. Cloaked in brocade clothes, she came slowly, and when she looked again, she saw that there was another person beside her. When Rong Ling saw it clearly, she raised her brows slightly and smiled.

Rong Cheng greeted first, "An Le greets Huang Jie." Then he said, "I knew Ah Che hadn't left yet."

Rong Che stood up and saluted, "Greetings to my cousin." He added, "Miss Bai, long time no see." Bai Qingtong nodded in return.

Rong Ling smiled and said, "You are so courageous to bring Bai Qingtong into the palace. Are you afraid that someone who is interested will read your book tomorrow and say that you have wronged your majesty?"

"Where is the emperor, Qingtong is a weak girl who has always been of mediocre aptitude, so she has the ability to do something wrong."

Rong Ling didn't argue with her, she looked at Bai Qingtong and said with a smile, "Miss Bai, long time no see."

Only then did Bai Qingtong salute, "Folk girls join His Royal Highness the Eldest Princess."

"From now on, Miss Bai doesn't need to be too polite." She smiled again, as if reminiscing about the old days, "I tested your martial arts many times in the first battle with you in the woods. I was so disappointed at that time. It turned out that Miss Bai was showing mercy."

"The princess is serious."

Rong Ling seemed to be in high spirits, "Why don't you come to ask for a trick or two if you have time today?"

"Miss Huang is a man of a thousand pieces of gold. You must not put yourself in danger." Seeing that Rong Ling was about to teach her a lesson, Rong Cheng said again, "Miss Huang, calm down, don't be convicted of conspiracy against An Le."

Rong Ling smiled and said, "You are the smartest. Did you come to the palace so late to see the fireworks?"

"Exactly, I want to come here to watch."

"It's late at night, this thing is too loud, I'm afraid it will disturb the holy car, and the empress should also rest now." Seeing Rong Cheng's disappointed expression, she turned and said, "I happen to have one missing here, so you can take it back. "

Rong Cheng smiled and said, "Thank you for the reward, Sister Huang."

"What the Queen Mother means is that I am asked to act on my behalf at the Chengtianmen Ceremony on the New Year's Eve. Then you will go with me." She said again, "Che'er, I heard that many of Prince Jingyuan's children have returned. If there is any inconvenience, please come to the palace to accompany me."

Rong Che said, "Miss Huang, don't worry, I can handle it." She glanced at the sky, "It's getting late, Miss Huang has an early rest and I will leave the palace with my cousin."

On the way out of the palace, it was inconvenient for a few people to talk too much, Xia Feng and Jingyu were waiting outside the palace gate, Rong Cheng invited Rong Che to get on the carriage together, and then he said, "Your current status is embarrassing, so don't let them see the clue. "

There was calmness in Rong Che's indifferent eyes, "Cousin, don't worry, I have a title granted by His Majesty and my father sent me back to Beijing to act, they dare not do anything to me, I can handle some trivial temptations. "

When they reached a fork in the road, Rong Che got off the carriage, and Rong Cheng still reminded her, "You should be more careful when you are alone there." She recalled that when she left the capital city when she was a child, Rong Cheng told her repeatedly like this, and she smiled like a queen of snow Chu Ji said, "Ah Che remembered."

Back in the Wuhuayuan of Changning Prince's Mansion, Cunshan hurried over and asked, "Why did you come back so late?" His words showed worry in his eyes.

"Brother came just in time." Rong Cheng said with a smile, "I just got back from sister Huang's begging for fireworks, and it's time for someone to come over and invite you to watch it together."

"Fireworks are not available every year, so it's worth your trip to the palace." He paused, and continued, "You're not in good health, and it's getting colder at night, so go out less at night in the future."

"Ah Cheng thanked brother for worrying. Jingyu, hurry up, I'm afraid the father is also resting."

Looking closely at the fireworks, they were even more dazzling, but unfortunately they were fleeting, and Bai Qingtong felt Rong Cunshan's slightly hostile gaze again. She raised her eyes and looked back, but the other party's gaze did not shift away, she only bowed slightly and saluted. She nodded back.

After the fireworks were set off, the surroundings became even more silent, Cun Shan said, "The Chinese New Year will be in a few days, is Chengmei going to the imperial banquet with her father?" Seeing her nodding, "Then the lunch is to stay at the house, when the time comes I will Cook yourself and make something you like to eat."

"I'm afraid it won't work. I have to go to the preparation palace early in the morning to exorcise the Nuo ceremony."

Cunshan frowned, and asked in puzzlement, "Princess Yuanjia and Princess Qingping can play one or two roles separately. You can't stand the trouble and ask you to do something?"

"Sister Huang means that Ah Che and I will both be evil spirits, and she will fight two with one as a celestial master."

When Cun Shan heard this, he was a little annoyed, and said, "The future prince of the princess, why is she so ignorant of her subordinates, let alone her own sister, knowing that you are not healthy, it is too unreasonable to torment you over and over again. .”

"Brother, this is the Changning Prince's Mansion, it's nothing more than a few complaints, you must keep these words in your heart when you leave the gate."

Cun Shan sternly said, "Mencius has a saying: The people are the most important, the country is second, and the king is the least. A king should know how to love his subjects, and a subject can be content with being a subject. If the eldest princess doesn't know, if I can tell her face to face What's the point of listening."

Rong Cheng said with a smile, "Brother listened to that sage's lecture again this time?"

Cunshan was taken aback, and said with a little helplessness, "I know Chengmei doesn't want to hear it, so I just don't say anything. It's not too early for the fireworks to go off. You should go to bed earlier." He glanced at Bai Qingtong again before turning and leaving.

Bai Qingtong also said, "Qingtong has also returned to Wuxiangyuan."

Rong Cheng watched Bai Qingtong leave, and then said, "Bath." The hot water in the bathroom was ready early in the morning, Dong Ge served her, and she said, "Wei Changdong clearly said that there are people in the palace who communicate with the Duke, but Jingyu has not yet Without even finding any trace, who in this palace can have such clean hands and feet?"

Dong Ge said, "Could it be that Mr. Wei made a mistake?"

"No." Rong Cheng pondered, "There is another possibility." What she said with a calm face surprised people, "Maybe it was my father who erased the traces of this person."

"Who can let the prince hide his crime for him regardless of the safety of the palace?"

Rong Cheng shook his head, "Forget it, you go and tell Jing Yu that there is no need to investigate. Since father intervening in this matter shows that father has his own ideas, it is better to let it go now that both sides are busy."

"Yes."

The Palace of the Palace is very lively every day when the New Year is approaching. The huge Changning Palace is decorated with lanterns and festoons, and there are constant visits. Compared with the desertedness of the Jingyuan Palace, there is a big difference.Rong Cheng would take some time every day to take Bai Qingtong around, and he didn't want her to be alone in the house or outside the house.

Today Bai Qingtong got up in the morning and saw Jing Hao who was guarding the door, her eyes quickly flashed her surprise, and then she heard Jing Hao say, "The Princess said that I served the girl very well when I came to the East of Ziqi, and also said that the girl has a temper. Leng Qing realized that she was afraid that Lin Lang would not be able to serve her well by herself, so she called me back to the palace to serve the girl with Lin Lang."

Rong Cheng treated her with utmost care, and at this moment he wanted to see her very much, so he asked, "Where is the princess?"

"Today's Chinese New Year, the princess entered the palace early in the morning, and will return home after the evening's imperial banquet."

Bai Qingtong felt a little disappointed in his heart, but it was well concealed, and he only said, "That's fine."

The exorcism ceremony in the palace is held every year as an old custom. One hundred children from the Huang family and one princess wear five-color clothes, and wear a ferocious mask to pretend to be evil spirits. Wearing a jade crown on his head, stepping on precious boots, and holding an exorcism sword in his teacher's uniform, he is the celestial master.The evil spirits danced from west to east, and the celestial masters practiced from east to west. The hatchbacks met in the square in front of the Chaowen Temple.

This year because there were two princesses pretending to be evil spirits, more than [-] children from the Huang family were selected. No matter what Rong Cheng pretended to be, someone would carry them, and this time was no exception.As the princess, as a celestial master, one fights two, and these two are the long-rumored candidates for the emperor's heir.

Rong Cheng was carried all the way from west to east, and outside Chaowen Hall, he saw Rong Ling coming from a distance, holding an exorcism sword in his hands, and his face was solemn. Rong Che pretended to fight with him twice, but fell down after being defeated. She was put down and did not go up and hurriedly lay down, Rong Ling glanced at her very lightly and smiled, raised the exorcism sword to drive away the remaining evil spirits one by one.

After the ceremony, they went back to Linhua Hall to rest and wait for the imperial banquet in the evening. The three of them changed into palace clothes and sat in the hall. Rong Ling smiled and said, "You know how to save trouble."

Rong Cheng also smiled and said, "I used to do the same with Ah Che. When I was a celestial master, she just lay down."

Rong Ling raised her eyebrows, "Are you blaming me for not knowing how much I love you like Che'er?" She walked up to Rong Cheng and pointed at the tip of her straight nose, "I should have seen you lie down and hit you twice, to drive away evil spirits for you. Do you still blame me?"

"Princess Qi." Rong Cheng's begging for mercy was interrupted by the servant, "Young Lord of the Jingyuan Palace, Young Master Wei, Young Master Qi and a group of young masters from aristocratic families came to pay their respects."

These are nobles who came to the palace for banquets, and they have seen each other since childhood, but they just came to catch up with each other and catch up with each other, Rong Ling said, "Please." She, Rong Cheng and Rong Che all sat quietly and waited.

All the children of the aristocratic family first made a big salute when they entered the palace, "Meet Your Royal Highness the Eldest Princess."

"Everyone, please get up."

Everyone stood up and greeted each other before taking their seats.Rong Ling smiled and said, "What are you doing here instead of listening to His Majesty's inquiries?"

Rong Ye said politely, "I can't wait for the eldest princess to return to the palace safely, and it is not proper etiquette. I have the audacity to disturb you without taking advantage of the imperial banquet. Please forgive me, the eldest princess."

"What does Ye Li say, why do you and my brother and sister have such a relationship?" She laughed again, "I'm afraid you all came to me to hide your leisure."

Everyone smiled and the reserved atmosphere dissipated, and they chatted freely as usual. Rong Cheng talked and laughed freely, and Rong Che interrupted less. If she didn't talk to her, she would listen in silence. kiss up.

Rong Ye said politely, "Ache is fortunate to be loved by the eldest princess, but he must serve Her Royal Highness well, and don't want to embarrass the old father."

"Where does Ye Li say that Che'er and I are sisters, and there is no need for so many complicated etiquettes." She said again, "Che'er, don't you think so?"

Rong Che had no choice but to bow his head and answer, "Yes."

Rong Yeli said again, "I haven't had time to congratulate Princess Anle on his southern tour, which has bathed the local area with grace. His Majesty is very satisfied. He also praised Anle just now and asked me to follow your example."

"That's His Majesty's great grace, I just acted according to orders and dare not take credit." Rong Cheng said with a smile, "Brother Yeli, don't talk about the troubles of the court tonight during the Chinese New Year. I heard that Uncle Wang was unable to come back due to the instability of the frontier. It's a pity."

"Nanliang thieves are eyeing tigers, and my father is patrolling and building defenses at Hukou Pass."

Rong Ling continued, "Uncle Wang has worked hard."

Rong Ye said politely, "Sharing His Majesty's worries is so hard."

Rong Cheng saw Rong Che's eyebrows raised suddenly, then calmed down again, their eyes intertwined, Rong Cheng's heart skipped a beat, reading a bad omen from her eyes.