Chapter 303 Feast 2 (Two chapters in one)

At this moment, Mrs. Wu, who was greeting the ladies from various mansions, could never have dreamed that her beloved daughter, who had returned home to rest, had done something earth-shattering.

But Feng Jiahe had Wu Yanyan's every move under control.

As soon as Wu Yanyan walked out of Yunzhong Garden, Feng Jiahe sent someone to follow her quietly.

Without Feng Jiahe's people fanning the flames, Wu Yanyan wouldn't have been able to succeed so smoothly, and there wouldn't have been such a big fuss.

Wu Yanyan had already been overwhelmed by anger and jealousy, but Feng Jiahe was very calm.

She just wanted to put the blame on the emperor.

The matter had become a big deal, and the marriage between Fan Qiuyun and the second son of the Qiao family was definitely over. If Concubine Qiao wanted to protect her son's reputation, she would also tacitly acknowledge that Fan Qiuyun was pregnant with a dragon seed.

If a female official was found pregnant outside the palace, everyone would think that she was carrying the emperor's child.

But the emperor knew it was not!

So Fan Qiujun could only die, either strangled to death by the people sent by the emperor, or poisoned by Concubine Qiao's people. In short, she could only die.

What Feng Jiahe wanted was for Fan Qiujun to die.

Feng Jiahe was delighted to learn that Fan Qiujun had miscarried. She drank the chrysanthemum wine in her cup in one gulp. Seeing Zhao Shiqing smiling brightly not far away, she said to Mrs. Zhao, "This Princess Nanyang is quite beautiful."

Mrs. Zhao was the eldest grandson's wife of Zhao Chen. Although she did not have an imperial edict, Zhao Chen was the chief of the clan, so Mrs. Zhao was also highly regarded among the clan members.

Mrs. Zhao smiled and said, "That's right. Next year, the eldest princess of Prince Liang's Mansion will also come to the capital. Then there will be another pair of sisters in the capital."

Feng Jiahe didn't take either Zhao Shiqing in front of her or Zhao Yunnuan who would come to Beijing next year seriously. However, the marriage between Zhao Yunnuan and Yan Xia was arranged by Concubine Qiao and the third prince. In addition, Zhao Shiqing was a favorite of the retired emperor, so Feng Jiahe also wanted to make friends with the sisters.

If the Third Prince can get the help of the Eighth King and the Duke of Weiguo's Mansion, why worry about not being able to accomplish great things?

Yan Xia, whom Feng Jiahe was talking about, was with Xiao Zhen at this time.

At this moment, Dazhuang came over and whispered a few words in Xiao Zhen's ear. Xiao Zhen's expression gradually became serious, but then a sneer appeared on his lips.

After Dazhuang left, Xiao Zhen raised his head and met Yan Xia's inquiring gaze.

He smiled slightly, not hiding anything: "Recently, a female official came out of the palace. She was not yet of age and left the palace early because Concubine Qiao decided to marry her off to the second son of the Qiao family.

But not long ago, she was dragged out of the house by a group of fierce women and beaten until she had a miscarriage."

Yan Xia's expression froze: "That miscarried child..."

Yan Xia did not say the rest of the words. Whose child could the female official from the palace be pregnant with?

But if it really is a dragon seed, then this would be a big deal.

Xiao Zhen shook his head: "It's not the one you think. This child is the third prince's."

Yan Xia breathed a sigh of relief, but a hint of anger surged between his brows. The Third Prince was so bold that he actually did such a dirty thing in the palace. And Concubine Qiao actually cheated on her nephew from her natal family.

"Who did this?" Yan Xia asked.

"On the surface, she's the daughter of Censor Wu, but in reality, she's the Third Prince's consort."

Xiao Zhen paused here and continued, "The matter is not over yet. That Lady Fan sneaked out and is here now."

Yan Xia was stunned: "What did you say? Didn't she have a miscarriage? How can she still come here?"

Xiao Zhen smiled: "She had a miscarriage, not died. She is indeed weak, but her limbs are healthy. Why can't she come here?"

Xiao Zhen knew very well that Yan Xia was an upright person who hated evil, so he secretly sent someone to the outside of the Qiao family villa to pick up Fan Qiujun who had escaped from inside, and told him the murderer behind the incident, without mentioning the banquet held in Yunzhong Garden today.

Fan Qiujun knew that she was going to die anyway, so she escaped with the thought of fighting to the death. She learned that Feng Jiahe was in Yunzhong Garden, and that Yunzhong Garden was gathering the top dignitaries in the capital today, so of course she had to come. Not only that, she also wanted to make the matter public.

This matter must be made big, it must be made big. The bigger the fuss, the safer the Fan family will be.

Otherwise, with Concubine Qiao's methods, if she was silenced, the Fan family would also be implicated, and even the family would be destroyed.

At this time, Fan Qiujun stopped a sedan chair on the street. She had no money on her, so she took off her pearl earrings and used them as the fare for the sedan chair.

Yan Xia looked at Xiao Zhen and said, "You're still sitting here? This is your family's party. Aren't you afraid that there will be a commotion?"

Xiao Zhen: "Yeah, I'll go take shelter."

Xiao Zhen left as soon as he said he would, and really went to avoid the limelight.

Yan Xia looked at his back, stunned for a moment. He remembered that Xiao Zhen was not like this before. Who did he learn this from? Why is he so ruffian?

There was a sound of joyful laughter in the Yunzhong Garden. The ladies were demonstrating their talents. The young lady from the Duke Dingguo's Mansion had just finished playing a song and was very happy to have won a prize.

The next person to appear is the youngest daughter of the king's uncle, who is also the niece of the queen.

Two maids showed everyone a chrysanthemum painting she had made on the spot. The ladies praised her repeatedly. The little girl was only twelve years old and had always been treated as a child. It was her first time to attend such an occasion as a lady from a noble family. She was so excited that her face turned red, and she was very adorable.

At this time, a voice said, "I heard that the old Princess Liang was from the Nie family and was a famous talented woman. Sister Nanyang has been influenced by her since she was young. I think she is also accomplished in calligraphy and painting. I wonder if we can meet her today?"

Zhao Shiqing was startled and looked in the direction of the voice. It turned out to be Princess Huixin!

Everyone here knows that she and the Nie family are not on good terms, but Princess Huixin mentioned the Nie family in public. Even a fool can see through her intentions.

How did such a person survive until now?

Didn’t the palace fight kill her?

Come to think of it, Emperor Yongjia wanted to keep her so that everyone in the world would know that he treated Emperor Xiaokang's daughter well.

If it weren't for this reason, the sisters would have died long ago.

Sure enough, as soon as Princess Huixin finished speaking, Princess Jiayi glared at her. If looks could kill, Princess Huixin would have been stabbed to the bone and her heart would have been in turmoil.

Seeing that Princess Jiayi was about to confront her, Zhao Shiqing smiled and tried to smooth things over: "Nanyang's painting skills are not very good, but he has learned a little swordsmanship. If you want to see it, Nanyang will show his ugliness."

In fact, Prince Fu's wife had just said that she was Xiaobao's senior sister, so even if she didn't say it, everyone knew that she knew martial arts.

In that case, she would perform on the spot and let everyone know that what she learned was just fancy tricks.

Yes, Zhao Shiqing doesn’t want people to imagine her as a martial arts master for the time being. Of course, she is not one.

Everyone cheered in unison, and Princess Jiayi's eyes widened. Look, her future daughter-in-law is so graceful and elegant, much better than that sarcastic one.

They are all children who have grown up under their watch. Princess Huixin knows how she feels about Xiao Zhen. Princess Qingchuan knows it, Princess Jiarou knows it, and how could Princess Jiayi not know it?

Just as Concubine Qiao guessed, if Princess Jiayi liked Princess Huixin, the marriage would have been arranged long ago. The reason she didn't mention it was because she didn't like her.

Ling Bo took out a wooden sword, and Zhao Shiqing came out holding the sword. His posture was light and graceful, and his movements were elegant. Everyone was dazzled and cheered.

The layman watches the excitement, the expert watches the details. Zhao Shiqing dances beautifully, but it is just beautiful. Although most of the ladies present are laymen, they have martial arts maids around them.

"How is the princess's swordsmanship?" a lady asked in a low voice.

The old woman beside her whispered in her ear: "It is beautiful, but in fact it is just fancy moves."

"How is the martial arts that the princess has practiced?" another lady also asked.

“It’s just a decoration, but it can strengthen your body.”

......

Zhao Shiqing achieved her goal, which was the best. She was just an ordinary noble lady who knew some martial arts.

Zhao Shiqing also received a reward. Princess Jiayi gave her a hairpin inlaid with gems.

Princess Huixin didn't expect that Zhao Shiqing was actually good at martial arts. She felt jealous and uncomfortable.

At this moment, Nanny Ding walked up behind her and whispered, "Young Master Xiao is alone. He went to the elegant residence in the forest alone."

Except for last year, almost every spring banquet is held in Yunzhong Garden.

Not only Princess Huixin, but many of the noble ladies present were familiar with Yunzhong Garden.

The elegant residence in the forest was a place where noble ladies used to take a rest and touch up their makeup.

Zhao Guanyue will also come this time. Princess Jiayi is worried that more people will recognize Zhao Guanyue as Xiao Yue, so she specially marks out an area in the garden. This is specially prepared for Zhao Guanyue, so that they brothers can receive trusted friends here.

This area includes Linzhong Yaju.

Therefore, the eunuchs around Princess Jiayi informed everyone early in the morning that the place for the ladies to take a rest and touch up their makeup had been changed to the Magnolia Pavilion.

Compared with Linjian Yaju, Yulan Pavilion is closer and more convenient.

Nanny Ding asked the maid she brought with her to secretly watch Xiao Zhen, and found that Xiao Zhen and Yan Xia had separated, and went to the elegant residence in the forest alone without any followers.

Princess Huixin was a little nervous. She asked, "Why would he go to the elegant residence in the forest alone? Shouldn't he be receiving guests?"

Nanny Ding glanced at her and said calmly, "This young master has never been a sociable person. He can be so rude without hesitation. The princess grew up with him, so doesn't she know this?"

Princess Huixin certainly knew this, as Xiao Zhen had once slapped her in the face in public.

She subconsciously looked at Zhao Shiqing, who was admiring the buyao in her hand. Princess Huixin knew that the buyao was awarded by Princess Jiayi. It was not a style available in the palace, and the style was very special. It was obvious that it was specially made by a skilled craftsman commissioned by Princess Jiayi.

Princess Huixin tried hard not to think too much. She didn't want to admit that Princess Jiayi was satisfied with Zhao Shiqing.

Isn’t she an orphan just like me?

She bit her lip, made up her mind, and quietly retreated.

As soon as Xiao Zhen and Yan Xia separated, they realized that someone was following them.

The reason why he wanted to go to Linjian Yaju was because at this moment, the Supreme Emperor and Zhao Guanyue were both there!

That’s right, no one expected that Zhao Guanyue not only came, but also brought the emperor with him.

Xiao Zhen pretended not to know that he was being followed. He walked into the elegant residence in the forest alone without any followers.

As the name suggests, Linjian Yaju is built in a bamboo forest. It is quiet and elegant. In the past, Xiao Zhen would bring Xiao Yue here to escape the heat every summer.

When he walked in, there was no one outside the elegant residence in the forest. The guards of the retired emperor were all hiding in the dark. It was inconvenient for them to show up in such an occasion.

When Xiao Zhen entered, he saw the retired emperor arguing with his beloved grandson.

"You kid, you knew I was coming here, why did you show up only now?" The emperor was displeased.

Xiao Zhen said: "I met Yan Xia and chatted with him for a while. If grandfather wants to see him, grandson can call him over."

The Emperor shook his head: "No hurry. I heard something happened at the Qiao Family Villa on the way here. Do you know?"

Xiao Zhen understood. No wonder the emperor suddenly came here. It turned out that he came to inquire about the news.

He repeated what he had said to Yan Xia. The emperor said coldly, "You bastard! The harem is filled with such a mess. What a disgrace!"

Xiao Zhen ignored him and said to Zhao Guanyue, "I'm being tailed. I don't know who's doing it yet, but I think they'll take action soon. You accompany Grandpa to the back for some shelter. I'll wait here."

Zhao Guanyue became interested and pulled the emperor to the back.

Xiao Zhen was half lying on the Luohan bed where the retired emperor had just slept, with his eyes closed to rest.

The door was half-open, and I could hear the rustling sound of the autumn wind blowing through the bamboo forest.

Suddenly, the half-closed door was pushed open from the outside, and a round, orange figure walked in leisurely.

Xiao Zhen smiled: "Big Fatty? How did you find this place? Where's Little Demon?"

Big Fatty jumped into his arms and meowed in grievance.

Xiao Zhen touched his round head. If it were Xiao Yao, she would definitely not let him touch it.

Dapang nestled in his arms, enjoying his service, and soon began to make snoring sounds.

He may have played in the bamboo forest for a while, and his fur was stained with the fragrance of bamboo.

The climate in the capital was not suitable for the growth of bamboo. In order to build a bamboo forest in the garden, Prince Consort Xiao spent a lot of money and repeatedly changed the bamboo species. It took several years and finally built a dense bamboo forest that was unique in the capital.

Xiao Zhen remembered the bamboo forests when he was in Zhuxitang, and also the first time he met Zhao Shiqing when he was a child, it was also in the bamboo forest.

After he and Zhao Shiqing get married, they will definitely live in the capital. I just don’t know if his father can build another bamboo forest?

Over the years, my father has only built this bamboo forest, and there is not even one in the Princess's Mansion.

If that doesn't work out, then I'll just take the garden. The little girl will probably like it here.

As he thought about it, Xiao Zhen actually felt sleepy.

In a daze, he felt someone walking in.

The person was getting closer and closer to him, with a faint fragrance. It was a woman.

Xiao Zhen did not open his eyes. The faint fragrance became more and more real and had already reached his nose.

At this moment, Big Fatty meowed, and the woman was obviously startled and took a step back. Xiao Zhen opened his eyes at this moment.

"Why is it you?"

Xiao Zhen frowned. Standing in front of him was Princess Huixin.

"Cousin, I feel a little dizzy and want to come here to rest for a while. I saw that the door was not closed, so I came in. I didn't expect that my cousin was here."

Xiao Zhen really didn't expect that the person coming in would be Princess Huixin.

"Didn't anyone tell you? This time the resting place for the women has been changed to the Magnolia Pavilion."

Xiao Zhen looked behind Princess Huixin and saw no one else.

Princess Huixin came here without even bringing her maids and servants?