Chapter 29 Chapter 29 Concubine Hui, is your ex-husband really dead?

Pei Chengjue only has one year left before he reaches adulthood!

His eyes were so eager and sincere that he wanted to reveal his true heart to Qiao Tang in order to win her favor.

Qiao Tang's heart was pounding wildly, nearly dizzy. He quickly lowered his head and closed his eyes. His fingers were trembling as he stretched them out, pressing the tips of his fingers against his face through the handkerchief as he leaned in. "Your Majesty, calm down!"

Pei Chengjue felt the slight tremor of his fingertips, and the smile on his lips suddenly faded. He stood up and took a step back, "I was too happy and frightened Concubine Hui."

But he was unwilling to retreat completely. He grabbed Qiao Tang's wrist and wrapped the trembling hand with his warm palm, hoping to soothe Qiao Tang's frightened mood.

The Empress Dowager's voice suddenly echoed from the hall. "Noble Consort Hui is absolutely right. Your Majesty is already nineteen years old, so you should be more mature than before. Why don't you change into your crown and robes before coming back?"

"Your son will go change clothes right away. Noble Concubine Hui will go with me."

Pei Chengjue's eyes never left Qiao Tang. He exerted a little force with his hands, and Qiao Tang also wanted to leave. He took advantage of the force to stand up, bowed to the Queen Mother, and left with Pei Chengjue.

After most of the palace maids had left, the Duke's wife came back to her senses and exclaimed inwardly, "This Imperial Concubine Hui was truly extraordinary. She could have caused the Emperor to lose his composure in public like this."

She smiled, breaking the silence in the hall, "Your Majesty and Concubine Hui are truly deeply in love."

The Queen Mother also smiled and said to her meaningfully, "Noble Concubine Hui is both beautiful and virtuous, and everyone who sees her is moved. It is said that her late ex-husband was also deeply in love with her."

The Duke's wife nodded reluctantly after hearing this, feeling puzzled. Not to mention the Queen Mother's strange smile, even the situation of Concubine Hui's ex-husband didn't need to be told to her.

The Queen Mother looked at her expression, a glint of understanding flashing in her eyes. "Just now you said Qingyan and his ex-wife divorced. I don't understand. How could a happy couple separate?"

"I don't know either."

The Duke's wife was also worried when she mentioned this. She heard the Queen Mother say, "If you don't know, ask for clarification. If you can't find out, investigate. If Qingyan becomes distressed because of this and never marries again for the rest of his life, what will you do?"

"The Queen Mother is absolutely right."

The Duke's wife thought she was indirectly urging her to accept the marriage between Wei Qingyan and Princess Jingyi, so she agreed casually without taking it to heart.

Qiao Tang was led all the way back to Taiji Palace by Pei Chengjue, and the familiar warm touch spread from the palm of his hand to his heart.

By the time she arrived at Taiji Palace, her inner trembling had calmed down. As soon as she entered the bedroom, Pei Chengjue hugged her waist and picked her up.

"His Majesty!"

Pei Chengjue walked to the mirror and put her down. He stretched out his arms and said with a smile, "Please, Concubine Hui, undress me."

His eyes were bright and he was really happy.

Qiao Tang was infected and smiled, obeyed his wishes, and reached out to touch his belt.

Slowly, the only sound in the hall was the rustling of clothes.

When only a single layer of clothing was left, Qiao Tang's fingers stroked Pei Chengjue's collar, and were suddenly grabbed by Pei Chengjue.

She raised her eyes and received a kiss on her brow. The kiss slowly moved down to her lips, gently prying open her mouth and tongue.

Sucking has become Pei Chengjue's usual method.

Qiao Tang gradually lost consciousness. A hand grasped her waist and carried her to the dressing table.

He lifted the back of her neck with his palm and asked her to raise her cheek to respond. She was so fascinated by the kiss that she raised her neck, closed her eyes, and her butterfly wings fluttered slightly.

Pei Chengjue lowered his body to cover her completely, and praised her while kissing her, "Sister, you are so good."

a long time.

Pei Chengjue noticed that she was as soft as spring water, and fearing that she would faint, he reluctantly let her go, "Sister, breathe quickly."

Qiao Tang breathed rapidly, then suddenly came to his senses. Gathering all his strength, he pushed him away and said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, please stop messing around. Change your clothes quickly."

She regained her strength, got off the dressing table, and without paying attention to herself, looked at the new clothes on the tray. Pei Chengjue still had to accept congratulations from the court officials later, so she didn't want to waste time.

Instead, Pei Chengjue approached with a smile and straightened her clothes. "Don't worry, sister. There's still time."

Qiao Tang glanced at him silently, and he obediently changed into the cloud-shoulder, full-sleeved, dragon-draped gown and straightened up. He kissed Qiao Tang on the cheek before leaving.

Qiao Tang originally wanted to rest for a while, but somehow, just as she sat down at the desk by the window, her mind suddenly flashed with the words of the Empress Dowager asking her about Wei Qingyan in the Cining Palace.

Now that Pei Chengjue was no longer there to bother her, her mind became much clearer. After thinking it over again and again, she felt that the Queen Mother was intentionally linking her with Wei Qingyan, as if she had some hidden agenda.

Could it be that the Queen Mother knew something?

Once this guess emerged from the bottom of his heart, Qiao Tang could no longer sit still and paced restlessly in front of the window for a few steps.

Even the cold wind could not dispel the doubts in her heart.

"Girl, it's almost winter, the wind is freezing, don't stand here."

Nanny Wang came over and said with concern, "The young lady's face has turned pale from the wind. Please don't let it make you sick."

She was hugged by Nanny Wang and taken into the inner room, where she was forced to drink a cup of hot tea. Although her cheeks gradually turned rosy, she was still dizzy from the anxiety.

Nanny Wang said, "Young lady, you look tired. Go lie down for a while and recuperate. There's a birthday banquet for His Majesty tonight."

Qiao Tang agreed. During this time, Pei Chengjue took time to come back. Seeing that she had gone to bed, he instructed the palace servants, "When Noble Concubine Hui wakes up, serve her dinner properly."

The palace maid agreed.

As soon as Qiao Tang woke up, Nanny Wang repeated Pei Chengjue's words to her. She had a good meal, and when the time came, she sat quietly in front of the mirror and let the palace maids dress her and put on the imperial concubine's clothes.

When she had finished packing and had not yet left the bedroom, Pei Chengjue stepped in. His eyes lit up at first, but then he said disappointedly, "I came back too late and missed the chance to see my sister dressing."

It was a trivial matter, not worth mentioning, but when he mentioned it, it was like missing out on a treasure. Qiao Tang reluctantly stood up and took his hand to comfort him. He smiled slightly and changed his tone in an instant, "Let's forget about it today. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

He was allowed to say whatever he wanted, good or bad. Qiao Tang was happy to keep silent and just let him hold her hand as they walked to the Hall of Supreme Harmony where the banquet was to be held today.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony is solemn and majestic, spacious and magnificent, with golden bricks paving the floor and candles lighting the room as bright as day.

At this moment, the hall was full of splendor. Court officials and their families were standing on both sides. When they saw Pei Chengjue and Qiao Tang arrived, they all knelt down and saluted.

"Everyone, please stand up."

Pei Chengjue held Qiao Tang's hand and walked past the crowd. Qiao Tang was about to go to his own seat, but Pei Chengjue grabbed his wrist and forced him to walk up the stairs with him.

The two of them sat at the highest point at the same time. Even after they sat down, Qiao Tang's hand was still tightly held by Pei Chengjue in his sleeve.

The court officials and their families sat down at the steps, their eyes darting around, marveling at how much Concubine Hui was favored.

Since the founding of the dynasty, only the emperor and empress could sit above, which shows that Your Majesty has regarded Concubine Hui as the empress.

At the table with the Duke of Zhenguo, the Duke's wife was surprised again and glanced sideways at Wei Ruomei. She wanted to make a few jokes with her sister Qiao, but when she saw Wei Ruomei looking at Wei Qingyan worriedly, she couldn't help but look at Wei Qingyan.

Wei Qingyan stared straight at the high seat, the coldness on his profile melted away, leaving behind a softness. The pain resurfaced in the blink of an eye, so he simply lowered his eyes and looked away. The fingers holding the wine glass were so tense that they had turned bluish-white.

The Duke's wife's expression suddenly changed, she was shocked and confused.

At this time, a singing voice came from outside the palace, "The Queen Mother has arrived——"

The court officials and their families stood up and saluted again. Qiao Tang and Pei Chengjue also stood up, stood on the high seats, and looked outside the hall.

As soon as the empress dowager entered the hall, she suddenly saw the two people standing side by side, as if they were a pair of emperor and empress, and her eyes suddenly narrowed.

But in a moment, his eyes relaxed, a smile appeared on his face, and he ordered everyone to stand up with a kind face.

She walked up the steps and smiled at Qiao Tang, "Noble Concubine Hui, come to my place."

Qiao Tang knew it was inappropriate for her to sit in the highest seat. When she stood up, she saw Pei Chengjue still holding her hand tightly. She said in a low, aggrieved voice, "Your Majesty, are you trying to embarrass me?"

Pei Chengjue didn't dare to do that. The five days of teaching were enough. He suddenly let go and said with a smile, "Noble Concubine Hui will just talk to the Queen Mother and then come back."

Qiao Tang nodded and sat down with the Empress Dowager instead. He looked down the stairs and his gaze passed over the table at the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, where his eyes met Wei Qingyan's.

A clear sound of piano was heard in the hall. When the two of them looked at each other, it was just a fleeting glimpse, as subtle as a dragonfly skimming the water.

Qiao Tang then looked away.

Wei Qingyan's gaze fixed on the wine glass, his face cold and lonely. The Duke's wife saw this scene and was horrified. She looked at Wei Ruomei sharply.

Wei Ruomei had hidden too much information from her, and she was so scared that her shoulders trembled slightly and her eyes turned red.

The Duke's wife calmed her expression and immediately hugged her in her arms, blocking the view of others watching. "Hold it! We'll talk about it when we get back home!"

She held Wei Ruomei down, glanced sideways at Wei Qingyan, and whispered, "Let's not talk about what you and your sister have hidden from me. You must not drink tonight. Stay sober at all times!"

Wei Qingyan nodded in understanding, his expression instantly filled with frost, his eyes swept across like thin blades, making all the eyes that were spying on him flee.

At this time, the dancing and music were still going on in the hall. Some ministers had already walked up the steps and wanted to offer wine to Pei Chengjue. The Queen Mother motioned Qiao Tang to go and see.

Qiao Tang raised his eyes.

But Chief Minister Gu led Gu Yuqing forward, and the two of them knelt on the ground facing Pei Chengjue. Chief Minister Gu poured a glass of wine and handed it to Gu Yuqing, who held it up with both hands.

Under the bright lights, the beauty with white jade hands walked over the long table and presented the wine to Pei Chengjue.

Fine wine and beautiful women are right within reach, and Pei Chengjue has them at his fingertips.

Unexpectedly, Pei Chengjue raised his sleeves, and the palace maid beside him bowed, took the wine glass from Gu Yuqing's hand with both hands, placed it on the long table, and then retreated to his side.

Pei Chengjue didn't even glance at Gu Yuqing, but just chatted and laughed with Gu Shoufu, who quickly took Gu Yuqing down the stairs.

Qiao Tang watched Gu Yuqing return to the table and sit with her family with a smile. Her family gently stroked her shoulders. She couldn't help but lower her brows in a hurry and picked up the wine glass to stroke it carefully.

The Queen Mother whispered beside her, "The Gu family has been a distinguished family for generations, and their words and deeds are well-behaved. They are a role model for the noble families in the capital. Gu Yuqing is elegant and well-mannered. Ai's family recommends her for empress. What do you think, Concubine Hui?"

Qiao Tang clenched his wine glass and smiled, "What the Queen Mother likes must be excellent."

"She is very good, but it still depends on His Majesty." The Queen Mother gestured for Qiao Tang to look at Pei Chengjue again, "His Majesty also treats the young lady of the Liu family differently."

Qiao Tang looked over.

But then a middle-aged civil official came with a girl from his family. The girl had a face as beautiful as a peony, fair skin, and a graceful figure. Judging from her appearance, she was about twenty years old. She was holding a wine glass and facing Pei Chengjue.

"This is Grand Tutor Liu's granddaughter, Liu Hexi. When she was young, she often accompanied Grand Tutor Liu to the palace to meet His Majesty. She and Grand Tutor Liu studied with His Majesty. His Majesty was quite close to her back then, calling her "sister"..."

"Really?" Qiao Tang said slowly.

The Queen Mother's eyes were filled with a sharp edge. "Yes, His Majesty likes you sisters. I don't know who you look like. Gu Yuqing is younger than him. If he doesn't want to make Gu Yuqing his empress, Liu Hexi is also very good."

"The Queen Mother's selections are all excellent."

Qiao Tang smiled softly, his eyes sweeping across the gorgeous clothes in the hall below and the pearls and jade on their heads. For a moment, he had nowhere to look, like a floating duckweed, without any reason or relatives, swaying unsteadily.

Wei Qingyan seemed to sense something and suddenly raised his eyes to look over. Qiao Tang's gaze was about to fall on him for a moment, but suddenly raised his head and missed him and fell on Pei Chengjue.

Pei Chengjue still did not accept Liu Hexi's wine. Liu Hexi and his family went down the stairs. Another minister came up the stairs holding a child.

This was the first time such a case happened. Everyone in the hall was looking over here with smiles on their faces. The child was holding up a large wine glass, which was trembling. Pei Chengjue raised his eyebrows, reached over the long table with his long arm, took it himself, and drank it all in one gulp.

The wine glass was placed on the long table. He relaxed his brows and smiled at his ministers. "How dare you, Lord Yang, ask a six-year-old child to serve me wine?"

"Your Majesty is picky and only drinks wine suitable for six-year-olds."

Lord Yang dared to laugh, and everyone in the hall realized that he was teasing His Majesty for not drinking the wine offered by several noble ladies.

Lord Yang picked up the child and walked down the stairs. Pei Chengjue was not angry. He immediately stood up, stood high on the steps, and looked down at the entire hall.

He glanced at the ministers with a disdainful gaze, and a carefree smile curled his lips as he frankly said, "It's not that I'm picky, nor is it that you ladies are picky."

"The truth is, I already have Noble Consort Hui. Even if there are thousands of girls in the world, I won't drink if it's not Noble Consort Hui's wine."

These words were like a thunderclap in spring, striking the entire hall and shocking everyone below the stairs.

Everyone was crying out in their hearts: "Your Majesty is already nineteen, already nineteen, not a six-year-old child. Does he know what this means? Has he really thought it through?"

These words have been heard by everyone and remain in everyone's heart. If Your Majesty changes his mind in the future, if Your Majesty wants to choose a concubine and expand the harem, today's words will flood back and make Your Majesty, a heartless and ungrateful person, lose face in front of the people of the world.

In the dead silence, the empress dowager suddenly stood up. Qiao Tang, who had been stunned for a long time, also woke up as if from a dream. He endured the dry and swollen throat and squeezed out a soft voice, and raised the voice, hoping that the whole palace could hear it.

"Your Majesty, why can't you stop talking nonsense when you're drunk? You've only had a few drinks, but you got drunk the fastest. You're talking nonsense, making the gentlemen laugh."

It was a drunken remark, and the dead silence in the palace suddenly became lively. The Queen Mother also complained with a smile, "Your Majesty can't drink much, why did you drink so much? Look how scared you are of the ministers."

Lord Yang came out at the right moment and prostrated himself to apologize, "It's all my fault for being so absurd that I let Your Majesty drink a few more cups. Please punish me, Your Majesty, the Queen Mother!"

Pei Chengjue had forgotten everyone in the hall. He looked straight at Qiao Tang with his thin lips tightly pursed, as if he didn't understand why Qiao Tang said that just now. He was obviously not drunk and his mind was very clear.

Their eyes met for a moment, and then Qiao Tang looked away in embarrassment. Pei Chengjue left the desk unhappily and walked towards Qiao Tang.

Queen Mother Qiao Tang secretly thought that this was not good, fearing that he would say something bad to Qiao Tang again. She suddenly turned her eyes to Qiao Tang and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "Stop Your Majesty, otherwise-"

She held Qiao Tang in her arms. From the perspective of others, it seemed that she loved Qiao Tang very much and was protecting Qiao Tang from Pei Chengjue's blame.

In reality, Qiao Tang was leaning against her, listening to her cold, low voice, full of warnings, "Noble Concubine Hui, is your ex-husband really dead?"

Qiao Tang's heart tightened in an instant, and a layer of cold sweat broke out all over her body. She knew! She really knew!

"Noble Concubine Hui, I..." Pei Chengjue was right in front of her.

"Empress Hui looks unwell. Are you tired?" The Queen Mother let go of Qiao Tang and motioned for him to speak.

Qiao Tang was filled with bitterness, knowing that if he didn't stop Pei Chengjue, the Queen Mother would definitely reveal the matter. For a moment, he had no choice but to meet Pei Chengjue's gaze and say some words to coax him.

But Pei Chengjue's eyes were so honest and so doubtful.

He didn't understand. He and his sister loved each other, and he was honest about his feelings for his sister in front of all the ministers. Why did his sister say that he was drunk and talking nonsense?

He thought his sister should have understood his heart all along, so he approached his sister step by step, hoping to get an answer at his birthday party.

How could Qiao Tang open his mouth under such a gaze?

She was forced to take a step back, completely forgetting that she was standing on the stairs. When she took this step, she stepped on empty air and immediately fell down.

Seeing that she was about to roll down the stairs, at that moment, she did not feel any panic or fear. Instead, she breathed a sigh of relief. Let her fall. If she fell, she would not have to continue lying to Pei Chengjue.

A tear fell from the corner of Qiao Tang's eye.

"elder sister!"

"Noble Concubine Hui!"

"His Majesty!"

Qiao Tang could only hear a chaotic sound, mixed with a muffled groan. Instead of rolling miserably down the stairs, his body was wrapped in a warm embrace, and his head was protected by two broad hands.

The familiar embrace trembled slightly, accompanied by a trembling voice, softly, "Sister is going to scare me."