Double "death"

As the night gradually enveloped the entire sky, the tail of the day disappeared in the hurried footsteps of the palace servants.

The entire hall was redecorated, and both sides of a small river extending from Lake Perch in the Imperial Garden were now filled with young men and women attending the banquet today.

This is another important event of the Chunshu Banquet. Young men and ladies can look at each other across the river and recite poems to each other to ask for a lantern. They can write down their names and wishes together and put them into the river to let the water float with them. Once the lantern is written, it means that the two of them have a bond, and if they are willing, they can continue to get along.

Those who are already in tune with each other can skip the poetry exchange and go directly to the Lishui Terrace to release lanterns.

During the day, people enjoyed flowers and watched plays. Many men and women had already shown signs of romance. For example, Huo Zhuxin's cousin invited the third wife of the Minister of Works, and the only daughter of the Prime Minister had gone to the Lishui Terrace with the second son of the Wei family to write lanterns to wish for their future love.

Some stood motionless, completely uninvolved. A certain burly, imposing man stood with his arms folded, as straight as a pine tree. His glances frightened away the few women who tried to speak to him.

"Brother, the girls are afraid of you and don't dare to come over and talk to you."

Wen Renju sighed. It was better in the past when his third brother was around. He had no shortage of girls around him. His eldest brother himself didn't plan to talk to any girls. He really wanted to go!

However, when he wanted to escape, his elder brother gave him a glare and he dared not act rashly. His elder brother was not used to such occasions and insisted that he must be by his side. Wen Renju, the only one who seemed to have nothing to do, had no choice but to accompany him.

Looking at his younger brother Wenren You, who had finally coaxed the people into submission and was leading them to release lanterns with a playful smile not far away, Wenren Ju breathed a sigh of relief but also felt a little melancholy.

“That’s my purpose.”

Wenren Cuo made no secret of his unwillingness to deal with those girls. After hearing this, Wenren Ju silently complained in his heart: Then why did you have to come?

Wouldn't it be better to just stay at home and spend time with your newborn sister at your uncle's house?

Wen Renju sighed. If he had known earlier, he should have followed his third brother to the northwest. There was no war in the northwest anyway, so it might be easier than staying in the capital and having to do the hard work of defending the city while trying to please his eldest brother.

Before Wen Renju could finish lamenting his miserable days of daily exploitation, he realized that his elder brother was staring at somewhere without blinking - someone to be precise.

The girl in the dark blue dress had beautiful eyebrows and a pretty face, and she was the most outstanding among all the beauties. Every time he saw her beautiful and charming face, Wen Renju felt from the bottom of his heart that it was only natural for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to favor her.

In times of war and division, such a stunning beauty would surely be the object of strife among the warlords. However, unlike the beauties Wen Renju had seen in ancient books, Jing Yao's natural arrogance and rare heroic spirit set her apart from the delicate beauty he remembered.

It's hard to imagine what kind of man can capture her heart.

No wonder even His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had to resort to tough measures to keep her by his side.

"People used to say it would be difficult for the Crown Prince and Lady Jing to achieve a happy marriage, but now it seems they are still a perfect match." Wen Renju was well-informed. "I heard that the Eastern Palace will hold a grand wedding ceremony once the summer heat is over."

Wen Renju thought it was a good thing that Shanghua City was in a good location; even in summer, it wasn't that hot. If it were in Langzhou, Jincheng, or even the south, it would definitely not be possible. Otherwise, many people would have collapsed from heatstroke before the ceremony even started.

"Yeah?"

Wenrencuo did not comment.

Seeing his elder brother's rare calm and even gloomy expression, Wen Renju felt a chill down his spine.

"Brother, I don't mean to hit you, it's just..."

It’s better not to do such things as competing with the royal family for women.

"Don't worry, I know my limits." Wen Rencuo smiled sinisterly, "It won't be that easy for him to touch the Wen family."

Si Pei could not tolerate the Wen family. In just two years, he supported several generals of high ranks in the army, such as Zuo Yuanwu, Li Qing, and An Taiyuan, in an attempt to continuously divide the power of the Wen family.

Although Wenren has been loyal to the Si family for hundreds of years without any second thoughts, it does not mean that he must be loyal only to Si Pei.

And King Si Jue...

Wen Rencuo had originally placed high hopes on him, but recalling his private confrontation today, he couldn't help but frown slightly. This man was ambitious and ruthless. Despite his youth, he possessed a ruthless heart that surpassed his appearance. Even under Si Pei's supervision, he possessed power comparable to that of the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace.

This man is definitely not a good person, but he talks about morality and justice in a nice way. If we really talk about whether he is a wise leader, he may not be as good as Si Pei.

Doesn’t the Si family have any other options for royal heirs?

Unfortunately, the Seventh Prince's mother was of humble origins, young and weak, making it difficult for her to achieve great success in a short period of time. However, if one truly wanted to support him, it wasn't completely impossible...

Wen Rencuo looked up at the other end of Fengqu, his eyes swept over Si Jue who seemed to be smiling and Si Pei who was holding Jing Yao's hand with a happy look, and finally fell on Jing Yao who was closing his eyes and making a wish.

I don't know how she will deal with it when those two people fight.

Jing Yao silently recited his wish in his heart, and only opened his eyes after reciting it three times, and carefully placed the lantern into the river.

"What wish did Yaoyao make?"

Si Pei's hand was on the girl's side. Jing Yao shook her head: "It's best for you to keep your wish to yourself. If you tell others about it, it won't come true."

"Am I 'someone else'?"

Jing Yao was too lazy to argue with him and pushed away his face.

"I'll light the lantern for you. I need to go look for Zhu Xin and the others first."

Si Pei knew that the sisters would definitely get together today, and since he was now Yao Yao's confirmed husband, he naturally had to act more generously.

"Well, go ahead."

Seeing that he agreed so readily, Jing Yao didn't feel reluctant at all and immediately took the maid and ran away.

Si Pei stood there, wanting to say something but hesitant. In the end, he could only smile helplessly. Watching Jing Yao's back as she quickly ran away with her skirt lifted, he felt extremely satisfied.

As long as Yaoyao can continue to be happy, what else would he be dissatisfied with?

Jing Yao saw his friends just below the Maple Canal and hurried over to them, "A Jing! Zhu Xin!"

The two people suddenly heard someone calling their names from behind and were startled.

"Oh, it's Ling Yi."

Jiang Jing breathed a sigh of relief and pulled Huo Zhuxin, who was still squatting on the ground, up.

"Did you two release the lanterns?"

If you are alone at the Chunshu Banquet and have not met your soulmate, you can also pray for yourself.

Jiang Jing waved her hand: "I was just about to release it."

Jing Yao noticed that the lantern in Huo Zhuxin's hand had two names written on it, and couldn't help but be a little surprised: "Why are you two holding the same lantern?"

Jiang Jing looked a little flustered for a moment, but Huo Zhuxin calmly put the lantern into the water: "She and I have similar wishes, so I'm too lazy to write two."

"Yeah!" Jiang Jing nodded. "Carrying two lamps is exhausting. You know how lazy I am. I'll definitely let Xiao Xinxin do it if I can be lazy~"

Jing Yao was initially skeptical, but when he thought of Jiang Jing's usual behavior, he suddenly lost interest and instead advised, "Jing, please stop squeezing Zhu Xin. Zhu Xin, don't spoil her all the time. You're making her too lazy."

Huo Zhuxin nodded when he heard this: "Well, no."

No? She thinks it happens every time.

"Alright, alright, stop talking about us. Why don't you stay with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"

Jing Yao thought her words were strange: "Why do I always have to stay with him?"

"It's said that people just want to be with the one they love all the time." Jiang Jing pointed at Wen Renyou and Jiang Min who were not far away. "Look at the two of them. Wow, they're so sweet and affectionate."

"is that so?"

Jing Yao thought for a moment and said, "Then we're not 'ordinary people'. I've spent so much time with him, I'm already tired of him."

She has never had that strong desire to be with Si Pei before, or maybe it's because Si Pei has always forced himself to stick to her, and she has gotten used to it.

"Hiss, Lingyi, the relationship between you and the Crown Prince is truly special." Jiang Jing counted on her fingers, "I've seen all the conventions I've learned from storybook research, and you don't match a single one."

Jing Yao bent his index finger and tapped her head. "Then read less novels. After all your research, you still haven't found the right husband."

"You're such a cruel woman." Jiang Jing covered her head with her hands, whimpering and pretending to be sad, but she got tired of pretending after a while. Then, as if she had no bones, she leaned against Huo Zhuxin beside her with an indifferent expression, "Never mind, who cares if I have a husband or not."

Jing Yao thought about it and it made sense. The good-looking men in Shanghua City were either heartless or already taken. The rest of those ugly guys would definitely not catch Jiang Jing's eye.

"No more talking, I'm hungry. What's going on with your banquet? Why aren't you starting yet?"

Knowing that her sisters would soon take over the Eastern Palace, Jiang Jing pretended to be very happy: "No, Crown Princess, you will have to discipline them when the time comes."

"Get lost." Jing Yao was in a dilemma. She had agreed to marry Si Pei in a moment of excitement, but she had not agreed to take care of these hard chores.

"If you do it again, I'll put you in jail."

Jiang Jing tried hard to suppress her laughter, and even pinched Huo Zhuxin for no apparent reason. Huo Zhuxin, who looked calm and composed, unexpectedly bowed solemnly, "Crown Princess, you are wise. This servant has nothing to do with this person. If you want to arrest her, just arrest her."

“…”

Jing Yao really had no choice but to pull them both into the hall.

"Let's go, I'll take you to dinner."

Coincidentally, as soon as the three of them arrived at the palace gate, Eunuch Ming began to send people to spread the news of the banquet.

"Hiss, I thought I could experience stealing vegetables again."

The corners of Jiang Jing's mouth twitched, and she rolled her eyes in a slightly speechless manner: "What are you disappointed about?"

"Tsk, what do you know."

The two sides didn't argue for a few words before Prince Si Pei came over. Jiang Jing grinned and said, "We'll leave first and not bother the Crown Princess."

Jing Yao turned around and a tall and handsome figure came into view. The serious man's eyes were filled with joy the moment he saw her, and he quickened his pace towards her.

Jing Yao naturally took his outstretched hand and couldn't help but joke, "I thought I didn't tell you that you would be waiting for me in Fengqu alone."

"I saw you leave with them." Si Pei looked very proud, as if waiting for Jing Yao to praise him for always paying attention to her.

"Well, Xiaoli, you have a pretty good eye."

Jing Yao smiled and sat down on the right side of the upper seat, with the Crown Prince's seat on the left. Queen Dowager Xuan said she was on her way and had just returned to Deoksugung Palace to change clothes.

The girl was bored, propping her face with her hands and observing the people sitting in the hall. At a glance, she saw Si Jue walking towards the hall with a happy face, talking to the girl next to him.

When they reached the threshold, he considerately reminded the girl to lower her head and lift her feet. He looked like a handsome and gentle gentleman.

The girl who followed him also blushed when she saw this, and her big fox eyes kept glancing at Si Jue's face, testing Si Jue's reaction. She must be a little moved.

However, despite Si Jue's gentle demeanor and smiling face, there was always a sense of alienation floating on the surface. Unfortunately, the naive girl didn't see it, or perhaps she saw it but didn't want to give up.

Whose girl is this... Jing Yao racked his brains to recall. She was wearing a cherry red dress and had a butterfly-shaped ornament on her head. It seemed that she must be a girl from the Wei family.

The Wei family had only two daughters of this generation. Yao knew the second wife, Wei Xianjing, who was well-known in Shanghua City for her obliviousness to worldly affairs and her single-minded focus on the classics. However, unlike Jiang Jing, who read vernacular novels, she enjoyed reading a variety of ancient poetry and prose.

Wei Xian doesn't like this kind of occasion and it's impossible for her to talk to a man like that, so the only one left is Madam Wei San.

"Strange, is the Wei family planning to marry Prince Lin?"

Si Pei had naturally noticed what Jing Yao could see, but he didn't really care: "It shouldn't be. The old lady of the Wei family is still alive, she wouldn't be so stupid."

The Wei family had few official connections, and were devoted to studying business. Furthermore, they had a family rule that daughters could only marry their husbands, and not marry outside their families. Furthermore, the Wei family had been law-abiding for many years. While they didn't pay much attention to state affairs, they had a thorough understanding of the current political landscape and would never do something like this, which would only lead to them shooting themselves in the foot.

After hearing this, Jing Yao also felt that it made sense. It seemed that Madam Wei San wanted to get closer to Prince Lin herself.

"What's the point?"

"The Wei family's position as head of the family has been vacant ever since the death of the daughter of the Wei family and the fall of the eldest branch. Although Old Lady Wei is still holding on, judging by her health, her days are numbered. Who knows what kind of trouble she'll cause when the time comes. As the daughter of the third branch's head, she doesn't have much of an advantage. She probably feels she can't find a way out of this mess and is looking for another way."

This is understandable. After hearing this, Jing Yao thought of another thing: "If the Wei family really falls into chaos, will you take action?"

After all, the Wei family is one of the four most prosperous families in Dajing today. It is not only a major merchant family in the country but also a major taxpayer to the national treasury. If there is really trouble, the impact on Xijing will not be small.

"Of course." Si Pei lowered his eyes and thought for a moment. "If I can profit from it, it's not entirely a bad thing. However, if the Wei family really collapses, the long-term disadvantages will definitely outweigh the advantages. This can only maintain short-term interests, so it's better not to be greedy."

He turned his head to look at Jing Yao, who was listening attentively, with a frown on his face, as if he was thinking about something. As he watched, he suddenly laughed out loud.

"why are you laughing!"

Jing Yao slapped his thigh hard, his face full of dissatisfaction.

"I'm not laughing at you, I just feel very happy."

Si Pei was even relieved that Jing Yao had begun to think about these matters related to the people and the political situation, and seemed to be getting more and more used to the position of future queen. However, he felt guilty. Yao Yao should just do what she wanted without worries. Letting her worry about these things was truly a dereliction of duty and incompetence on his part.

"What are you thinking about? I'm just curious."

Jing Yao felt that the only bad thing about Si Pei was that he was always too self-admiring and it was so corny.

While they were chatting, Si Jue had already taken his seat. The banquet seating had been arranged long ago, and because of family reasons, Madam Wei San couldn't sit next to Si Jue, so she reluctantly moved to another area behind a screen. Instead, the granddaughter of Duke Dingguo took her place. The girl was beautiful and gentle, and after shyly greeting Si Jue, she didn't speak again.

Si Jue looked uninterested and had no intention of chatting with him. If you didn't know him, you would think he was thinking about Madam Wei San.

Jing Yao sneered. It was just right that she didn't pay attention. She was really afraid that Si Jue was really interested in some girl.

The guests were almost all seated when Queen Dowager Xuan finally arrived from Deoksugung Palace. She had changed into a dark purple robe and looked much less aloof than usual, her demeanor much softer.

"Now that everyone is here, let's start the banquet."

The Queen Mother Xuan raised her glass, and everyone raised their wine and tea cups in front of them to return the gesture.

After taking a sip of the sake, Queen Dowager Xuan signaled the court lady to hand over the chopsticks to them to prepare the food. Jing Yao was surprised. In previous years, didn't she have to talk a few more paragraphs before letting them eat?

Not studying this year?

Si Pei didn't notice him and nodded slightly to Eunuch Ming, and the banquet went on as usual.

Eunuch Ming took the order, stepped forward and clapped his hands. Almost at the same time, stringed instruments and wind instruments began to play, and several teams of dancers floated into the arena to the beat of the music.

Jing Yao really liked the singing and dancing performances at the banquet. He watched the graceful girl dancing nimbly with his eyes fixed on her. The soft gauze skirt spun and fluttered with her dancing steps, which was really pleasing to the eye.

Seeing that she was fascinated by the show, Si Pei raised the corners of his mouth slightly and filled her bowl with peeled prawns.

After the dance, Queen Dowager Xuan suddenly asked, "Ying'er, what do you think of this dance?"

The person who was suddenly called was naturally the girl who was arranged to sit closest to Si Jue, the young princess Ji Xuying of Duke Dingguo's Mansion.

"Your Highness, although Ying'er isn't a skilled dancer, her dancing was as graceful as a flitting butterfly, and was truly pleasing to the eye."

The Queen Mother then asked, "I have heard that you, Ying'er, are proficient in the zither. Would you please perform a piece for me?"

Ji Xueying quickly bowed and said, "I am overjoyed to be able to perform music for the Queen Mother. I am only afraid that my poor playing skills will make the Queen Mother laugh at me."

"How could that be? The Spring Festival Banquet is all about having fun together as a family." Queen Dowager Xuan turned her gaze towards Si Jue and said, "Zi'an, you're the best at playing the flute, so please help Ying'er compose a tune."

"Grandmother, you are so kind to me." Si Jue stood up and walked towards Ji Xueying. "I haven't practiced for a long time. I'm afraid I've been a burden to Madam Ji."

"No...I won't."

Jing Yao watched with a smile: "If that's the case, let's get started. I'm really looking forward to your duet."

Perhaps what she said was what Queen Dowager Xuan wanted to say. It was rare for Queen Dowager Xuan not to take it too seriously with her. However, Si Jue in the hall glared at her unfriendlyly when he heard what she said.

Tsk, why are you staring at me?

Ji Xueying sat quietly before the guqin, her snow-white hands sliding across the strings, her fingertips producing melodious, clear music like flowing water. She played for a while on her own before Si Jue, holding the flute, finally joined in.

I have to say, although I don’t like Si Jue very much, he plays the flute well.

But Jing Yao's attention was still all on Ji Xuying. It was obvious that she really loved playing the piano, and she was so devoted to every movement. The music seemed to come alive in her hands, and she vividly interpreted the soul of the music.

After the song was over, the audience burst into applause.

Jing Yao also clapped his hands excitedly. Si Pei nodded in approval. Queen Dowager Xuan smiled and said, "The zither and flute are in perfect harmony."

The words were said in an ambiguous way, and Ji Xueying couldn't help but blush.

The Queen Mother Xuan was clearly trying to lead the conversation towards marriage. Jing Yao guessed her next line would be about how well-matched they were, so he immediately interjected, "Madam Ji's zither playing is so superb that I'm a little moved. It's a pity that I was too playful when I was young and didn't practice seriously, so now I can barely play a single note."

Ji Xueying smiled and said, "Madam Jing, don't be sad. Guqin is not difficult to learn. It's not too late to start now."

Jing Yao was delighted when he heard this: "I'm afraid there are no suitable zither players in the capital. If you don't mind my stupidity, Madam Ji, could you be my teacher?"

"Madam Jing, you're too kind. You're incredibly intelligent and quick-witted, so I'm sure you'll learn quickly. But I'm not worthy of being your teacher... given my skills, but I'm qualified to be a sparring partner."

"Mrs. Ji is really too modest." Si Pei smiled slightly.

Now that the Crown Prince had spoken, Ji Xueying had no more excuses to refuse. She also didn't resist the opportunity to build a good relationship with the future Crown Princess, so she happily accepted.

After all the talk, the topic turned to Jing Yao, and Queen Dowager Xuan didn't want to bring up the subject again, so the plan was temporarily unimplemented. Seeing this, Si Jue actually breathed a sigh of relief.

He repeatedly stressed to Queen Dowager Xuan that she should not really think about choosing a concubine for him. She agreed verbally, but judging from her expression just now, it didn't seem like she was just pretending, but rather it seemed like she was expressing her true feelings.

"Okay, go ahead."

As soon as Si Pei finished speaking, a group of men and women holding swords walked to the center of the hall.

This is the next performance - sword dance.

"No matter what happens later, just stay by my side."

Si Pei whispered in her ear, Jing Yao took a deep breath, and was actually a little excited.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Si Jue in the hall. He was concentrating on appreciating the sword dance that was gradually speeding up, looking very interested.

The dancers waved their swords fast or slow, and the formation sometimes expanded outward and sometimes inward.

The drum beats in the music kept getting faster and faster, as if they were chasing something.

Almost instantly, the leading dancer rushed towards Si Pei holding a snow-white dagger, shouting words that Jing Yao could not understand. It seemed that she was a member of the Xirong tribe.

Jing Yao screamed subconsciously, but Si Pei was not at all panicked and rolled to the other side with the person in his arms.

"There's an assassin! Protect the prince!"

Xing Feng, the leader of the palace guards, was the first to react, immediately crossing his sword to block the assassin who was about to strike again. At this moment, another wave of assassins rushed straight towards Si Jue. He cursed Si Pei's dirty tricks, but in the blink of an eye, he was surrounded by assassins.

"Hurry up and save Prince Lin! Zi'an!"

Some assassins also went straight for Queen Dowager Xuan. The guards were in the front, and the female officials immediately carried the Queen Dowager to the back hall. At this time, Queen Dowager Xuan no longer cared about her Zi'an, and ran to a safe place without stopping.

Si Jue was outnumbered, and although the palace guards stepped forward in time to capture the assassin, Si Jue was still stabbed twice.

One knife was in the abdomen and the other in the thigh, both locations were very dangerous.

Everything happened so quickly. Fortunately, the assassins targeted members of the royal family, and the rest of the people would not be caught as long as they escaped quickly.

"Quickly call the imperial physician!"

Si Pei stood up to take charge of the situation, but before he could finish his words, chaos suddenly appeared in front of his eyes.

There was a sweet and fishy taste of rust in the throat, and it seemed that some warm liquid flowed through the nasal cavity and fell to the ground.

"Si Pei!"

Jing Yao's heart sank as the man fell. Si Pei's consciousness gradually became blurred. He could not see his own appearance. His face was completely pale and blood was flowing out of all his orifices.

Jing Yao's face showed despair. She was too familiar with the scene before her.

In his previous life, Si Pei also suddenly collapsed in front of her and never woke up again.

“Imperial Physician! Send me an imperial physician…” Jing Yao tore his throat, his screams shrill and filled with only sorrow, “Save him… Save him quickly!”