Chapter 88 Entering the Palace

Lin Heng noticed this keenly, and instead of retreating, a hint of excitement flashed in the depths of his eyes.

Sure enough, this woman is not as simple as she seems.

"Young Master Lin, please respect yourself."

"The night is getting late, Qingning will take his leave."

Jiang Qingning's voice was as cold as ice in the coldest days of winter. Every word sounded like falling ice beads. Her light blue cloak drew a decisive arc behind her as she turned around.

Zi Su and Jiang Qingxi had been waiting at the entrance of the corridor. Seeing this, they immediately followed Jiang Qingning's back. The figures of the master and servant soon disappeared in the shadows of the lush flowers and trees.

Lin Heng stayed alone on the observation deck, looking at the direction they disappeared in. He twisted his fingers subconsciously, as if he was still savoring the delicate touch of her cool skin in the brief contact just now.

"Self-respect?"

He repeated it in a low voice, the corners of his lips slowly raised in a determined arc, his eyes bright and surprising in the night.

"Jiang Qingning, the more you act like this, the more I want to know what's hidden beneath this layer of ice."

The hunt in the royal hunting grounds in the western suburbs ended quickly. The emperor's praise and the dazzling South China Sea fire coral crown were like a huge rock thrown into the center of a lake, causing ripples in the circle of nobles in the capital for a long time.

The name Jiang Qingning, from the almost invisible divorced woman in the former Anping Marquis's Mansion, has become the hottest topic in the capital.

In teahouses, taverns, and backyards of deep houses, people were talking and whispering, marveling at her amazing archery skills and speculating on the reasons why she kept her skills secret. Some even turned their attention to the sons of powerful families who had close relationships with her.

Concubine Qin's summons came as expected amidst this undercurrent.

A green carriage with the Jiang Mansion logo on it drove through the silent pipeline in the dim morning light.

The wheels rolled over the flat stone slabs, making a monotonous and regular sound.

Inside the car, Jiang Qingning closed her eyes and rested. She only had a plain jade hairpin in her hair, and the coral crown that symbolized glory was not worn.

Outside the palace.

Jiang Qingning held Zisu's hand and got off the carriage. The palace gate was majestic and heavily guarded.

The leading nanny handed over the imperial concubine's badge, and after careful inspection by the eunuchs, the three were allowed to enter the palace gate.

The red walls, golden tiles, flying eaves and brackets shone solemnly and coldly in the morning light. The eunuch who led the way lowered his head and walked silently, leading her to the Zhaohua Palace where Concubine Qin lived.

After passing through one palace gate after another and walking along a long corridor, Jiang Qingning finally stepped into the back garden of Zhaohua Palace, which was full of lush flowers and trees.

The water pavilion that comes into view is built by the lake, surrounded by water on three sides and with weeping willows swaying.

Concubine Qin did not sit upright in the main seat, but leaned leisurely on the beauty couch by the water. She was wearing a homely goose yellow palace dress, which made her skin look whiter than snow. She lacked the majesty of formal occasions and gained a bit of lazy softness.

"Your humble servant Jiang Qingning greets the Imperial Concubine. May the Imperial Concubine live in peace and happiness."

Jiang Qingning walked to the center of the waterside pavilion, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a clear voice.

"Get up quickly, no need to be polite."

Concubine Qin raised her hand with a smile, her voice gentle and pleasant, with a natural affinity, but her eyes were calmly looking at the woman in front of her with her brows lowered and her head bowed.

"Please take a seat and serve tea." Concubine Qin ordered.

The palace maid immediately brought an embroidered cushion and served tea and snacks.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Jiang Qingning sat down respectfully.

"That day on the hunting grounds' high platform, from a distance I thought you were calm and composed. But now, looking up close, Miss Jiang is truly extraordinary."

Jiang Qingning clenched her fingers slightly: "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise."

Concubine Qin picked up the celadon teacup in front of her, gently skimmed off the foam, and spoke in a gentle tone, as if she was chatting casually.

"Looking at it up close today, I feel even more that it is a place of natural beauty. No wonder..."

"I'm not lying. I was just teasing you."

Concubine Qin smiled and looked at the woman in front of her.

She wore a plain moon-white skirt and a simple bun, with no extra ornaments on her body except for a jade hairpin inserted diagonally in her temples, which made her eyebrows and features look even more picturesque and her skin as delicate as porcelain.

She paused subtly, her eyes flickering as her smile deepened. "No wonder when Mother came into the palace, she was full of praise when she mentioned you to me. Mother is a person who rarely praises others like that."

"Chengyuan is the same, but he has never been so attentive to other women."

Jiang Qingning lowered her eyes slightly when she heard that. She could hear the temptation and matchmaking intention in Concubine Qin's words.

"Madam Duke and the Crown Prince are so kind, I feel so ashamed to accept your compliments."

Jiang Qingning said calmly, "The incident at the hunting ground was just a coincidence. I'm truly lucky to have the favor of the Emperor and the Imperial Concubine."

Seeing that she handled the situation appropriately and acted neither servilely nor arrogantly, Concubine Qin felt even more satisfied.

Concubine Qin put down her teacup, her tone filled with genuine concern.

"Chengyuan has been spoiled since he was a child, and sometimes he acts a little impatiently. If Chengyuan is rude, please don't make a fuss with him, Miss Jiang."

Jiang Qingning lowered her eyes. These words seemed to be an excuse for Qin Xiu, but in fact, they had put her in a position where she needed Qin Xiu's courtesy. The implication was self-evident.

"Lord Qin is a noble man, and his words and actions are measured. Why would you be so concerned?"

Jiang Qingning blocked the attack with ease, his tone remaining calm.

Concubine Qin looked at her calm eyes and thought to herself that this woman was indeed strong-willed and could not be moved by just a few words.

She changed the subject, her smile becoming more cordial. "Miss Jiang, there's no need to be so reserved. I felt a strong affinity with you the moment I saw you. If you have free time in the future, you might as well come to my palace often and chat with me. It would be good to relieve my boredom. It's lonely in this deep palace, and it's rare to meet someone you like."

Jiang Qingning felt amused in his heart. This was a formal invitation and a signal of intimacy.

The honor of being a frequent visitor to Zhaohua Palace is the ladder to success that many noble ladies in the capital dream of.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. Qingning is overwhelmed with fear."

Jiang Qingning bowed slightly, "It's just that Qingning is not very talented and well-educated, and I don't know the etiquette, so I'm afraid I'll disturb the Royal Concubine's peace."

"Hey, what's the point of being polite?"

Concubine Qin smiled and waved her hand in an intimate manner, "I like your genuine nature. From now on, please call me Qingning. Please don't call me 'Concubine' or 'Concubine' anymore. There's no need to be distant. Just call me Sister Qin in private."

Concubine Qin made it clear that she was trying to support and win over Jiang Qingning, and she was curious about how she would react.

"Your Majesty's kindness, Qingning will always remember it in her heart."

Jiang Qingning still maintained just the right amount of respect and did not agree to the call of "sister", but she did not refuse again either.

Seeing that she was respectful but opinionated, Concubine Qin did not force her.

He just thought she was cautious because she had just entered the palace, and chatted with her about the scenery of Lingnan, his words full of concern.

"I heard that General Jiang has been serving in Lingnan for many years. Now that Lingnan is about to be pacified, I think it won't be long before he and his family can return to the capital."

It was not until the sun rose higher that Concubine Qin rubbed her forehead with a slightly tired look.